Top 10 Alternative Pop Fusion Albums of 2023
Closing out the year with my favourite releases.
Hi Pal,
Genre classification these days is usually a fairly tedious affair as more artists work their creative muscles to create music that draws inspiration from various soundscapes. For this list, Alternative Pop Fusion describes any album with strong pop sensibilities but introduces some alternative or experimental elements to the overall creative process. Streaming links are embedded in the titles.
#10
JSteph
MMXXII
I surprised myself this year with the number of electropop albums I listened to. JSteph’s MMXXII is not the last entry on this list in this genre but it’s certainly a reflection of how incredible this year was if an album as good as this is sitting in the tenth spot. I enjoyed this one a lot.
Personal Recommendation: be this way
#9
Dave Barnes
Featherbrained Wealth Motel
In some ways, Dave Barnes has no business in pop music because his sonic palette is too expansive and his storytelling prowess is on the level of country or folk artists. In other ways, his unique approach may be what Pop music needs. However I choose to look at it, this album is a win.
Personal Recommendation: Miss Deconstruction
#8
Constanza Herrero
Between Mourning and Dancing
Constanza Herrero is a Chilean-Australian artist who has spent time living on four different continents throughout her relatively short life. These influences are on full display on this album as she weaves an eclectic album that still maintains a strong alternative pop foundation.
Personal Recommendation: Square One
#7
Citizens
i can’t find the edges of you
In less than a decade, Citizens have become one of the more prominent alternative bands on the Christian music scene. This new album has a lot of great moments and can act as a nice entry point for fans of contemporary worship into alternative Christian music.
Personal Recommendation: lovelight
#6
Various Artists
Young Pop Renegades, Vol. 2
As the title suggests, this is a collaborative album featuring some of the most hardworking minds on the scene. Matthew Parker, Ben Lawrence, Sam Bowman, Xander Swallows, JSteph and the other artists here have created something truly special. I can’t wait for volume three.
Personal Recommendation: break me
#5
Kings Kaleidoscope
Kings Kaleidoscope
King Kaleidoscope is probably the most established name on this list and for good reason. They have consistently produced some of the best music on the alternative/indie scene for over a decade. If I’m being honest, this is far from being my best album from them. But it still has enough about it for a spot on this list.
Personal Recommendation: 123 Fantasy
#4
Anna Palfreeman
Certain
I had an internal debate about what list to put this on because it makes a strong case for another list that you will see in the coming days. Ultimately, Certain is an album that is very dear to my heart and Anna Palfreeman has become a very recognizable voice in my home.
Personal Recommendation: Ache
#3
Praise Lubangu
In Times Like These
Praise Lubangu’s music is a reflection of her diverse influences and it’s difficult to put her in a strict genre bracket. In Times Like This is a beautiful alternative pop offering with elements of folk, soul, indie rock and hip-hop. In some ways, this album is the quintessential definition of alternative pop fusion.
Personal Recommendation: Midnight Hour
#2
Sam Bowman
Ghost
Either one of the next two albums could have taken the number-one spot. Ghost is a concept album that moved me in ways I was not expecting. It’s the best electropop project of the year by a country mile and Sam Bowman is the reason I got invested in the Christian electropop scene in 2023.
Personal Recommendation: still burning
#1
Karissa Frampton
All the Damage Leads to Healing anyways…
Another concept album sits on top of this list and I did not anticipate falling in love with this one the way I did. I’ve always been an advocate for Christian albums that can communicate the frailties of the human experience and also reflect the hope we have in Christ amid our chaos. This album achieves that and so much more.
Personal Recommendation: Confess
Coming Next: Top 10 Indie Worship Albums
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
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Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at stismavo@gmail.com