#verse { 🎆 } reunited

[starvingtongue]

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[violetandstarlightgirl]

My Favorite Songs I Discovered in 2023

New year, new list! 🎆🎇

Same disclaimer as every previous list; this is not limited to any songs made this year (though the majority of the songs on this year's list were brand new!) and nothing is listed in any particular order.

Also as an additional disclaimer for any Chainsaw Man fans out there, the first entry on this list is from the anime's soundtrack and mentions spoilers from the last episode of season one.

Previous Lists: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022

the end of childhood- Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man Original Soundtrack EP Vol 3, 2022)

At the start of this year, my husband and I watched the first season of Chainsaw Man together. We both absolutely loved it! We laughed, we cried, and we're excited for the continuation of the misadventures of Denji and company.

It was a tie between this song and Sweet Dreams for this year's list, but something about this song resonated a bit more with me. The melancholic tone combined with the scene in which we hear the track; an overview of the conclusion of a day's work with Denji and Aki taking their anger out on Katana Man, with the song fading as Aki asks Himeno if she can hear the requiem for her.

It's like the feeling of knowing you have a lot more to do, but you accomplished what you've set out to do so far. My Monster of the Week group even approved of this song being the "theme" for the conclusion of a particularly tense session, where we reunited a character with their father who needed medical attention.

One Foot In Front Of The Other- Emilie Autumn (Fight Like a Girl, 2012)

I haven't heard very much of Emile Autumn or heard about a lot of her work before this year, but I'm glad I've found her work and I enjoy a lot of the themes of feminine rage (especially in I Want My Innocence Back). She has a lovely voice, too!

I picked this song in particular because of the message perseverance against overwhelming odds. The voice of the song has experienced a lot of tragedy and continues to struggle (with, to me, implications of human trafficking), but they continue to fight day by day, and will not let their voice be silenced. I feel it's a message we should hold on to, especially with many of the problems that have unfolded within the last year.

Everlong/What You Won't Do For Love- Elise Trouw (2018)

An artist my dad introduced me to this year. She's made many of her own original pieces, but there is something very magical about her live loop cover videos. I picked this one since it was the one my dad showed me.

I like that it's a combination of the instrumentals from Foo Fighter's Evelong (even with the first verse eventually quietly featured) and the lyrics of Bobby Caldwell's What You Won't Do For Love. Elise's voice and choice of instruments make it a lovely combination, too. It's a perfect song to chill out to while you're doing some work.

Denial of Endings- Hammock (Love in the Void, 2023)

I loved all of the songs from Hammock's newest album this year, but there is something almost nostalgic with this particular song, and it might have to do with the strongest memory I have associated with it.

I went to a wedding in February and listened to this album on the way to and from the venue. It was a lovely event and I'm glad I got to be there and spend time with friends and celebrate the union of two wonderful people. Listening to this particular song and thinking about the wedding made me realize this was something I was going to remember for a long time.

Die For A Night- ARIZONA (ARIZONA, 2023)

I've been a big fan of Arizona since they released their first singles. It's been really cool to watch them gain popularity, especially since I've seen one of the band members (Nathan) in YouTube comedy skits when I was in middle school.

This song feels like the perfect dance floor song. It's got a great beat to dance to, and the theme of the lyrics is fun too. "I think your kiss might be the death of me, well maybe that'll be alright, I always wanted to die for a night" Like you're risking it for a moment you won't regret doing, even if it's a daunting thing.

Rymden3000- Carbon Based Lifeforms, Not Lars, Ester Nannmark (Seeker, 2023)

I was very excited that CBL released a new album this year, with this particular song being the first I heard thanks to it being released as a single shortly before the release of the entire album.

I love the overall theme and feel of space exploration in this album, which I feel this song captures beautifully, especially with Ester Nannmark's ethereal vocals. It encapsulates the idea of there being so much to explore and the grand mystery of what's left to be found beyond what we currently understand.

Ivory Tower- Scattle (Access Denial, 2023)

This is the first time I've heard Scattle's work, and it was recommended to me this year with the newest album that came out in the summer. I enjoy the entire album but I especially love the vibe from this song.

Each of the songs in the album has a strong darkwave feel, but I feel it's most prevalent in Ivory Tower. It's like you're exploring the titular tower as the song plays, discovering what curios and dangers lurk within and keeping a cautious wonder with you along the way.

Souvenir- Bump of Chicken (Souvenir, 2022)

This was the year that I was able to finally convince my husband to watch SpyXFamily with me! We still need to finish the first season, but we have both been enjoying it since he is a big fan of the spy and espionage elements and I just love the shenanigans the Forger family gets into.

This is the song from season one's second OP, and it's my favorite! I even use it as one of my wake up alarm sounds. I really like the feel-good vibe from the music and the lyrics; the whole thing feels nostalgic especially in combination with the visuals from the opening credits where we see the Forger family enjoying time together.