NewJeans (Music Group)

Best Songs of 2023

Seventy-one tracks that asked big questions, found new kinship between genres and helped us see the good in Ken.

OK, some might be more Styles-ish than stylish. But all commanded attention this year.

Many of the LPs that made an impact this year, including SZA’s “SOS” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts,” came from looking inward.

Acts with growing profiles and unique personalities are taking increasingly different paths, as the genre’s globalization opens new doors.