My Favourite Singles Of 2023

by Karl Magi

Introduction

The time has come to list my favourite reviewed singles for 2023. Once again, the depth and breadth of the music created by the #synthfam is impressive and I am privileged to hear so much of it through my work! I had a tough time choosing my favourites out of a field jam-packed with talent, so know that I thoroughly enjoyed so much of your work! Without further ado, here’s the list.

Arcade Ocean - Nightride

The darkness and discomforting quality of this single was interestingly set in the midst of more radiant and lambent sounds, carried by Arcade Ocean’s vocals with their twisted tenderness. I was attracted by the bass umbra being contrasted against the brilliant chimes tinged with a nervous feeling.

The songwriting told a dark tale that I found compelling. I enjoyed how the vocal layering worked in this song as Arcade Ocean’s distinctive vocals were balanced with a second layer of his warm voice. It was the study in musical contrasts combined with intriguing vocals and lyrics that delved deep into darkness that stood out for me here.

Blackpoole & Luci Rivas - Love Noir

Luci Rivas’ voice, the sax’s reedy power and Blackpoole’s sonic palette are the elements that I was deeply engaged with in this track. I was pulled in by the gentleness in Luci Rivas’ voice along with a thought provoking exploration of humanity and AI. The sax added the right emotional quality to the heartfelt, soothing melody.

Soaring guitar added more passion. The pink pastel sound created by BP complemented the narration. I enjoyed the sense of a futuristic AI being that has been created to seek out love. The sensations, sounds and feelings all came together to pull me into the music.

Chrome Glider - Network Outskirt

I enjoyed the evocation of emotion through the complexity of interwoven synth sounds on this single. I was drawn to the monumental bass, synths with cradling softness moving through billowing sonic clouds. Chiming, bell-like sounds add luminance and the main melody made me feel lost and mournful.

The way in which Chrome Glider created contrast between that intimidating bass weight and more smoothly shining synth was another reason I enjoyed the single. Finally I was enamoured of the gruff electric guitar melody mingling triumph with heart-aching emotion. As a whole, I enjoyed the musical depth this single displayed.

Just Scott & Aisle 9 - Destination Fight Back

A powerful, encouraging message delivered in Just Scott’s grabbing voice along with Aisle 9’s skillful production was what excited me about this single. I was inspired by the song’s call for defiance and strength in the face of challenges as Just Scott expressed it in his ntensely emotional vocals.

I also enjoyed Aisle 9’s combination of crystalline chimes, twisting arpeggios and tremendous drum weight. I found the coruscating synth melody mixed tenderness and action well and Aisle 9’s mellow guitar added energy and uplift to the music. All-in-all it was a superb listening experience as it evolved.

Michaela May- Two Faced Lover

The way in which Michaela May’s impassioned vocal performance delivered an exploration of deceit and betrayal in a relationship against a energizing synthpop backdrop attracted me to this single. I was galvanized by Michaela May’s soulful voice and a vocal melody that was hurting yet dynamic.

The synth textures and timbres along with bursting percussive pulses added liveliness and depth to the music. I was interested by strings twining through in glistening motion and an elastic sounding synth with textural xylophone added in the background. Ultimately it was Michaela May’s defiant performance that won me over as she drove her lyrics home.

Russell Nash - Amazonia

The wonderfully woven synth imagery of a rainforest journey permeates every aspect of this track. The synth selection creates lushness from calming high synth with a glowing feeling and mingles panpipes with an energetic touch, brimming with eager life. I enjoy how Russell Nash adds shape with a guiding bassline here.

The melodies that Russell Nash crafted were another draw for me. They roamed through motivation and adventure as they evolved. I also enjoyed the organic feeling mixing with synth sounds, especially the effervescent xylophone sound. It was the sense of being transported that stood out for me.

Rogue FX & Dilemmachine - Back In Time

The way in which this single combined Rogue FX’s vocal skill with Dilemmachine’s production chops created a vibrant musical experience for me. The distinct tones of Rogue FX’s engaging voice, telling a story of yearning for times gone by anchored the song. Dilemmachine’s synth choices gave the single more strength.

The main melody was compelling and hollow synth with a xylophone-like quality, sparkling sounds and dancing energy added more layering to the song. I also enjoyed the support given by punching drums and solid bass. The way in which nostalgia combined with uplifting emotion attracted me to the music here.

Sandor Gavin & LaVahn - Slave To Love

This song’s exploration of spurned desire through LaVahn’s vocal performance, Sandor Gavin’s luxuriant production and a funky disco vibe made it a single that I deeply enjoyed. I was drawn in by the dance floor friendly beat as throbbing retro drums lock in with dense bass.

The way in which warmly entangling synth was supported by flaring chords added a calming sensation while LaVahn’s voice moved with silken ease. The level of funk was increased by slap bass while the encouraging melody balanced out raw need tinged with loss. I was compelled by the intensity of feeling in the song.

Star Madman - Fool

The amalgam of Star Madman’s always outstanding vocal performance, well-crafted musical backing and first-rate songwriting is what attracted me to this single to such a degree. I was drawn to the way Star Madman imbued a melancholy tinge in her vocals, despite their warm nature.

Delicacy, ethereal sounds and the way in which a string section brings warmth while the digital chimes add charm above colossal bass and smacking drums. I also liked the contrast between power and tenderness in the vocals. The lyrics had deep feeling within them and they rounded out the single so well as it unfolded.

Sunesis - Galaxy Empress

Every element of this single radiated cosmic tranquility and complexity in many sonic layers. I found that the layered sounds create peaceful, introspective feelings in me. Sunesis is skilled at painting imagery in her music, allowing me to picture a galactic vista flowing past my starship window.

I found Sunesis’ worshipful, wordless vocal melody beautiful and the way in which transcendent synths bend with a melancholy quality was touching for me. I also liked the bass gruffness and the way in which peaceful arpeggios spin out into vast space. The whole single left a deep impression of galactic floating for me.

Mike Templar & Kal-Elle Jagger - Celestial Dreaming

I was captivated by this song’s message of reengaging with one’s emotional life and the mix of delicacy, power and feeling formed by Mike Templar and KEJ’s musical collaboration. At the centre of this single is Kal-Elle Jagger’s touching voice and a vocal melody that entangles loss, hope and intense feeling.

Mike Templar wove together synth sounds that emphasized and supported the power of Kal-Elle Jagger’s performance, giving it more engaging emotional strength. The use of piano in the song added warmth and solid bass mingled with hollow percussion to add shape. For me, it was emotional engagement that kept me hooked.

The Sunset & Miss Zagato - 2Serious

I was especially enamoured of this song because of the way it mixed strong lyrics, expressive vocals and a luscious musical backing. I enjoyed the way The Sunset created music like a clear sonic pool that was underpinned by shadowed bass and supported by gently touching piano chords.

I enjoyed the way in which Miss Zagato’s voice glides expressively as she captured lyrical emotions with skill. I was also attracted by the radiant qualities within The Sunset’s synth sounds along with the propulsive nature of the drums and bass. I was compelled by the whole package of this single and its feelings.

Montse Torres - Dancing In Paradise

The way in which Montse Torres combined her wide vocal range and expressive synth palette created an intoxicating combination for me on this single. The exuberance that characterizes this song includes a lead synth full of sunny illumination. Montse Torres gave an impassioned, expressive performance that was lifted by strong songwriting and vocal power.

I enjoyed how each sonic element contributed to the song’s message of an all-encompassing feeling of love and energy. I was especially drawn in by the fierce drums and razor-edged bass that lent forward motion to the song. The whole single was uplifting and joyful for me.

Fonz Tramontano & Neaon - A Thousand Miles Away

This single gave me an impression of a touching declaration of love that was heightened by Neaon’s vocal performance, well-crafted lyrics and Fonz Tramontano’s production abilities. I found that the music’s feeling of overwhelming love brought tears to my eyes. The music wove an irresistible spell around me.

I was touched by the mixed passion, ache and need in Neaon’s emotive voice. The way that the production supported her performance with undulating bass and gigantic retro drums added positive energy. I also loved the panpipes exhaling ethereal notes. The entire song wrapped me up in affectionate dreaming as it carried me on an emotional voyage.