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.

5 of 21 photo by Domino

86The Great White Sea Eagle by James Yorkston

(#16) The Cardigans frontwoman Nina Persson and The Second Hand Orchestra join Scottish folk artist James Yorkston for his follow-up to The Wide Wide River, which also featured the latter group.

“It’s a beautiful, hand made collection of natural and unforced songs to be treasured.” —Under the Radar

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