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.

15 of 21 photo by Dead Oceans

89 Rat Saw God by Wednesday

(#6) Wednesday is an indie-rock five-piece from Asheville, North Carolina, and fifth album Rat Saw God—which blends elements of shoegaze and country music—marks their Dead Oceans debut.

“Rat Saw God is the type of kaleidoscopic album that offers up something new to appreciate with each listen. It’s a record worth hearing, recommending, and obsessing over.” —Consequence

Where To Buy