Awesome Songs: October 2023 | Playlist 🎧

Awesome Songs: October 2023 features music courtesy of Binoy, PinkPantheress, The Rolling Stones, Sufjan Stevens, and Troye Sivan. 

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: October 2023 were released as singles or as an album track in late September 2023, October 2023, or whereabouts (exceptions are possible). Musicians that made our ears perk up in October 2023 include 🎙 Binoy, 🎙 PinkPantheress, 🎙 The Rolling Stones, 🎙 Sufjan Stevens, and 🎙 Troye Sivan among others. The musical styles are all over the map on this musical compendium. So, without further ado, here are those 🎧 Awesome Songs: October 2023! Also, feel free to check out the previous month’s awesome songs! 

1. Troye Sivan, “Got Me Started”  

💿 Something To Give Each Other • 🏷 Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd. • 🗓 2023

“He’s got the personality not even gravity could ever hold him down,” 🎙 Troye Sivan sings in the first verse of 🎵 “Got Me Started”, finishing it off, singing, “He’s got the sexuality of a man who can take a room and drown it out.” WOO! “Got Me Started” appears as the seventh track on Sivan’s third studio album, 💿 Something To Give Each Other. Sivan serves up a serious dose of sexiness 😈. He penned “Got Me Started” alongside 🎼 ✍ Leland, Tayla Parx, Styalz Fuego (Kaelyn Behr), Ian Kirkpatrick, Jack Glass, and Chris Stracey. “Got Me Started” commences with incredibly fresh, slick, dance production (Kirkpatrick).  I ❤️ the rhythmic synth, which appears at various times throughout the record.  As much ear candy as the backdrop provides, the star of the show is Troye, who delivers smooth, sexy vocals (“We’ve got that hot chemistry, yeah, you and me won’t make it out this house” 🍆). Besides his effort on vocals, the vocal production is awesome.  In the infectious chorus, his vocals are filled with effects, idiomatic of the dance/dance-pop style he embraces. Of course, the infectiousness comes from the memorable lyrics, including a naughty bomb 💣! 

“You just got me started  

And I don’t think I can stop it  

And I don’t wanna go home alone, alright?   

Oh, baby, baby  

Boy, can I be honest?   

Kinda miss usin’ my body  

Fuck it up just like this party did tonight  

Oh, baby, baby.”   

Another selling point is the warmth of the instrumental during the brief, contrasting bridge section, where he reuses the chorus lyric, “Boy, can I be honest.” Sivan brings the heat – NO 🚫 CAP 🧢!!! 

2. Doechii, “Pacer” 

🎵 “Pacer” • 🏷 Top Dawg Entertainment / Capitol • 🗓 2023

On  🎵 “Pacer”, ascending Tampa rapper 🎙 Doechii (Jaylah Hickmon) collaborated with producer, 🎛 🎼 ✍ Saint 808 (Noah Shanklin). A saint Shanklin proves to be – with those 808s and the production, of course (#No Blasphemy intended 😇). Following the enigmatic intro, shouting out Saint 808, Doechii drops a bold, unapologetic chorus.  She’s aggressive and loud AF. Rock TF on 🤘! 

“Niggas want the shit, bring the clique, throw a fuckin’ fit   

Open up the pit, let it rip, he a fuckin’ bitch…  

Whippin’ in a blimp, fuck a whip, we on different shit…”   

WOO! The production is nasty, with hellish synths and banging 808s. Serious, the Saint kicks ass and takes names! Hickmon delivers her fair share of ear-catching bars over the course of three minutes.  In the first verse, she asserts, “I’m on CP time, lizard jet out to Dubai / Watchin’ me like PewDiePie.” PewDiePie, huh? Clever! Two lines stand out in the second verse:  “I’m invincible, niggas wanna see me fall / You won’t ever hear me moan, nigga, I’m incredible,” and, “Bitch, I’m on demon time, I live in my prime.” WOO! In the pre-chorus, she characterizes herself as a rockstar, on God’s time 🙌.  Going back to Saint 808, I love how the production plays the rockstar vibe she concocts lyrically. Doechii eats on this banger, PERIOD! 

3. Sufjan Stevens, “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”  

💿 Javelin • 🏷 Asthmatic Kitty • 🗓 2023

🎵 “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”, a single and highlight from 💿 Javelin, the 10th studio album by 🏆 Academy and Grammy award-nominated singer/songwriter 🎙 Sufjan Stevens, begins stripped, reminiscent of his folksier music moments 💪 of the past.  “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” commences with a simple, rhythmic accompaniment carried by guitar (or similar acoustic string instrument) supporting his hushed, expressed vocals, and it’s more than enough.  Soon enough, piano joins the mix in the pre-chorus, with Stevens maintains his hushed vocal approach  (“Tie me to a tiny wooden raft / Burn my body, point me to the undertow”). The initial chorus that follows grows a bit bigger in scope, but still, Stevens remains cool, calm, and collected – even keeled: 

“Will anybody ever love me?   

For good reasons    

Without grievance, not for sport   

Will anybody ever love me?    

In every season   

Pledge allegiance to my heart   

Pledge allegiance to my burning heart.”  

Following the first chorus, a more colorful soundscape arrives. In the second verse, not only is the arrangement more ornate instrumentally, but Stevens also adds vocalists who harmonize with him. The lyrics continue to shine with Stevens singing in the final couple lines of the verse, “Take my suffering as I take my vow / Wash me now, anoint me with that golden blade.” Expectedly, the second chorus is much grander – absolutely stunning with its vocal layers and the instrumental touches. The outro is ear-catching, highlighted by the lyric, “My burning heart,” as well as supporting vocalists singing the titular lyric. “Will Anybody Ever Love Me,” dare I say slaps in the most refined, sophisticated way possible!

4. PinkPantheress, “Mosquito” 

💿 Heaven knows • 🏷 Warner Music UK Limited • 📅 2023 

“On a Monday, can I see you? / Can I check my numbers? ‘Cause I want to.” 🎙 PinkPantheress is a whole vibe, PERIOD. She delivered a surefire pop bop with 🎵 “Mosquito”, a short and sweet advance single from her debut album, 💿 Heaven knows. What’s interesting is the fact that she never explicitly mentions the pesky, blood-sucking insect on “Mosquito.”  Instead, her focus is on money – the mean green, baby! Even as matters of material things are the focal point, PinkPantheress serves up sweet vocals, singing with ease, as always.  Her backdrop is rhythmic (Pink Pantheress, 🎛 Greg Kurstin, and Mura Masa), but like her vocals, maintains a cool aesthetic and energy.  The groove is a big talking point, with its bossa nova sensibilities 🤘. The section to beat is the chorus:     

“‘Cause I just had a dream I was dead  

And I only cared ‘cause I was taken from you  

You’re the only thing that I own  

I hear my bell ring, I’d only answer for you.”

WOO! Even so, the verse, which gets spiritual, to an extent, is fab too.  The power of money and material is real, y’all: “Now you’re sittin’ in accounts ‘cause I’m too scared to take you out / Now save me.” All told, 🎵 “Mosquito” is a fine lead single from PinkPantheress’ debut album.  There’s so much to ❤️. 

5. The Rolling Stones, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (Ft. Lady Gaga & Stevie Wonder) 

💿 Hackney Diamonds • 🏷 Promotone B.V. • 🗓 2023

On 🎵 “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, the epic, near-seven and a half minute second single from 💿 Hackney Diamonds, 🎙 The Rolling Stones tap 🏆 Academy- and Grammy-award winning musicians 🎙 Lady Gaga and 🎹 Stevie Wonder for the assist 🤯!  The results are EPIC 🤘! Wonder provides bluesy, soulful piano 🎹 to the backdrop – a mix of blues, gospel, and rock.  Before 🎙 Mick Jagger ever sings a note, the instrumental sets the tone.  He sings the first verse, delivering expressive, potent, and powerful pipes.  The heavenly, spiritual vibes arrive early on, as Jagger memorializes the late, great 🎙 Charlie Watts: “Bless the Father, bless the Son, hear the sound of the drums.” Lady Gaga arrives in the second verse, surprising with the sound of her voice with her select lyrics.  She sings in her upper register, giving us a different sound.  She complements Jagger’s lead well, which continues in the verse, referencing spiritual things once more (“I hear the sweet sounds / the sweet sounds of children / And they’re praisin’”).   

Both artists sing in the chorus. The grittiness and power that Lady Gaga shows off is ear-catching, PERIOD. The lyrics are strong, particularly as both artists sing at the end of the chorus, “Eat the bread, drink the wine / ‘Cause I’m finally, finally quenchin’ my thirst.” The bridge is totally different from the verses or chorus – it builds up to the second dynamic chorus. All told, there are some awesome sounds that occur throughout the main portion of “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” as well as the extended part.  Notably, Mick shouts out Stevie, while he and Gaga continue to tout “the sweet, sweet scents of Heaven.”  An entire essay could be written about this glorious song, however, it’s best experienced by listening. 

6. Empress Of, “Kiss Me” (Ft. Rina Sawayama)  

🎵 “Kiss Me” • 🏷 Major Arcana / Giant Music • 🗓 2023  

“Kiss me, kiss me slowly, slowly / Whisper, whisper, show me / Show me / That I’m your one and only.” Aww 🥰, so romantic, 🎙 Empress Of (Lorely Rodriguez)! The Honduran American pop musician released the single, 🎵 “Kiss Me”, in 2023, tapping the talented 🎙 Rina Sawayama for the assist.  Rodriguez and Sawayama wrote “Kiss Me” alongside 🎼 ✍ Kyle Shearer, Nate Campany, and BJ Burton. 🎛 Valley Girl – Campany and Shearer – produce this bop.  One of the key features, instrumentally of “Kiss Me” is the piano 🎹. The production sounds warm, fitting for an amorous cut.  Empress Of delivers fabulous vocals throughout the record with her tone and upper register shining. It doesn’t hurt that the melodies are tuneful throughout, as well as the fact that “Kiss Me” has a clearly defined form (verse/pre-chorus/chorus). Empress Of takes first blood, performing the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. She asserts in the first, “If this is love, I’ll settle down / Just tell me to,” following up in the pre-chorus, “Just touch my lips and pull my hair / To come with you, I’d go anywhere.” WOO! Sawayama echoes similar sentiments in the second verse, singing, “And when I breathe, I’m breathin’ life / Into our wings.” She sings the final pre-chorus, before joining forces with Empress Of in the final chorus.  It’s followed up by one final section, the outro, which is S-W-E-E-T.  All in all, Empress Of is definitely an empress when it comes to 🎵 “Kiss Me”.    

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 Songs Where It’s All in a Kiss 😘 (2023) 

7. Elmiene, “Marking My Time”  

💿 Marking My Time • 🏷 Polydor / Def Jam • 🗓 2023 

“Wanna set my soul on fire / Get me out this hole, I’m tired.” Indeed, 🎙 Elmiene (Abdala Elamin), indeed! The British R&B singer/songwriter is on fuego 🔥 on 🎵 “Marking My Time”, the title track from his second EP. Elmiene penned this delightful song alongside 🎼 ✍ James Vincent McMorrow, Jamie Woon, and Charlie Platt. In addition to writing, McMorrow and 🎛 Sunny Jason produce.   

There is SO much to love about “Marking My Time.” It commences with lovely humming by Elmiene. His tone is pure and radiant; he serves up ultra-sophisticated vocals.  Elmiene is supported by chill but rhythmic production that is notably absent of percussion 🤯.  The strings 🎻 are utterly sublime 🤩.  Characterized as an R&B track, rightfully, there are some sweet pop sensibilities too.  Furthermore, there are hypnotic vibes that clearly draw the listener in. Elmiene never forces things, and the song takes its time to develop. This record develops organically, with additional music cues arriving during the second verse. Even so, it’s non troppo, retaining a classy, poised identity. More overt vocals by Elamin appear in the bridge, accompanied by more dynamic production 💪. His ad-libs and runs ooze with soul. A pro that never grows old in an R&B track in particular? Vocal layering, sigh.  Of course, the songwriting is ‘kind of a big deal’ as well on this poetic, reflective, and self-aware number.  All told, Elmiene put his foot into 🎵 “Marking My Time”, an ear catching, and utterly stupendous record.

8. Tems, “Me & U”  

🎵 “Me & U” • 🗓 2023 

“This is my decision, decision,” 🎙 Tems sings in the outro of 🎵 “Me & U”, adding, “I don’t think you listen, you listen.” The talented 🏆 Grammy-winner from Nigeria brings the heat 🔥 on her first single of 2023. Me & U” benefits from its chill sound and vibe from the onset. The warm guitars 🎸are sweet. 🎛 GuiltyBeatz does a fine job behind the boards, giving Tems an utterly sublime backdrop. Interestingly, the beat doesn’t enter the mix until after the 30-second mark. Upon entering, it anchors ⚓️ things down, in all its groovy, tropical glory. Also, it’s worth noting that the second verse expands the production.  It’s never too ornate, just right 👍! The supporting instrumental is a big deal. A straightforward, easy to follow form makes “Me & U” a winner too.  The biggest reason why it thrives, however, is Tems.  Her voice is gorgeous.  Furthermore, she has tuneful melodies to sing. The verses are simple, but effective. In the second, for example, she sings uncomplicated, yet meaningful lines like, “Make me your matter,” “Make me your person,” and “I don’t need nothing / You are my everything.” The chorus is repetitive but again, highly effective (“Only me and you…”).  All in all, she delivers a fabulous single.  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

9. blink-182, “ONE MORE TIME”  

💿 ONE MORE TIME • 🏷 Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC / Columbia • 🗓 2023 

“From brothers into strangers once again.” Oh my, 🎙 blink-182! “I wish they told us, it shouldn’t take a sickness / Or airplanes falling out the sky.” Read into both lyrics excerpted from 🎵 “ONE MORE TIME”  (💿 ONE MORE TIME), and it is clear that 🎙 Mark Hoppus, 🎙 Tom DeLonge, and 🎙 Travis Barker have been through a lot. The good news is that blink-182 are reunited in their original lineup for – wait for it – one more time. Question: “Do I have to die to hear you miss me?”  

“ONE MORE TIME” commences with rich rhythm guitar accompaniment which signals a more serious, somber sound.  The first voice heard is the comeback kid, Tom DeLonge.  He shines with his expressive instrument.  There is a fine addition of strings 🎻 following the first verse prior to the second, performed by Hoppus. DeLonge takes on vocal duties once more in the pre-chorus and chorus.  Both sections are gritter, featuring a more dynamic backdrop. The chorus is simple lyrically, but tuneful: “One more time / One more / One more time / One more time.” DeLonge and Hoppus duet in the third verse, which adds drumming by Barker, finally. Interestingly, or perhaps, shockingly, all three members sing on the final chorus. While  🎵 “ONE MORE TIME” is light years away from the band’s more immature works of the 90s/00s, there’s lots to appreciate and like about it.  The slow, steady evolution is awesome – incredible musical.  Most importantly, the brotherhood is alive and well. This song is feels bigger than a rating for the band – it’s personal, meaningful, and reflective. 

10. Kevin Abstract, “Blanket” 

💿 Blanket • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2023

“Memory, memory / There’s no you’s and no me’s.” Um, okay… sure… 🎵 “Blanket” marked the first song released by 🎙 Kevin Abstract post- 🎙 BROCKHAMPTON. Even though it clocks in at just under two minutes in duration, it is interesting, nonetheless. The track is produced by 🎛 Romil Hemnani, Jonah Abraham, and Julian Ali.  It commences with rhythm guitar 🎸 accompaniment – totally not the sound expected. Kevin is going for those alternative vibes.  He sings in an undertone, furthering the enigma that is “Blanket.” Following the initial surprise of the backdrop, and hushed vocals by Abstract, things get even more insane.  “Blanket” transforms into this wild, alternative rock joint, including howls, which are actually the repeated lyric, “Woah.” There are very few lyrics throughout “Blanket.” The chorus, the first section heard, maintains simplicity. “Blanket” features just one verse, which, like the chorus and post-chorus (the “Woah” sections 🤘), yields little text: “I thought these things about me / Were momentary.” Do we know what Kevin Abstract is getting at musically with 🎵 “Blanket”? Not exactly, but it is an unexpected, ear-catching listen like WOAH!   

11. Binoy, “BoysBoysBoys” 

🎵 “BoysBoysBoys” • 🏷 Binoy Zachariah • 🗓 2023 

“Boys, boys on my  mind / Going out for the night might / Take a bite / Feel it drip / From my lips / Good shit…” Good shit, indeed! Fine 😍, Kenyan musician 🎙 Binoy (Binoy Zachariah) delivers a fierce single with 🎵 “BoysBoysBoys”. “BoysBoysBoys” is fun, fun, and more FUN! “I can’t quit / Boys, boys, boys / No sleep in the night / I’m chasing the high / I long and I cry for / Boys, boys, boys.” FACTS 💯! So, what makes the song the sugar honey iced tea? Honestly, it’s the uniqueness. Rather than deliver a straightforward, predictable record, Binoy keeps us on your toes, and literally, on the dance floor at da club. The repetitive, gimmicky intro is the first sign that “BoysBoysBoys” is going to be an electrifying trip.  Post-intro, it’s clear that the record possesses a hypnotic, mesmerizing quality, much like the effects actual boys can have on you (😈). “Boys” features marvelous production work, with the percussive beat being hella infectious.  Binoy brings a ton of attitude and energy, through the ear-catching, pitch-shifted vocals. Furthermore, I ❤️ the cadence and flow – a great sense of rhythm throughout.  All told, the dashing Kenyan musician brings some serious heat 🥵 🔥.  He’ll have you perspiring something – wait for it – FIERCE! 

12. DON’T MAKE THIS WEIRD, “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” 

🎵 “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” • 🏷 dont make this weird • 🗓 2023 

“Heartbreak, heartbreak, heartbreak.” WOO! That sets the tone, doesn’t it 🎙 DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD. The Welsh musician, who delivers queer emotional alchemy, delivers a phenomenal pop single with 🎵 “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS”.  As the title suggests on this three-minute record, the love situation – the matters of the heart – are bad. What’s not bad is the song, which kicks some serious butt! “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” features slick production work.  Throughout, there are excellent musical cues and touches. Besides the backdrop, DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD’s voice is awesome 💪. The songwriting might be the biggest selling point. There are no shortage of ear-catching lyrics, including the pre-chorus: 

“Falling down the rabbit hole and screaming out for Alice  

Never thought that I would feel the sting of all your malice  

Crying on the dance floor  

Making out with strangers  

Begging the doctor for more.”

That’s depression all right. Notably, the pre-chorus is varied. The centerpiece is none other than the chorus, which is big, with a fabulous palette of sounds, commanding vocals, and a tuneful melody: “Heartbreak on antidepressants / You love him / Can’t laugh or cry / If you want him / I’ll get on my train / Say goodbye / Bye.” By the second verse, the flow of 🎵 “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” truly settles in. There’s also an epic bridge, further making this a fantastic song.    

13. Majid Jordan, “Tied Hands” 

🎵 “Hands Tied” • 🏷 OVO Sound • 🗓 2023

“I was stressed out, goin’ out of my mind / When you found me, you know you caught my eye.” Aww 🥰, the power of love ❤️! Those lyrics grace the opening verse from 🎵 “Hands Tied”, the second single released by Canadian R&B duo, 🎙 Majid Jordan (singer/songwriter 🎙 Majid Al Maskati, and songwriter/producer 🎛 Jordan Ullman). Per IG, “Hands Tied” is a story about how, in traditional environments, love is a way of connecting. It depicts a young couple whose hands are tied but they are deeply in love and taking risks to be together. When they are in each other’s presence, everything softens, like sunlight on the water.  That’s a sweet narrative. Furthermore, the song is sweet too! 

“Hands Tied” commences with a minimal, electronic drum groove. Bass joins the mix, as well as subtle synths. Majid doesn’t begin singing until about the :47 mark. When he does begin singing, his tone is beautiful. The song has a hypnotic quality, something that makes its long runtime feel shorter.   A song that never gets too high, the cool energy of “Hands Tied” is a big part of its appeal and success.  The romantic, thoughtful lyrics are DEFINITELY a big deal. “You really calmed me down, it was a different time / You really showed me, you know me,” Al Maskati continues singing in the first verse. In the second, he talks about being covert with her (“Out the window, sneakin’ out of your room” and “I’m in my car now (Feelin’ it, feelin’ it ) / You know what to do , you come and meet me”).  Sure, they have to sneak around, but ultimately, it’s well worth it as they have and can confide in each other, sigh.  The chorus is awesome: 

“Sunlight on the water  

Far as I can see  

Now we found each other (Ooh-ooh-ooh)  

It’s making sense to me.”   

All told, 🎵 “Hands Tied”  is a song you’ll definitely “Forever, forever love.” 

Awesome Songs: October 2023 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Asthmatic Kitty, Binoy Zachariah, Capitol, Columbia, Def Jam, dont make this weird, Major Arcana / Giant Music, OVO Sound, Polydor, Promotone B.V., RCA, Tems, Top Dawg Entertainment, Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd., Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC, Warner Music UK Limited; Toni Cuenca from Pexels]