Julie Byrne

Best Songs of 2023

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Every year, it gets harder and harder to pull this off, as one kid becomes two kids and my spare time steadily shrinks. Plus, how many people out there actually care what my 18th favorite song of the year was? Well, if you’re reading this, you probably do care, so I greatly appreciate it. But also, if for no other reason, I at least need to do this to keep documenting each year’s music highlights for my own personal archival reasons, or I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

And I promise, even though it doesn’t sound like it, I did have fun doing it, too.

Playlist links, then honorable mentions, then #50-21 listed out, then the top 20 with some written commentary. Enjoy.

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The 15 Best Live Performance Videos of 2018

It’s time for the third annual installment of the best live performance clips of year. When you get a chance, feel free to check out the 2017 and 2016 live performance lists as well. And also, if you haven’t already perused the 50 best songs of the year, don’t miss it! And come back soon for the best albums of 2018.

Alright, let’s get to it.

15. Lorde covering Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Run Away With Me” (Live at Ally Coalition Talent Show)
At the Ally Coalition Talent Show in New York City on a January night, Lorde was joined by her producer Jack Antonoff on piano for a cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s pop gem “Run Away With Me.” It shouldn’t be a surprise, but Lorde just kills it, imbuing the song with feeling and E•MO•TION.

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Five (*Ten!) Quality Tracks: January 2017

2017 wasted no time in giving us spectacular music — January was bountiful. To celebrate the new year and new music, I decided to highlight ten of my favorite tracks of the month. You’re welcome.

1. Sampha: “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano”

Sampha has lent his unique voice to numerous pop stars, including Drake, Solange, and Beyoncé, and he’s now finally released his debut album, Process. It feels like Sampha’s third single is speaking directly to me: “No one knows me like the piano in my mother’s home.” The piano chords are exquisitely poignant (it sounds like you’re right there in the living room with him), and Sampha’s vocals are bare and full of muted passion and yearning for familiarity.

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