2023 flew by, nevertheless it was one other glorious 12 months for different music. Rife with releases from veterans (blink-182, Paramore, Fall Out Boy) and buzzy new acts (Drain, Militarie Gun, Scowl) alike, there have been additionally a ton of albums that went underneath the radar. Given that it’s the top of the 12 months, we requested our readers to vote on the most underrated albums of 2023, they usually fired again with a slew of titles that can hold us busy till the following couple of months.
Read extra: 50 greatest albums of 2023
From Taking Back Sunday to Pierce the Veil, discover the highest fan picks ranked beneath.
5. Taking Back Sunday – 152
Taking Back Sunday’s newest album, 152, tops off a joyful 12 months. Between shock yard exhibits on their residence turf and headlining Sad Summer, the Long Island crew are nonetheless kicking and influencing the individuals round them. Named after the exit the place the band and their associates would convene as youngsters earlier than exhibits, their new document displays a higher maturity and emotional depth. From “Keep Going,” a driving anthem about betrayal, to candy love songs like “The One,” 152 is one other bonafide nice in Taking Back Sunday’s catalog.
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4. Story of the Year – Tear Me to Pieces
Story of the Year made a long-lasting mark on pop punk with their debut album, Page Avenue. Twenty years later, their newest full-length, Tear Me to Pieces, gives comparable dramatics that match proper in with these songs. The band clearly know the best way to write an anthem that can final, just like the anxiety-riddled title observe that opens with Dan Marsala’s pleads and transitions right into a seamless breakdown. None of the album’s songs ever linger too lengthy, however all of them provide a nostalgic heat that makes maturity really feel surreal.
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3. Polaris – Fatalism
Polaris’ third studio album, Fatalism, was knowledgeable by not solely the turmoil that consumed the world over the previous few years but additionally the overwhelming grief that comes with shedding a cherished one. Marking their last mission with lead guitarist Ryan Siew, who handed away in June, the album’s songs, like “Nightmare” and “Aftertouch,” took on new meanings. Needless to say, the Australian metalcore crew pushed themselves to the brink, providing a heaviness that resonates each sonically and emotionally.
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2. Trophy Eyes – Suicide and Sunshine
Trophy Eyes ushered in a brand new period with Suicide and Sunshine. Centering on frontman John Floreani shedding his greatest pal to suicide, the album is deep and unrelentingly weak. “Life in Slow Motion” is a tear-jerker, whereas “What Hurts the Most” demonstrates the band’s capability to pair unhappy lyrics towards buoyant instrumentals. Floreani’s songwriting chops shine as nicely — lyrics that can rock anybody who’s skilled deep loss. The result’s their most frank and impassioned batch of songs in years.
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1. Pierce the Veil – The Jaws of Life
The Jaws of Life, Pierce the Veil’s first correct album in seven years, sees them return with a brand-new perspective. While the album will definitely attraction to followers of their basic work (assume Selfish Machines and Collide with the Sky), the band have additionally grown up significantly. Perhaps that’s why they attain for various genres, like alt-pop and ’90s rock, to enrich frontman Vic Fuentes’ spectacular vocal vary. It culminates in a wildly catchy combine that can satiate oldheads and captivate new ears.
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