IAN SWEET released her fourth album, the very good SUCKER, in November; stream it below, and read about the influences behind it here. With 2023 almost over, we’ve been asking artists about their favorite music of the year, and Jillian Medford made us a list of ten albums. Read that, and her commentary, below.
IAN SWEET’S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2023
Wednesday – Rat Saw God
God this band is unreal. “Bull Believer” was maybe my most played song this year on Spotify (right behind rain sleep sounds..that always comes in first place). I just think Wednesday is doing something magical. The first time I heard this record I had a super guttural reaction and couldn’t stop crying for like 5 hours.
Nation of Language – Strange Disciple
Love these people, love these songs. I just feel like they’ve truly figured out the formula to make something understated sound huge. Aidan’s synth lines are always SO catchy and perfect and Ian’s vocals hit a note of nostalgia while also feeling so fresh and new.
Troye Sivan – Something to Give to Each Other
Ok, Troye Sivan is the pop star of our generation! Completely obsessed with him and everything he’s doing right now. It’s super inspiring. I think he’s always hit the nail on the head with making more interesting, out of the box pop music but this record really nails it. “Rush” and “One Of Your Girls” are stuck on loop in my head 24/7 and I’m not mad about it!
Sufjan Stevens – Javelin
Who doesn’t love Sufjan?! He is just magic. This record is just incredible. What else can I say?
Slow Pulp – Yard
Slow Pulp rocks!! One of the best bands doing it right now I think. They blend genres so seamlessly. I really don’t think i’ve heard anything quite like it. Even though it also sounds familiar and comforting it’s so unique. Blending shoegaze and folk in such an instinctual way that just fully makes sense.
Kara Jackson – Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?
This album is so stunning! Kara’s voice is unbelievable. Reminds me of Joni of course and that feels sooo good! Her song “pawnshop” was on loop for many months. The guitars on her record are super inspiring they just sound so pure and perfect – I’m really excited to see what she does next.
Model/Actriz – Dogsbody
This band is so next level! I’ve been a fan forever, their live show is truly unlike anything else. But what i love so much about this record is it just gives EVERYTHING. You can feel the blood, sweat, and tears in it. It reminds me of Nine Inch Nails but like meeting Lightning Bolt? Which is a pretty great and wild combo.
Caroline Rose – The Art of Forgetting
Caroline is a huge inspiration. This album has such beautiful and strange sounds (which are my favorite) and her voice cuts through so perfectly. Caroline’s voice is so timeless and nostalgic it makes me feel like a teenager again.
Hemlocke Springs – Going…Going…Gone!
Hemlocke Springs is my new favorite project! I miss living in LA only because I want to be blasting hemlock springs while driving in my car haha! But i just love it, i think it’s so unabashedly fun but well produced and like nothing i’ve ever heard before.
IAN SWEET – SUCKER
hehe!!
IAN SWEET has an NYC release show for SUCKER coming up early in 2024, on January 28 at Bowery Ballroom. That’s her only upcoming show at the moment.