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.

13 of 21 photo by Milan

88 12 by Ryuichi Sakamoto

(#8) Just weeks before passing away in March at the age of 71, Japanese composer, electronic music pioneer, and Yellow Magic Orchestra co-founder Ryuichi Sakamoto released one final album. His 12th solo release overall, 12 also contains 12 tracks—all minimalist piano compositions with electronic flourishes that were recorded while undergoing treatment for cancer.

“While their tonal depths speak to undiscovered worlds, they’re grounded by the sound of Sakamoto’s breath, audible on every piano track. The palpable humanity is moving, and Sakamoto’s ease with melodic phrasing remains astonishing.” —The Wire

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