Call me old-fashioned, but I operate on a twelve-month calendar. That might be a controversial take, considering that outlets like Rolling Stone dropped their “Best of the Year So Far” lists back in June, apparently under the impression that 2025 is only ten months long. I thought I’d wait for half of the year to pass before I declare that half of the year has passed. For those of us who believe in a twelve-month cycle—not a ten-month one—here are 30 songs that have made my year in music great so far.
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, I’m excited to share a curated playlist that showcases the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latinx music. This collection of 30 songs is not meant to be an exhaustive representation of all contributions from those of Hispanic descent—such a task would be impossible given the vast and diverse musical landscape. Instead, it serves as a vibrant sampler, offering a glimpse into the variety and brilliance of Hispanic and Latinx artistry across genres and generations.
From the infectious rhythms of salsa and reggaeton to the soulful strains of bolero and mariachi, this playlist traverses a wide musical terrain. It features iconic tracks that have become global phenomena, such as Los Del Rio’s “Macarena” and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” alongside lesser-known gems that deserve wider recognition. The selection spans decades, honoring both the pioneers who paved the way and the contemporary artists who continue to innovate and push boundaries.
As you listen, you’ll encounter the legendary Carlos Santana’s fusion of rock and Latin rhythms in “Oye Como Va,” the timeless “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens, and the groundbreaking jazz of Mongo Santamaría’s “Watermelon Man.” The playlist also celebrates more recent contributions, including Bad Bunny’s “MONACO” and ROSALÍA’s “SAOKO,” demonstrating the ongoing evolution and global impact of Hispanic and Latinx music.
It’s important to note that this playlist merely scratches the surface of the immense contributions Hispanic and Latinx artists have made to the world of music. Each song represents a gateway to exploring entire genres, regional styles, and artistic movements. I encourage listeners to use this playlist as a starting point for further discovery, delving deeper into the rich musical heritage it represents.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let this playlist serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity, creativity, and influence of Hispanic and Latinx musicians. It’s a testament to the power of music to transcend borders, unite cultures, and enrich our global artistic tapestry. We hope you enjoy this musical journey and that it inspires you to continue exploring the vast world of Hispanic and Latinx music long after the playlist ends.
Five years after then president of The Recording Academy proclaimed that women need to step up, the ladies have responded with “How’s this, jerkface?” Women dominate this year’s Grammy nominations. More importantly, all but two of the top 20 songs on my year-end list are led by female artists (with one guy showing up to provide guest vocals). That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. I don’t have a deep analysis for this phenomenon, but I do have a deep appreciation for the talent and diversity of these women (not that women have ever been underrepresented in my annual tallies). The highest placing male acts on my 2023 list are none other than The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Yes, you read that right. The legends are back, and they still can show the young-uns how it’s done. With their song “Angry,” The Rolling Stones have achieved a remarkable feat: the longest span from first appearance to most recent appearance in my year-end surveys. In 1981, my first year of making such lists, the group placed with “Start Me Up.” The 80s are also well represented by Kylie Minogue and Madonna, each of whom made a triumphant return to my list after long absences. Welcome back, ladies! And last but not least, let’s give a round of applause to Megan Thee Stallion, who has been in my top five for five years in a row. That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. Now, without further ado, here is my list of the best songs of 2023. Enjoy!
Ice Cream Man. – RAYE
vampire – Olivia Rodrigo
Kill Bill – SZA
Bongos – Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Not Strong Enough – boygenius
Flowers – Miley Cyrus
Escapism. – RAYE & 070 Shake
Paint the Town Red – Doja Cat
Lipstick Lover – Janelle Monáe
Nobody Gets Me – SZA
Dance the Night – Dua Lipa
Shirt – SZA
AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue
Cobra – Megan Thee Stallion
Brenda Put Your Bra On – Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack & Pillbox Patti
Angry – The Rolling Stones
Now and Then – The Beatles
Cool About It – boygenius
RATATA – Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey
Herewith I present to you my top 30 tracks of 2023 thus far, with an asterisk: no more than one song per artist is allowed. It’s only fair that SZA share the spotlight.
Congratulations to Megan Thee Stallion, who has placed a song in my year end top five every year since 2019. Her “Her” is my number two song of ’22, kept from number one by Beyoncé, who guested on the remix of MTS’s “Savage,” my number 4 song of 2020. 2022 was a year that left me wanting, so my top 100 has 92 songs. Here they are:
BREAK MY SOUL – Beyoncé
Her – Megan Thee Stallion
About Damn Time – Lizzo
As It Was – Harry Styles
This Hell – Rina Sawayama
Coconuts – Kim Petras
Goodbye Mr. Blue – Father John Misty
Wild – Spoon
Sacrifice – The Weeknd
All the Good Times – Angel Olsen
BILLIE EILISH. – Armani White
Measure of a Man – FKA twigs feat. Central Cee
Meet Me at Our Spot – THE ANXIETY, WILLOW & Tyler Cole
