Top 50 of 2023 / #20 – 16: A Cat, A Sister and More Missy

As we get closer and closer to the top 10 we are going to see existing themes continue, new themes emerge and a repeat artist. This is a very interesting top 20 that may not have the heavy hitters that the top 20 of 2022 had, but some incredible songs live in this top 20. So, let’s get into it!

20. Natalie Merchant: Sister Tilly

I have to admit that I have not thought about Natalie Merchant and years, but when I saw she was coming out with new music I made it a point to check it out. I’m glad that I did. Sister Tilly starts as a longing for a woman who has passed away and the grief associated with such a loss, but then quickly evolves into a celebration of a kick ass feminist. The strings, acoustic guitar and shift to a classic 90s Lilith Fair upbeat track in the back half are all expertly done. Moreover, Merchant’s classic vocal is impeccable as it ebbs and flows within the track. I adore this track and it is great to hear from Natalie Merchant.

19. Doja Cat: Paint the Town Red

Doja Cat was on a previous top 50 with her track Woman and keeps the hits coming with Paint the Town Red. In this track we see Doja giving the smack down to her critics as she espouses her power and that she will not let the haters get to her. She let’s you know that she is here to stay and she is not going to tone it down to make you happy. She has a great use of Burt Bacharach as the looped backing track augmented with some deep bass and snaps. This is Doja at her best.

18. Dua Lipa: Dance the Night

The theme that will run through the top 20 is a lot of pink. The Barbie soundtrack is going to be well represented in the top 20. We will start with Dua Lipa’s ultimate positive vibes dance track full of disco influences and high energy. This is a great track and the zenith of the disco revival we saw starting in 2021 and continuing into this year. This track is an instant crowd pleaser and will get everyone dancing and could possibly resurrect the dead with its pop energy. A great track that will become part of your rotation.

17. Billie Eillish: What was I Made For?

Yes, more Barbie. This haunting emotionally rich track about identity, longing to be free, sorrow and self – discovery is far from Dua Lipa’s dance track, but equally effective. This track goes right to your heart with Billie’s vocal that cuts through everything to hit right at the emotional centre of your brain. Everyone can relate to wanting to be more and finding yourself, but this is layered on top of the feminist themes of Barbie, which gives it added meaning. Even though this track was written to describe Barbie’s awakening, it speaks to the larger human condition. Both heartbreaking and inspirational…incredible.

16. Flyana Boss ft. Missy Elliott: You Wish

Let’s get the energy up in this top 20! Missy Elliott is back featuring on a track with Flyana Boss. This is a classic group hip hop track as artists try to outdo each other with some hot bars. I mean, “You can call me Marvin Gaye / Cuz you know what’s goin’ on”…just stop. Missy Elliott jumps in to steal the track about being in the Hall of Fame, being sexy and being “juicy like Tropicana.” This is a great track you can listen to multiple times and have a new favourite bar each time.