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.

17 of 21 photo by Backwoodz Studioz

90Maps by Billy Woods and Kenny Segal

(#4) Brooklyn rapper Billy Woods proved that his 2022 breakthrough Aethiopes was no aberration with this quick follow-up set, which finds him teaming with L.A.-based producer Kenny Segal and includes appearances by Danny Brown, Aesop Rock, and Quelle Chris.

“Played front to back it works as a dazzling kaleidoscope; on shuffle, every combination worked in a different way, with no weak links because the quality of each track is insanely high. Underground, resistant US rap par excellence.” —The Wire

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