The Best Songs Released in November 2023

I am typing this as I realize that this is the last monthly round-up post of 2023!

We used to do these weekly, but I think switching to monthly has been the right move. Thanks for reading these and stay tuned for even more in 2024 🙂

Noteworthy album & EP Releases:

New Blue Sun, Andre 3000
EAT DIRT, Annika Wells
Beach Plum, Arcy Drive
Quarter Life Crisis, Baby Queen
Infinite Joy, Bad Suns
For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition, Drake
Sucker, Ian Sweet
HUSH, ill peach
Songs For the Canyon, John Vincent III
Blanket, Kevin Abstract
SPILT MILK, KiNG MALA
House Mouse, Linying
Utopian, Liza Anne
BOXJAR, Madge
The Good Witch (Deluxe), Maisie Peters
Heaven knows, Pinkpantheress
Hello, Everyday Changes, Q
Snow Angel (Deluxe), Renee Rapp
Theresa, Teddy<3
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Various Artists
Therapy, Zoe Wees

In chronological order:

“Suck It” – Anikka Wells
Release Date – November 2

I always find it interesting to see an incredibly successful singer-songwriter make the transition from writing for other artists to creating for their own solo project. 27-year-old Annika Wells has been writing bangers for years at this point (she’s written for Illenium, The Jonas Brothers, and BTS, to name a few), but she has only just released her debut album, EAT DIRT, at the top of November. 

Her writing chops are evident in the album, especially in my favorite song off the album: “Suck It.” The song tells the tale of the demise of a toxic relationship, and realizing soon after that you’ve absolutely made the right decision in walking away and that anything the person says about you in a negative light is going to roll off your back (“It’s a new day and I woke up in my own bed / Without replaying our last fight / And I made coffee for one cup / I wondered why it took two years / To see that you were an asshole”) 

I truly think this song would be on the radio if it was written for an artist like Sabrina Carpenter or Selena Gomez, and I’m hoping that the mark that Wells has made on the industry will help catapult her into success next year. – Kristin

“Houdini” – Dua Lipa
Release Date – November 9

Dua Lipa’s latest single, “Houdini,” has undoubtedly been one of the most eagerly awaited releases in recent memory. All eyes were on her for the unveiling of new music, and she masterfully built anticipation by taking a page from Taylor Swift’s playbook, dropping cryptic hints in a teasing Halloween video.

The collaborative efforts with Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and long-time Caroline Polachek collaborator Danny L Harle fueled excitement, particularly among Tame Impala fans, who anticipated a capital-G Groovy sound. Dua Lipa lived up to expectations, seamlessly blending the elements that made Future Nostalgia a triumph with a fresh and invigorating touch in “Houdini.” Despite speculation about a potential musical departure, the outcome feels neither repetitive nor mundane, retaining the essence of what makes Dua’s music exceptional.

The song, with its infectious chorus, immediately captivates, and its theme of independence and leaving unfulfilling situations adds a layer of relatability. Dua Lipa herself aptly expressed the sentiment behind “Houdini” to Apple Music, stating, “Sometimes you just have to pull a Houdini and leave a situation that’s no longer serving you,” embodying a commendable philosophy.

Beyond its catchy hooks, “Houdini” stands out with its dance-inducing beats and a psychedelic undertone, marking the inception of a new era for Dua Lipa. The single manages to strike the perfect balance between familiarity and innovation, ensuring that fans and newcomers alike are enthralled by the evolution of Dua’s sound. In essence, “Houdini” not only delivers on immense anticipation but also propels Dua Lipa into an exciting chapter of her musical journey that the world eagerly embraces. – Jesse 

“Dirt” – Léon
Release Date – November 10

It’s very hard for me to believe that I’ve been listening to Léon for over six years at this point: I even reviewed her show in Chicago way back in 2017 when I was still very much new to the whole “Let’s review concerts” phase of my writing career. 

Needless to say, I’ve been a fan for a very long time. And despite being more invested in her music in the early phases of her career compared to other moments, her new song “Dirt” has completely brought me back in again.

“Dirt” is Léon’s second single of 2023, and I’d hope a sneak peek at what’s to come for her next album, presumably to be released some point next year. Léon’s sound has always been a classic, sleek take on alternative pop music, but “Dirt” takes her sound to a new height, featuring more contemporary elements of pop music than her previous releases. Léon chatted with PAPER Magazine for the premiere of the video, explaining that the track came from an idea she started playing around with in a “hotel room in Thailand” where she started to gain the confidence of producing her music on her own, something she didn’t do much in the past.

“Dirt” came to life with the help of Léon’s co-producer and frequent collaborator, Henrik Michelsen, well-known for his work with major international pop acts like Little Mix, AURORA, and Maisie Peters. – Kristin

“Nice To Meet You” – PinkPantheress, Central Cee
Release Date – November 10

I feel like we, and I mean society as a collective, might not be giving Vicky Walker, best known as PinkPantheress, the attention she so deserves—even the Grammys snubbed her after her collab with Ice Spice for “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” dominated the charts for a good part of the year. But luckily for us, that’s not going to stop her any time soon.

The 22-year-old singer and producer released her sophomore album Heaven Knows earlier this month, a perfect tribute to Y2K culture, just like most of her music has always been, from the music to the visuals to the way she dresses. This track in particular seems to reach a high sound wise, and it’s even more intriguing when you know a little bit about the lore behind Central Cee’s verse and his TikTokker (ex?) girlfriend. It’s a fun song overall, and one that balances out nicely what is popular now with PinkPantheress’ defining sound. – Javi

“Don’t Do Me Good” – Kacey Musgraves, Madi Diaz
Release Date – November 14

I’d first off simply like to say that it makes my heart warm to hear two incredible musicians like Madi Diaz and Kacey Musgraves collaborating, and I also love noting that they have both opened for Harry Styles before. 

I’m sure you’ve heard of Musgraves at this point, but the name Madi Diaz may be unfamiliar to you. Diaz is a seasoned Nashville songwriter for years and has been releasing her own music since 2012. Staged Haze included her 2021 album History of A Feeling in our “Best Of” list of back then (it feels like centuries ago) and we’ve been waiting for new music since, admiring her career trajectory from afar after she got a few slots opening for Harry Styles on tour last year.

“Don’t Do Me Good” is a quintessential Madi Diaz song, reminiscent of artists like Sarah Bareilles or Norah Jones, with imagery that reminds me of the saddest of Taylor Swift songs (“It’s getting harder and harder to breathe underwater / When I know that you’ll take me down / Every time I try to walk away I stay, you knew I would / I know love you it don’t do me good”).

The addition of Musgraves’ vocals add an extra layer of depth to the track, and the contrast of Diaz’ lower vocal tone and Musgraves’ higher soprano do a good job representing the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship. – Kristin 

“Focus” – buffchick
Release Date – November 16

If buffchick, the project developed by singer-songwriter Erin Manion, doesn’t blow up in 2024, it will haunt me.

I don’t even remember where I came across her music at first, but since following her profile on Spotify a couple months back, her new singles always appear on my Release Radar. And that’s how I came across “Focus,” a song that I truly cannot stop listening to.

Buffchick, who has discussed being influenced by artists like Pinegrove and Soccer mommy, mentioned in an Instagram post that the song was made with a handful of producers and the notable Ian Farmer, who has worked on music for artists like Slaughter Beach, Dog and Modern Baseball.

“Focus” ties in elements of country and alternative rock to create a colorful, three-dimensional song about growing pains and the desire to get to where you’re wanting to go. If you’re a fan of artists like Blondshell or Samia, I definitely recommend listening to Buffchick. – Kristin

“You’re Losing Me” – Taylor Swift
Release Date – November 29

Before anybody attacks me: I know this song technically didn’t come out this month! HOWEVER, for a lot of people, especially people that are not die hard Taylor fans, this will be the first time they hear this heartbreaking, soft and delicate song, since it finally was released on streaming platforms. On the other hand, we recently received more information and background on the song (thank you, Jack Antonoff) so that still makes it a fun release for Swifties to go down a spiral coming up with new interpretation, timelines, and potential easter eggs, like we love to do so much.

“You’re Losing Me” may be one of the saddest songs I have ever heard, though that might have to do with the personal and emotional weight anything Taylor Swift goes through puts on me. It’s probably my favorite track out of the entire Midnights universe, and now that I can listen to it whenever I want, I think it’ll just have to be on replay for days to come. There are simply never enough sad Taylor Swift songs! Even at the times when we know (or think!) she’s thriving and happy and in love. – Javi

“Elevator Hum” – Declan McKenna
Release Date – November 30

Britain’s indie rock’s dearest Declan McKenna had already put out two singles this year, building up the momentum for his third album What Happened to the Beach? that is due in February 2024. Although both “Sympathy” and “Nothing Works” were good to begin with, this song takes the cake. “Elevator Hum” is unusually sweet and harmonic for the 24-year-old, and it follows the line of his previous release in terms of topics: he’s struggling as a human being a little! He’s in his twenties after all, and is just trying to feel understood.

Declan himself made fun of how out of character the song seems, since a lot of his music brings up in one way or another more dense and political topics. In his defense though, this song does sound “beachy,” alluding to the album’s title, with softer instrumentals and melodic vocals that create an enjoyable and uplifting tune. Maybe this will finally be a song that will catch the attention of the occasional “Brazil” enjoyers and put Declan back on their radar. – Javi

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