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.

10 of 21 photo by Ninja Tune
86 Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers

(#11) The Mercury Prize-winning Scottish alternative hip hop group took a rare five years off in between album number three (Cocoa Sugar) and this fourth LP, but the results are as consistently great as always.

“Unique, raw and totally joyous.” —DIY

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