OOPS! 2023 / #20 – 16: London Hip Hop, A Country Music Legend and A Vampire

How many songs about vampires can we have in 2023? Apparently, not enough as we have our third song about vampires on both the top 50 and OOPS! of 2023. There is also a music legend on this list that I am ashamed I missed on the top 50. Moreover, there is a previous top 50 hip hop artist on this list…so, let’s get into it.

20. Central Cee and Dave: Sprinter

One of our favourite London rappers Dave is back. He was on the top 50 last year and has been doing tracks with our other London fav Stormzy and new to the OOPS! list, Central Cee. The two UK artists trade bars over partying, women, cars, money, diamonds and raising to the top on this latin infused track. Their laid back flow over thick beats and sharp latin guitar is fantastic. I have a soft spot for London hip hop, so it is great to see more from Dave.

19. Willie Nelson: Sad Songs and Waltzes

I am ashamed that I missed this track on the top 50…I bought the vinyl…how could this happen? I will punish myself by listening to Limp Bizkit…ok…I’m back. Well, Bluegrass sees Willie Nelson revisiting his old tracks, like this one, and giving them a bluegrass spin. At over 90, Willie is still making it happen. His vocal and the different arrangements cast these songs in a new light and kind of feels like his version of Johnny Cash’s American series. It’s amazing to get such great music from such an icon.

18. Lonnie Holley ft. Sharon Van Etten: None of us Have but a Little While

Lonnie Holley is a true Renaissance Man. He is an accomplished visual artist, educator, activist and improvisational non – traditional musician. He has written music bending his vocal and leaning into his improvisational style. His latest record sees him teaming up with Bon Iver, Michael Stipe and Sharon Van Etten. On this track Van Etten’s ethereal vocal floats in the background as Holley sings about making the most out of our short lives and not defining ourselves by our work. Much like Holley’s life, we need to use what little time we have to inspire and connect with others.

17. Christine and the Queens: To Be Honest

Christine and the Queens made the top 50 years ago with Doesn’t Matter in 2018. They have come a long way from 2018 and have moved from the club sound to a more refined electronic sound. As ever, their vocal is impeccable with the clarity of a diamond and the emotional punch of Lé Miserablé. This is a vocal that can bring you to tears and then lift you up again. This track is indicative of the record, which is about standing naked and honest, but with all the vulnerability and fear associated with that honesty. At times they sing about wanting that honesty and love, but fearing that they can’t go trough with it. This is a complex and beautiful song.

16. Rosaliá and Rauw Alejandro: Vampiros

What is with songs about vampires in 2023? I am used to Rosaliá putting out some dance tracks that get you moving and up, but this is a darker vibe with oppressive dark notes dominating the track. There is some dance bass in here, but the doom involved with the track constantly keeps you on edge. There is something about a track focusing on the undead who live off of the life of others. A love story about a parasite living off of the blood of others…dark…but fun to listen to.