The 20 Best Albums of 2023 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 6, 2023

Which albums impressed critics during the first half of the year? In the gallery on this page we rank the highest-scoring LPs released between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023. Albums are ranked by their Metascores as of July 3, 2023 and must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible. Resissues, EPs, live albums, and compilations are excluded.

1 of 21 photo by Peggy

86 Scaring the Hoes Vol. 1 by JPEGMafia and Danny Brown

(#20) The first album-length collaboration between boundary-pushing rappers JPEGMafia and Danny Brown was produced in its entirety by the former. The "Vol. 1" appended to the title in some places (including on the duo's official site) suggests there is more to come, but there are no definite release plans yet.

“It's crowded, confusing, ridiculous music, but despite its scary intentions, the album's renegade production and impressive performances make it more exciting than frightening.” —AllMusic

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