Top 50 of 2023 / #40 – 36: More Foundational Comebacks, Made – Up Languages and Aussie Music

We are moving through the 50 and getting to some great music. We have a couple returning artists from past top 50s on this list and our first Aussie band. The theme of returning foundational artists on the top 50 is running strong. Thus far we have The Rolling Stones, P!NK, Foo Fighters and The Libertines…with far more to come. Coop is going to have a hard time with his top oldies this year. Well, let’s see what we got…..

40. RVG: Midnight Sun

Our first Aussie band will not be the last, but is definitely the most shoegazey on this top 50. Think of Kurt Vile hugging a Koala and riding an Emu and you are almost there. The chorus starts with “Now I know / That talkin’ to you doesn’t work anymore” as RVG sings about a relationship falling apart. The glittery gaze-esque guitar plays a perfect foil to the raw unbridled vocals. It sounds like the vocals were all done in one take as Vager emotionally bleeds all over the track. This is a powerful track that is as compelling as it is relentless.

39. Sigur Rós: Gold

Looking for a band that sings in a made-up language and is from Iceland? I got the band for you and they came out with one of their most heartfelt and accessible records in some years. The band describes Gold as the rhythm of the tide as it ebbs and flows around you. This rather existential statement is right on as the track itself seems to have a soul and heartbeat all its own as Jónsi’s ethereal vocal soars over lush synth and percussion. This track is a spiritual experience and connects with your core being.

38. Drake ft. J. Cole: First Person Shooter

The theme of bands and artists I don’t really like putting out tracks I can’t resist continues with Drake. I am not a big Drake fan, but every now and then he drops something that gets me. First Person Shooter is almost three tracks in one as Drake and J. Cole jump around to different meters and rhyme schemes all within a four minute hip hop thrill ride. I feel this track is when Drake is at his best, which is bars about how he came up and is wayyyyyyyy better than you. I like my Drake with less feelings and more throwing ice and money in my face.

37. Pet Shop Boys: The Lost Room

The Pet Shop Boys are back with a song full of both meaning and clubby synth. You get that classic club pop that helped the Pet Shop Boys gain popularity in the US and rocket to superstardom in Europe. Within the pop synth and immaculate vocals is a song about child abuse, war, toxic masculinity and finding yourself in the world. The conflict between the dark subject matter and the poppy arrangement is not so incongruent that it draws you out of the song, but it is that incongruence that creates a sense of unease that gives the lyrics added meaning. A great track from an underrated band.

36. Soccer Mommy: Soak Up the Sun

Frequent top 50 artist Soccer Mommy is back with one of her first covers to make the list. Her new EP Karaoke Night has her adding all of her indie shoegaze slack wonderfulness to some of her favourite tracks. On Soak Up the Sun she plays around with the tempo and strips it back enough that if you really squint you can see Sheryl Crow’s original back there. Gone is the 90s production in favour of a more honest and genuine arangment and vocal. You can tell Soccer Mommy loves this track and she pours her heart into it.

We are headed towards the 20s and not looking back! We have some songs about time, a re-issue and a previous top 50 artist to look forward to in the next section, so be sure to join me.