Discover the transformative power of music with these 10 songs that are guaranteed to make 2023 your best year yet

By: Adriana Forestieri

During this time of the year, it’s hard to believe that warm weather and longer days ever existed. But not to worry, because these 10 songs are here to boost your mood and put you in good spirits for the rest of 2023.

“Beauty & Essex” – Free Nationals (Featuring Daniel Caesar, Unknown Mortal Orchestra)

Introspective, soulful and melodic is my attempt to put this beautiful song into words. All artists that are featured in this song contribute something distinctive, complementing each other in so many ways. Free Nationals is a well known R&B band who bring elements of alternative rock and self-reflexive thought to this song. This song, with the contribution from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, creates a tranquil and psychedelic vibe through its use of guitar and drums. Hearing this first thing in the morning is the ideal way to set the tone for a productive day, serving as an uplifting wake-up call in 2023.

“Love Me” – RealestK

RealestK is a Toronto-based artist with extreme talent who, at the age of 18, is already an R&B sensation. One of his trending songs from his first studio album is “Love Me,” a song that invokes a relaxed atmosphere with its soulful sound. New years is all about having a clear and open mind, but why achieve that on your own when you can listen to RealestK’s angelic voice? From the soft piano notes to the vibey low-fi beats, it’s the perfect soulful tune to get you through the first couple of months in a healing and tranquil way.

“Hours In Silence” – Drake (Featuring 21 Savage)

Some may think this song is just another Drake sob story about his distant lovers, which is definitely true, but this melody can automatically put you in good spirits. Sampled from his 2013 song “Come Thru,” “Hours in Silence” comes in with an incredibly intense and addictive beat, followed by perfectly-structured lyrics. This song is unpredictable and switches between different beats and tempos after each chorus, making it so satisfying to listen to. Drake’s mastery will definitely send you positive vibes to get you out of your winter slump.

“Found” – Tems (Featuring Brent Faiyaz)

“Found,” released in 2021, is a song that definitely brought Tems the attention she truly deserved for her unbelievable musical talent. Born and based in Nigeria, Tems is a singer, songwriter and producer who brings a new sound to the R&B community.

“Found” is a beautifully-written anthem about self-acceptance. To find yourself ultimately means to be at peace with who you are. It’s the perfect song to conquer the winter blues in the beginning of the year and replace it with a year filled with self-love. Both Tems and Brent Faiyaz have distinct and unique voices and, when together, create an unmatched chemistry.

“All Mine” – Brent Faiyaz

Brent Fiayaz, also known as the “Toxic King” in the R&B industry, gained popularity after branching out from his band “Sonder” in 2016, releasing his first solo album “A.M. Paradoxe.” He gets his nickname from his ‘toxic’ lyrics regarding his past, present and future lovers. Faiyaz is largely an R&B artist but dabbles in some rap and pop sounds in some of his features.

From Brent Fiayaz’ newest album Wasteland, “All Mine” brings one of the most unique songs I’ve ever heard. The intense drums with Brent Fiayaz’ angelic voice is a dangerous combination. What makes the track even better is that Brent continuously brings his own originality and creativity into the industry time and time again. This song is a prime example of what he can achieve on his own without a record label or a producer, which is truly inspiring. Brent is his own boss — and that’s the energy we should all strive for in 2023.

“Around Me” – Metro Boomin (Featuring Don Toliver)

What’s a new year without a new collab that we didn’t know we needed? Off of Metro Boomin’s newest album Heros & Villians, released in December 2022, “Around Me” is an underrated and atmospheric song that’s impossible to not have on repeat. Don Toilver has a distinctive voice that brings something so unique to the rap community, making this a perfectly crafted song. This track has such versatile vibes that you’ll most likely hear it playing on King Street West on a Saturday night and from your playlist on Sunday morning as you battle a hangover from the night before.

“Count Me Out” – Kendrick Lamar

It’s no secret that Kendrick Lamar is one of the most inspirational and innovative artists of this generation. In 2022, he released another masterpiece called Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. “Count Me Out” is one of the most heartfelt and vulnerable tracks on the album about self-forgiveness and overcoming skepticism. As spring is slowly on its way, this song really speaks to those trying to overcome self-inflicted doubts and leave their past (along with the winter cold) behind. This song resonates with a lot of commonly felt emotions in students like depression and anxiety, making this song inspirational and worth the listen in 2023.

“Delilah (pull me out of this)” – Fred again…

I’ve never really been into EDM/House music, but after hearing this song for the first time in the beginning of 2023, it brought on so many positive emotions within the first five seconds. 

Fred again… is a rising talent in the EDM and house music scenes, infusing his music with a deep well of emotions and imaginative expression. This song feels nostalgic and carries so much emotion with such few lyrics. As the voice repeatedly says “pull me out of this” followed by a utopian-sounding beat, the work elicits hopefulness and the power to overcome. If there’s one song I need to help me navigate through 2023, it’ll be this one. 

“Give You The World” – Steve Lacy

Black and Filipino-American Steve Lacy is a jazz, hip-hop and R&B artist that’s been on the rise ever since departing from his band, The Internet, and releasing his first solo album in 2017. He’s known for his creative vision and unique sounds inspired by his culture. Off of Lacy’s Gemini Rights album, “Give You the World” is a song that makes you feel like you’ve been transported into a music video where you’re the main character. With inspirations from ‘60s artists Otis Redding and Etta James, this song brings so much emotion and soul as it tells the story of Lacy begging for his partner’s forgiveness. Although I do not support anyone going back to their exes in 2023, I could make an exception if your ex is Lacy himself, because how could you not? 

“Essence” – Wizkid (Featuring Tems)

Although released in 2020, “Essence” is a timeless song and deserves all the hype. With both artists raised in Nigeria, Wizkid and Tems bring so much passion and power in their songs, making it so rewarding to listen to. You are bound to hear this song anywhere you go — and when you do, it’s soul-healing. You can count on this song to lift your mood and bring good vibes in 2023 — guaranteed!

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