I have enjoyed listening to my Spotify Wrapped this year along with the playlist Your Top Songs 2023. I see that I've been listening to a lot of soul, folk rock, jazz, and pop, as well as some classic Broadway and Nigerian pop. I've pasted below my top 25 songs of the year, each with a short comment and a hyperlink to listen on YouTube.

 

1. “When Will I See You Again” - The Three Degrees (Philly soul)

 

Bring back three-part unison singing in pop.

 

2. “Goldfish” - Matt Coakley (funky pop)

 

I'm so glad I liked my own song.

 

3. “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)” - MFSB feat. The Three Degrees (Philly soul)

 

I just bought a 7'' record of this song at a local vintage store. It's a great song with no lyrics.

 

4. “The Moon and I (Demo)” - Barbra Streisand & Michel Legrand (jazz ballad)

 

I'm so glad the Yentl demos are now officially on Spotify. Now I can stop listening to my bootleg on Google Drive.

 

5. “Miracle” - Vulfpeck (soul)

 

I love the bass, vocal harmonies (and four-part unison!!), and the way this was recorded. The line about Charmander and Pikachu is funny.

 

6. “Me Rehúso” - Danny Ocean (Latin pop)

 

Infectious, tropical house type beat and vocal hooks.

 

7. “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” - Lou Rawls (Philly soul)

 

I already did a whole write-up about why I love this track.

 

8. “You Can’t Talk To The Dude” - Jonathan Richman (lofi pop)

 

I took a deep dive into Jonathan Richman's discography this year. I'll see him when he comes to Thalia Hall in February.

 

9. “Monalisa” - LoJay & Sarz (amapiano)

 

The percussive groove and dreamy guitar licks are infectious.

 

10. “Need It” - Drift (indie pop)

 

The "Radio 104.5: Philly's Alternative" vibes are strong with this one. Sweet indie pop rock bliss. Ben and Ryan's vocals blend and trade off beautifully.

 

11. “Badfish” - Sublime (reggae fusion)

 

It's the bass for me.

 

12. “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” - The Spinners (Philly soul)

 

Such a beautiful, perfect pop record. I could not stop listening to Philly soul this year.

 

13. “Tú Eres” - Selena (pop)

 

The synth horn section and synth strings and synth everything... Selena's raw, beautiful, powerful voice... What a great pop record.

 

14. “Lush Life” - Billy Strayhorn (jazz ballad)

 

Unbelievable song. I was mystified when I first heard it. Had to listen to it like 20 times to learn the melody.

 

15. “Reaper” - Clairo (indie folk)

 

Sometimes a Clairo track just really hits. I enjoy the production on this one. Her vocal harmonies are always really nice.

 

16. “This Must Be The Place (Native Melody)” - Talking Heads (new wave)

 

I saw the restored film screening of Stop Making Sense this year. This is my favorite Talking Heads song, and it made me cry in the theater.

 

17. “Not Strong Enough” - boygenius (indie pop)

 

I loved the boygenius record. This song is a perfect anthemic pop song.

 

18. “Wagon Wheel” - Darius Rucker (country)

 

I like singing along to this song. I feel like when this song comes on, my brain kind of shuts off. Which is nice.

 

19. “Wicker Woman” - Matt Coakley (indie rock)

 

Another opportunity for me to plug my own music.

 

20. “Since She Started To Ride” - Jonathan Richman (indie country)

 

The lyrics made me laugh.

 

21. “Zinnias (Recorded at Electric Lady Studios)” - Clairo (indie rock)

 

Insanely beautiful arrangement/recording of a song that always leaves me wanting just a little bit more. I want another verse, Clairo!

 

22. “A Piece of Sky (Demo)” - Barbra Streisand & Michel Legrand (traditional pop)

 

These recordings of Barbra and Michel working the Yentl songs out on the piano are so beautiful. Both of their raw talent is incredible.

 

23. “Vampire Empire” - Big Thief (folk rock)

 

I love everything this band puts out. Best vampire-themed track of the year by far!

 

24. “Yo No Soy Celoso” - Bad Bunny (pop bossa nova)

 

A very catchy melody from Sr. Bunny over a tasty bossa groove.

 

25. “Too Late To Turn Back Now” - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose (Philly soul)

 

This actually wasn't produced in Philly but I'd be shocked if these folks weren't referencing Philadelphia International records while producing this track.