Awesome Songs: December 2023 | Playlist 🎧

Awesome Songs: December 2023 features music courtesy of Beyoncé, Jacob Collier, Kisos, MGMT, and Sinzere. 

It’s that time! What time it is? Why, Monthly round-up time, of course! It is the time to select the best songs of the month! All the songs on Awesome Songs: December 2023 were released as singles or as an album track in late November 2023, December 2023, or whereabouts (exceptions are possible). Musicians that made our ears perk up in December 2023 include Beyoncé, Jacob Collier, Kisos, MGMT, and Sinzere, among others. The musical styles are all over the map on this musical compendium. So, without further ado, here are those Awesome Songs: December 2023! Also, feel free to check out the previous month’s awesome songs!

1. Beyoncé, “MY HOUSE” 

🎵 “MY HOUSE” • 🏷 Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia • 🗓 2023 

Question: “Who let the goons out that house?” Beyoncé kicked off December 2023 with a bang with her fierce single, “MY HOUSE”. Queen Bey brings the attitude, the heat, and EVERYTHING on this hip-hop infused pop cut.  She wrote and produced this slick joint alongside The-Dream. “MY HOUSE” has two distinct parts, both of which are fire. In the first, we get a refrain and a verse from Beyoncé. She raps, “Me and my thug bae gon’ slide tonight / Call the paparazzi, ain’t got clips to hide tonight.” Oh, snap! Part two is the catchiest, particularly the chorus, where the word house is repeated about 17 times! “When I grow up, I’m gon’ buy me a (House) / Make love in the (House), Stay up late in this (House) / Don’t give a fuck about my (House).” Beyond the chorus, there is a bridge, which continues referencing the house, many more times, but also finds Yoncé mentioning her critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning album, RENAISSANCE (“Lend your soul to intuitions (This is real) / RENAISSANCE, new revolution”). All told, “MY HOUSE” is another thrilling record from Beyoncé.  It’s superbly produced, marvelously performed, and ear-catching to the nth degree. 

2. MGMT, “Bubblegum Dog”  

💿 Loss of Life • 🏷 MGMT / Mom+Pop • 🗓 2024  

“For years I’ve strung you along / Afraid of the bubblegum dog / And it’s finally catching up with me.” Um, sure, MGMT! Woof, woof! “Bubblegum Dog” arrives as the second single in advance of Loss of Life, the 2024, fifth studio album by the alternative, neo-psychedelic collective comprised of Andrew VanWyngarden and Benjamin Goldwasser. The songwriting is intriguing throughout the course of this one-of-a-kind record. “Bubblegum Dog” commences with rhythmic guitar accompaniment, giving off a 1990s rock vibe. This is intentional and works without a hitch. Early on, there’s an ear-catching harmonic progression. The duo is unafraid to move beyond simple harmonic schemes.  Even with more complexity in the mix, the verses, as well as the chorus, manage to yield tuneful melodies.  VanWyngarden does a fabulous job bringing those melodies to life.  As the record progresses, it grows bigger and more colorful in sound, with those psychedelic synths, heavy-handed drums, and robust bass, anchoring the production.  One of the best sounds is undoubtedly the fuzzy, distorted guitar, including a solo that totally rocks. Going back to that intriguing songwriting, is it easy to get a firm grasp at what MGMT are getting at with “Bubblegum Dog”? Maybe, maybe not – depends on who you are – but it’s interesting hearing about “Juvenile quetzal birds / Living in a coal mine,” as well as “Igneous basketballs / Drifting through the heavens.” One of the better songs from 2023 easily.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 51 Best Songs of 2023 

3. Björk & ROSALÍA, “Oral” 

🎵 “Oral” • 🏷 Wellhart LTD / one little independent LTD • 🗓 2023 

“Your mouth floats above my bed at night / My own private moon.”  When a song is named “Oral” in the 2020s, you assume the worst! In the case of “Oral,” a collaboration between Björk and ROSALÍA, it’s more fantasy than action, and totally safe for work. This isn’t a brand-new song but rather, a reworked song from the Björk archives, turned into a duet with ROSALÍA.  Björk produced the record with Sega Bodega.  The sound is true to the Icelandic standout (somewhat quirky, but also lush), while also incorporating some dance and Spanish elements, playing to the strengths of ROSALÍA. The premise is the desire for a relationship, which is dreamt about it. Also, there seems to be a special somebody, potentially, but the ladies deem it important to take pause in indulging such desires. “Let me introduce one to the other / The dream and the real, get them acquainted” marks one of the best lyrics.  Another key lyric is repeated throughout “Oral”: “Just because she can.” What’s the context? Well, just because she can do something, such as “…Sneak up from behind / To the back of his head / Then I lift up his hair / And nibble ever so lightly” doesn’t mean that she should. The chorus is a prime example of making a reasonable decision:  “Is that the right thing to do? / Oh, I just don’t know / I just don’t know.” Something else that makes “Oral” marvelous is the fact it is a fundraiser to save the fish, specifically fight against Norwegian-owned commercial fishing operations in Iceland. Great song, great cause, ‘nough said!

4. Jude York, “Cheerleaders and Jocks” 

🎵 “Cheerleaders and Jocks” • 🏷 Jude York / Amuseio AB • 🗓 2023 

“You’re keeping your poise / I’m good at being someone you avoid.” The question is, why does he have to avoid you, Jude York? You’re handsome and talented, so, what’s the problem? Well, in a perfect world, one without external and internal homophobia, there’d be no problem. But, can a jock really be gay, let alone date another guy? This ain’t Heartstopper! Instead, it’s “Cheerleaders and Jocks”, where the math ain’t mathin’ when it comes to anything curved as opposed to straight. York does a fabulous job of painting a picture we’ve seen far too often. Why did he write “Cheerleaders and Jocks”? He asserts, ‘I wrote this for anyone who feels pressured to be something they’re not. You don’t have to fit in, you don’t have to be someone else’s version of normal.’ Right on!

“I’ll never be your white picket fence 

No, I don’t want your all-American 

Your cheerleaders and jocks, can you connect the dots? 

With your 2.5 kids conceived in parking lots.” 

Basically, a dude with a dude can’t possibly yield a future, York sings, from the perspective of the cowardly jock, of course.  Jocks are meant to be with cheerleaders, and make a family, which he expounds in the centerpiece, the chorus:   

“So go ahead and make your parents proud! 

Marry the girl that’s living two doors down 

When you’re done ticking the box, tied yourself in a knot 

You’ll regret it then, that you ever gave me up.”  

Thought-provoking. Is it worth checking off boxes because that’s tried-and-true and the expectation rather than living true to self? In the process of making us reflect, York delivers incredible vocals.  The falsetto during the chorus section is particularly epic.  His performance is authentic and incredibly honest – you can feel Jude fully giving himself.  Furthermore, the music is sweet too, with the infectious groove, prominent bass line that establishes itself early on, and the rhythm guitar. “Cheerleaders and Jocks” is an LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 bop that EVERYONE should listen to! 

5. Lana Del Rey, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”  

🎵 “Take Me Home, Country Roads” • 🏷 Polydor / Interscope • 🗓 2023  

“Almost heaven, West Virginia / Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.” Ah, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey tackles a beloved John Denver classic with “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. Denver penned “Take Me Home, Country Roads” alongside Bill Danoff, and Taffy Nivert. In Del Rey’s hands, this country standard gets a simple, warm backdrop, with piano serving as the primary accompaniment for much of the song.  However, the bridge adds more instrumentation, including organ.  The biggest addition, however, are the backing vocals appearing toward the end, which sound utterly celestial. That said, the focal point of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the lead vocalist extraordinaire, Lana Del Rey. This song was tailor made for her.  Her signature, robust, smoky vocals sound superb.  Showing off her lower register, it is, nothing short of, a vibe.  The richness of her instrument is to be in awe of and envied. Given the distinctiveness and strength of her voice, Del Rey doesn’t need to do anything extra to the melody. Her pureness, coupled with the sanctity of the melody is enough. No, she doesn’t break new ground but she delivers a respectable, well-rounded cover, without question.   

6. Jacob Collier, “Witness Me” (Ft. Shawn Mendes, Stormzy & Kirk Franklin)  

🎵 “Witness Me” • 🏷 Hajanga / Interscope / Decca • 🗓 2023

“You’re the one that I’ve waited for / I’m holding onto you.” Jacob Collier is a beast – one of the most gifted musicians in the world.  Once again, the Grammy-winning musician blesses our ears with his genius via “Witness Me”.  On “Witness Me,” he enlists the services Canadian heartthrob Shawn Mendes, British wordsmith, Stormzy, and contemporary gospel legend, Kirk Franklin.  That’s a star-studded cast added to Collier’s own elite musicianship. All parties involved penned this record, with the addition of Scott Harris.  The result is a warm, feel-good, gospel-infused pop record.  Collier is the first voice heard, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and the chorus.  He sings radiantly, bringing expression to the thoughtful, uplifting lyrics.  “Well, maybe you’re lost then / Maybe you’re far from home,” he sings in the verse, adding, “If you only keep walking / You never will walk alone.” Mendes also brings excellence in the second verse, second pre-chorus, and the chorus.  His voice remains angelic, as he encourages, “But I believe in you deeply / You know you can lean on me.” As for Stormzy, with his heavy British accent, he kills it too – in the best way possible.  “I know  You’re with them in the storm even though it hard to see.” Yes 🙌! Of course, the chorus is where the bread is buttered, accentuated by churchy, soulful, choral vocals:  

“I’m with you (I’m with you) 

I’m with you here (I’m with you here)  

You’re the light I need (You’re the light I need) 

In the dark I see (In the dark I see).”   

Once again, Jacob Collier brings the heat.  

7. Kisos, “Santa’s Bussy (Gangbang Remix) [Santussy]” 

🎵 “Santa’s Bussy (Gangbang Remix) [Santussy]” • 🏷 Miller Place • 🗓 2023  

“Would you let us paint the winter wonderland white again?” 😳 “Could Santa spare some bussy? / Just a snowflake of Santussy? / Mrs. Claus you gotta tell me / Need consent to eat his coochie.” WHOA! Kisos is NSFW on “Santa’s Bussy (Gangbang Remix) [Santussy]”, the 2023 remix of his naughty, horny, 2019 joint,  “Santa’s Bussy (Santussy)”.  Making the journey more sexed-up, he brings along Lil Nugget and Bryce Quartz for the ‘ride.’ Outlandish AF, this joint is something else.  After Kisos delivers the chorus asking for consent to mess around with Santa (like, ho, ho, ho), ‘mysterious kween’ Lil Nugget shares quite the penetrative story (“To dick my halls with balls so jolly / Pussy so good that he calls me mommy / Come on over Santa I been so oh, so naughty / Use my face as a big ol’ potty”). #SPEECHLESS! Bryce Quartz gets into the unhinged fantastical Santa sexing too: “I listed the gifts that I wanted from Santa / Dildos and cum from the daddies and grandpa.” He closes with a… BANG: “Yeah he fuckin’ me under the mistletoe I’m moan until I scream.” “Santa’s Bussy (Gangbang Remix) [Santussy]” is not for kids (no shit, Sherlock 🕵️), but the outlandishness is part of the charm. “Can I shove this candy cane up your holly jolly hole?” is just what the dirty doctor ordered.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Kisos, Santa’s Bussy (Gangbang Remix) [Santussy]: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 100 (2023)  

8. Diplo & HUGEL, “Stay High” (Ft. Julia Church) 

🎵 “Stay High” • 🏷 Higher Ground • 🗓 2023 

“I gotta stay high all the time / To keep you off my mind.” Julia Church serves as the angelic  songstress on “Stay High”, a single credited to DJ/producers Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) and HUGEL.  It should be noted that “Habits (Stay High)” is one of the best-known songs by Swedish pop standout, Tove Lo, and she is sampled on “Stay High.”  Expectedly, she’s credited as a writer with some lyrics are lifted directly from the original. Both Diplo and HUGEL produce the record alongside Maesic.  The DJs kill it on the backdrop as the production is super slick – idiomatic of dance to the nth degree. It’s anchored by an incredible beat with no shortage of stuttering rhythms. Additionally, the keys and synths are lit 🔥. Beyond the picturesque instrumental, Church deserves ample credit for her performance.  Her vocals are stunning, riding the production like a champ.  The lyrics aren’t deep, but that goes with the territory of a dance record.  In the verse, she repeats over and over, “Stayin’ in my play pretend, where the fun ain’t got no end / Can’t go home alone again, need someone to numb the pain.” The feeling is relatable if nothing else.  All told, 🎵 “Stay High” is quite the vibe.

9. Sinzere, “Boogie” 

🎵 “Boogie” • 🏷 Hers & Herz Inc • 🗓 2023

“It’s a bop, let me get you hot / Ain’t gon ever stop / When it drop, we gon’ run it up / Circle round your block.” WOO! Indeed, “Boogie” by Calgary rap-funk musician, Sinzere, is a bop through and through – ON GOD! Though “Boogie” runs just past the two-and-a-half-minute mark, that is ample time for the rapper to ingratiate herself to the audience.  From the jump, those vibes are giving throwback, with the incredibly funky backdrop, as well as fresh, given the fact that she separates herself from other rappers. Also, she’s not afraid to spit some made game to a particular girl: “I see you witchur fine ass over there / You look gooder than a muthafucka.” Da-yummm! Beyond the instrumental itself, the focal point of “Boogie” is Sinzere.  This girl right here has no shortage of swagger.  It is the attitude and personality that sells this record. The cadence and flow go a long way too.  Lyrically, the crème de la crème is the chorus, which is infectious as hell – better yet, infectious as F… 

“Baby if your ready rocking steady 

We can boogie all night 

Boogie-woogie 

Woogie-woogie 

Woogie 

Woogie 

Woogie 

Woogie.” 

The chorus takes the cake, but it’s not Sinzere’s sole claim to fame.  How about the likes of,  “Rock steady for me baby / Twerk that ass like Megan / This crack like Ronald Reagan.”  She closes out the first verse with some stellar wordplay: “Talking paradigms, pair of dimes want get it.” In the second verse, she also drops a gem when she spits, “Stepping out tonight on God / You ain’t got to be on guard / Baby, you art, and I’m avant-garde.”  Awesome! “Boogie” is the warmth everybody needs on their playlist in the dead of winter to warm things up!

10. Binoy, “Cosmic Cowboy”  

🎵 “Cosmic Cowboy” • 🏷 Binoy Zachariah • 🗓 2023 

“In my world / I conjure you / Listening to Vienna / I could stare at you forever.” Just reading those lyrics from “Cosmic Cowboy” is a moving experience.  Furthermore, hearing the talented Binoy (Binoy Zachariah) sing them – it’s utterly stupendous and, honestly, indescribable. “Cosmic Cowboy” is special from an initial listen – a slow burn record that separates itself from everything else. Zachariah penned and produced this hypnotic record alongside Arthur Besna. Fittingly, the backdrop embraces the cosmic aesthetic. “The slow burn / Friends to lovers / Cascading into / One another.” Indeed. And there’s also his transparency: “It seems / I don’t read the room / I write it.” Whatever lyrics Zachariah sings, he sells them with radiant vocals. His instrument is nothing short of amazing. It’s not all chest voice either – there’s some ripe falsetto, too.  In a variation, of his world, Binoy adds, “In my world / You wander through / Drunk on my fiction / Kissing me like you’re mine / I think about you / All the time.” Crushing on someone is an emotional experience, something captured masterfully on “Cosmic Cowboy.” A few more notes.  The addition of rhythm guitar, well into the song, elevates the energy.  The indie-pop/rock vibes show the versatility of the artist.  So much more could be said of this fabulous addition to the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 collection.  But, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite lyrics: “Roaming the universe alone / Collecting planets as you go / My cosmic cowboy / I can’t put you down boy…” Yee-haw 🤠!  

11. KAYTRANADA, “Lover/Friend” 

💿 Lover/Friend – EP • 🏷 KAYTRANADA / RCA • 🗓 2023 

“Heard you wanna be my lover / Wanna be more than friends / Heard you wanna be my lover / And you can’t pretend.” First and foremost, Canadian DJ/producer KAYTRANADA (Louis Kevin Celestin) is the cat’s meow – an entire V-I-B-E.  The Grammy winner delivers another bop with 🎵 “Lover/Friend”, enlisting the services of Rochelle Jordan on vocals.  Celestin and Jordan penned “Lover/Friend” alongside Rush Davis.  Celestin, unsurprisingly, handles the work behind the boards on his own. As has been his track record, KAYTRANADA brings the heat.  The groove is EVERYTHING on “Lover/Friend.” Truly percussive, the flavor is electrifying. The backdrop is lush and warm, while the sound palette is decadent – rich and sweet to the nth degree.  Beyond the instrumental treasures, Jordan proves to be a vocal treasure.  The breathiness of her sound is appealing to the ears and incredibly sexy. Her upper register is sweet too. The melodies are tuneful, giving Jordan ample fuel for her fire. The lyrics are none too shabby, as the memorable chorus confirms.  Even beyond the chorus, the likes of “No defenses, satisfaction / Stopped your heart, just to get a reaction” put a smile on your face. Ultimately, my man KAYTRANADA is the stuff – a star, a star, a star! Once again, the DJ/music producers puts his foot – actually, both feet – into a song. “Lover/Friend” = #WINNING. 

12. Felix Jaehn, “Still Fall”  

🎵 “Still Here” • 🏷 Virgin / Universal Music GmbH • 🗓 2023  

“As I lay here beside you / I still fall for you.” Aww! Felix Jaehn is the man when it comes to DJing, production, and remixing.  The German musician has a knack for delivering epic dance music.  Once more, he brings the heat on his single, “Still Fall”.  He produces the three-and-a-half minute bop alongside JUNKX. The result is picturesque production.  The production encompasses a dynamic, anchoring beat, shimmering keys, ear-catching synths, and, fittingly, an epic drop.  You can’t have a killer dance song without a killer drop, right? Right! As key as the instrumental is in “Still Fall,” the songwriting and vocals play a sizeable role too. Joe Housley is the perfect vocalist for this song, period.  His instrument sounds authentic, potent, and incredibly warm. Furthermore, his upper register and falsetto is ripe to the nth degree. He truly brings the love-driven lyrics to life – falling for this nameless person.  The verses illustrate his feelings.  In the first, “I feel I’m getting close to paradise / I can touch the colors in the skies,” he asserts.  In the second, he states, “Your love is like an ocean next to me.” Ooh-wee! Another section in which Housley excels is the build-up where he “Fall for you / Fall for you / Fall for you / Fall for you.” All told, Felix Jaehn ‘does the damn thing’ on “Still Fall”. 

13. ericdoa, “sweet tooth”  

🎵 “sweet tooth” • 🏷 ERICDOA / LISTEN TO THE KIDS / Interscope • 🗓 2023 

“Gotta sweet tooth, come and chew me up.” Will do, ericdoa! Ericdoa fits well into the hyperpop movement, which incorporates a bit of everything.  Beating to his own musical drum pays off once more on the melodic “sweet tooth”, which is decadent – more so to the ears than the mouth, though! What makes “sweet tooth” so sweet? It begins with the music itself.  Ericdoa plays the role of do-it-all here,  performing, producing, and writing “sweet tooth.” Focusing on the backdrop, the guitar is selling point. So are the heavy-handed drums that anchor the backdrop.  Also, some keyboard touches also give him a sweet accompaniment.  Next, comes his vocals.  He sounds exuberant, and youthful, something that is a desirable trait.  Firmly planted in Gen-Z (he’s a 2002 baby), the energy and personality he brings are SWEET.  Of course, the songwriting is another pro, particularly the catchiest moment, the sing-along-worthy chorus: 

“I remind her of a Sour Patch Kid, they don’t make ‘em like this 

Tell me something sweet, feel a pain in your rib 

Only taste sugar on the end of your lips 

Swear there ain’t none purer than some love from my bitch.” 

Woo! “Sweet tooth” is sure to give you cavity – all that sugary sweet goodness for ericdoa!  

14. Jxckson, “Keep Me Warm”  

🎵 “Keep Me Warm” • 🏷 Jxckson Music • 🗓 2023

“Sorry to call you again / I know I left you like, 20,000 voice messages.” That is a lot of voice messages, Jxckson.  The talented pop artist adds,  “I just feel so cold / Tonight I don’t want to be alone.” Ugh, that is totally relatable, particularly when you are unattached. He needs someone to “Keep Me Warm” in the context of the song, which he describes as ‘a heartfelt exploration of reaching out after a period of self-isolation, embodying both sadness and hope. It uniquely captures the emotions of the holiday season in a fresh and contemporary way.’ Jxckson brings his ‘A game,’ backed by a gorgeous instrumental (produced by Sevenths), with its blend of guitar, pads, synths, and some strings, too! The backdrop is enigmatic, which suits the relatively slow but steady approach to this record. As great as the production is, including a change of pace that occurs after the two-minute-mark, the star of the show is Jxckson.  His tone is marvelous – he toys with us as he sings.  Furthermore, he mesmerizes with his playfulness. His authenticity and indulgent approach makes us want to experience this same warmth he desires. Are you in need of musical warmth, or a lift to the music rotation, particularly in the midst of the holidays or loneliness in general? Look no further than Jxckson and his latest bop, “Keep Me Warm”. 

15. alex, “Am I Falling Apart?”  

🎵 “Am I Falling Apart?” • 🏷 BAILEY Music LLC • 🗓 2023 

“You deleted all our pictures / Quick to cut the cord, it figures / Found somebody new who fits u / Better than I did.” Ugh, the agony of heartbreak.  That is what alex (Alex Cooper) brings into play on the brief but potent single, “Am I Falling Apart?” His relationship is over, yet, the feelings continue to plague him – bummer, bummer, bummer. The end of love is always rough. His bummer, however, is our listening pleasure. There is plenty to heart about this self-penned song. On this vulnerable pop joint, alex serves up beautiful vocals.  His tone is heavenly, even if he’s experiencing hellish times reflecting on the loss of love and moving forward. The verses mark the most minimal moments of this sub-two-and-a-half-minute number, with Cooper being accompanied by piano. The stripped backdrop feels right, particularly given what has happened.  “All the times u said forever,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “My friends say it’s for the better.” They are correct, even if it feels raw now. In the chorus, the centerpiece where he asks the titular question, the production is more robust, particularly the second iteration. Still, with the addition of guitar and drum programming, “Am I Falling Apart?” never grows overblown, keeping things more introspective, poised, and restrained.  All told, “Am I Falling Apart?” is utterly sublime – a heartfelt, natural, relatable record about the tough end of a relationship.  Add it to your listening rotation people – you won’t regret it!  

Awesome Songs: December 2023 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amuseio AB, BAILEY Music LLC, Binoy Zachariah, Columbia, Decca, ERICDOA, Hajanga, Hers & Herz Inc, Higher Ground, Interscope, Jxckson Music, Jude York, KAYTRANADA, LISTEN TO THE KIDS, MGMT, Miller Place, Mom+Pop, one little independent LTD, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Polydor, RCA, Universal Music GmbH, Virgin, Wellhart LTD; András Matesz, Ivan Ananiev, Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels; Monika Grafik, OpenClipart-Vectors, Ronny Overhate, Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay]