The 2023 Grammy Awards were a whirlwind of unforgettable performances and history-making wins. But beyond the glitz and glamour, the real question on everyone's mind remains: what were the best songs Grammy 2023 had to offer? This year's nominees showcased an incredible range of genres and styles, leaving music lovers debating the ultimate winners long after the ceremony concluded. Whether you're a seasoned Grammy aficionado or just catching up on the year's best music, this list dives deep into the critically acclaimed and fan-favorite tracks that defined the 2023 awards. We'll explore the sounds that dominated the charts, the artists who broke barriers, and the songs that captured the zeitgeist. Get ready to rediscover your favorite tracks and discover some hidden gems – this is your definitive guide to the best songs Grammy 2023 had to offer.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. As It Was | Harry Styles | Harry's House | 749M+ |
| 2. Easy On Me | Adele | 21 | 380M+ |
| 3. Under The Influence | Chris Brown | Indigo (Extended) | 323M+ |
| 4. I Ain't Worried | OneRepublic | Hunting High and Low | 314M+ |
| 5. Unholy |
Kim Petras Sam Smith | 261M+ | |
| 6. abcdefu | GAYLE | 255M+ | |
| 7. Anti-Hero | Taylor Swift | 209M+ |
1. As It Was (2023)
Driving Beat: As It Was boasts a relentlessly catchy, propulsive beat that's both instantly recognizable and endlessly replayable, making it a perfect choice for any Grammy 2023 playlist.
Nostalgic yet Modern Sound: Harry Styles masterfully blends a retro 80s synth-pop vibe with contemporary production, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh, a key ingredient in its Grammy success.
Vocal Performance: Styles' vocals are smooth and emotive, delivering a powerful performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place among the best songs of the year.
2. Easy On Me (2021)
Vocal Performance: Adele's powerhouse vocals are raw and emotionally resonant, showcasing her signature control and vulnerability, perfectly capturing the song's poignant themes.
Lyrical Content: The lyrics, detailing heartbreak and regret, resonate deeply with listeners, making "Easy On Me" a relatable and memorable ballad deserving of Grammy consideration.
Production Quality: The song's understated yet sophisticated production complements Adele's voice, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics and vocals to take center stage, a hallmark of a Grammy-worthy track.
3. Under The Influence
Vocal Performance: Chris Brown's signature smooth vocals are on full display in "Under The Influence" showcasing his impressive range and control, making it a standout track for his vocal prowess.
Emotional Resonance: The song delves into themes of intoxicating love and desire, creating a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant experience that fits the overall mood of a Grammy-worthy ballad.
Production Quality: The polished production, marked by its slick R&B sound, complements Brown's vocals perfectly and contributes to the overall Grammy-nomination-worthy quality.
4. I Ain't Worried (2021)
Uplifting Melody: "I Ain't Worried" boasts a relentlessly catchy melody that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of summer, making it a standout track for any celebratory playlist.
Ryan Tedder's Vocals: Tedder's smooth, powerful vocals are a key element, delivering the song's optimistic message with undeniable charisma.
Grammy-Worthy Production: The crisp, polished production elevates the track beyond a simple summer anthem, showcasing the band's refined musical approach—a true contender in the Grammy landscape.
5. Unholy - 2025
Vocal Synergy: Kim Petras and Sam Smith's distinct vocal styles blend seamlessly, creating a captivating and unforgettable sonic experience that elevates the Grammy's best-of list.
Infectious Beat: The song's dark pop rhythm is both haunting and undeniably catchy, making it a standout track perfect for any celebratory Grammy playlist.
Cultural Impact: "Unholy" transcended genre boundaries and became a viral sensation, proving its staying power and solidifying its place among the most impactful Grammy-nominated songs of 2023.
6. abcdefu (GAYLE - 2025)
Vocal Performance: GAYLE's raw, emotionally charged vocals on "abcdefu" perfectly capture the fiery intensity of a scorned lover, making it a standout track for its visceral honesty.
Production: The song's driving beat and catchy hook are undeniably infectious, ensuring it remains memorable and replayable long after the initial listen. Its simplicity contributes to its widespread appeal.
Cultural Impact: "abcdefu" resonated deeply with a generation experiencing similar relationship frustrations, becoming a viral anthem that transcends typical pop trends and cemented its place in the conversation for awards season.
7. Anti-Hero (Taylor Swift)
Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift's raw and vulnerable vocals in "Anti-Hero" perfectly capture the song's introspective and self-critical themes, making it a standout performance for the Grammys.
Lyrical Depth: The brutally honest lyrics offer a relatable exploration of self-doubt and anxieties, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level – a key element in a Grammy-worthy track.
Production Quality: The sophisticated production, blending elements of indie pop and alternative, creates a soundscape that enhances the emotional impact, ensuring its memorable presence amongst other Grammy nominees.
8. Lift Me Up (2023)
Vocal Performance: Rihanna's emotive vocals in "Lift Me Up" are breathtaking, showcasing her incredible range and control, perfectly capturing the song's poignant message.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone resonated deeply with listeners, making it a standout track for its ability to evoke a powerful emotional response.
Production Quality: The impeccable production, blending soulful instrumentation with contemporary elements, contributed significantly to the song's overall impact and Grammy-worthy quality.
9. Vegas (Doja Cat - 2025)
Sound: Doja Cat's "Vegas" boasts a vibrant, infectious beat that perfectly encapsulates the high-energy atmosphere of the Grammy Awards, a blend of retro-inspired sounds and modern pop sensibilities.
Vocals: Doja Cat's signature vocals shine, delivering a powerful and dynamic performance that elevates the already catchy tune, making it Grammy-worthy.
Pop Culture Impact: Its association with the *Elvis* movie soundtrack cemented its status as a major pop moment of 2023, adding to its Grammy consideration.
10. Bad Habit (Steve Lacy - 2025)
Smooth Vocals: Steve Lacy's signature mellow vocals are perfectly showcased in "Bad Habit" creating a relaxed yet captivating atmosphere that complements the song's Grammy-nominated status.
Genre-bending Sound: The track masterfully blends elements of R&B, soul, and psychedelic pop, resulting in a unique sonic landscape that resonated with listeners and critics alike, further solidifying its place among the best songs of 2023.
Memorable Melody: The instantly catchy melody and hypnotic rhythm make "Bad Habit" incredibly earwormy, ensuring its continued popularity long after the Grammy awards.
11About Damn Time
Lizzo
2022
12Woman
Doja Cat
2022
Planet Her
13Sunroof
Nicky Youre,dazy
2022
14WAIT FOR U
Drake,Future,Tems
2022
I NEVER LIKED YOU
15THE LONELIEST
Måneskin
2022
Rush
16CUFF IT
Beyoncé
2022
RENAISSANCE
17Super Freaky Girl
Nicki Minaj
2022
18Shirt
SZA
2022
Britney (Digital Deluxe Version)
19The Heart Part 5
Kendrick Lamar
2022
20Golden Hour
JVKE
2023
21Don't Shut Me Down
ABBA
2021
Super Trouper
22Good Morning Gorgeous
Mary J. Blige
2022
23All Too Well
Taylor Swift
2021
24Going, Going, Gone
Luke Combs
2023
Starting Over
25BREAK MY SOUL
Beyoncé
2022
RENAISSANCE
26Until I Found You
Stephen Sanchez,Em Beihold
2023
÷ (Deluxe)
27Bigger Than Me
Louis Tomlinson
2022
28Just Like That
Bonnie Raitt
2022
Just Like That...
29You and Me on the Rock
Brandi Carlile,Lucius
2022