Easily 2023’s SOTY, Lana Del Rey’s “Peppers” is the genius that arises when an artist as visionary as Lana no longer gives a f*ck.

IVE balances dark and light on “Kitsch,” a bubbly pop song that hides an otherwise dark and edgy core.

You get a keen sense of Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro’s intensely intimate connection when they call themselves immortal vampires playing together forever on “Vampiros.”

Another exquisite R&B throwback bop from FLO, this time with a hefty assist from the legendary Missy Elliott.

Japanese House’s galloping “Boyhood” feels like giving a warm hug to your younger self.

Obviously, a smoking song by Victoria Monét and Lucky Daye goes off. Hard.

Besides wielding a voice like a boxing glove, Nell Mescal churns out cutting lyrics: “I'm alone in this bed/ he'll leave me for dead/ he will rise with the sun/ place a kiss on my head/ like he cares, like he cares.”

Madison McFerrin’s “God Herself” is a grandeur of waterfall runs and harmonies.

dba James’ “45” is about navigating a cold NYC as an introvert, but its scuzzy lo-fi feel is nothing if not warm.

After having her music featured in Euphoria’s season two, NYC musician Raia Was is back to making lustrous alt-pop that feels like running through mist.