2023 has been a monumental year for music, delivering a diverse and electrifying range of sounds that have dominated airwaves and playlists worldwide. From catchy pop anthems to soulful ballads and groundbreaking hip-hop tracks, the sheer volume of incredible music released makes choosing the absolute best a challenge. But that's exactly what we're here to do! This definitive guide dives deep into the year's hottest releases, presenting our expertly curated list of the best songs in 2023 English. Whether you're searching for the perfect soundtrack to your summer, seeking fresh tunes to add to your workout playlist, or simply looking to discover the year's most impactful music, this curated selection caters to every taste. Get ready to rediscover your favorite artists and unearth some exciting new talent; your ears (and your dance moves) will thank you. Let's jump into the sounds that defined 2023.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Calm Down |
Selena Gomez Rema | 959M+ | |
| 2. STAY |
Justin Bieber The Kid LAROI | My World 2.0 | 928M+ |
| 3. Flowers | Miley Cyrus | Endless Summer Vacation | 821M+ |
| 4. As It Was | Harry Styles | Harry's House | 749M+ |
| 5. Heat Waves | Glass Animals | 737M+ | |
| 6. Ghost | Justin Bieber | Justice | 370M+ |
| 7. Shivers | Ed Sheeran | 361M+ |
1. Calm Down (Selena Gomez ft Rema - 2025)
Catchy Melody: "Calm Down" boasts an irresistible hook that effortlessly blends Afrobeat rhythms with a contemporary pop sensibility, making it instantly memorable and perfect for any 2023 playlist.
Vocal Synergy: The collaboration between Selena Gomez and Rema is pure magic; their voices complement each other beautifully, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience that showcases the best of both artists.
Global Appeal: Its infectious beat and universal themes of love and longing transcend language barriers, solidifying its place among the top English songs of 2023 and making it a global phenomenon.
2. STAY (Justin Bieber ft The Kid LAROI)
Sound: STAY's blend of mellow trap beats and emotionally charged vocals creates a captivating soundscape that's both contemporary and timeless, perfectly fitting the mood of many 2023 releases.
Vocals: The powerful vocal harmonies between Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI create an undeniable emotional impact, showcasing their vocal talents and making the song deeply resonant.
Emotional Impact: Its exploration of heartbreak and longing struck a chord with listeners, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year.
3. Flowers (Endless Summer Vacation)
Sound: Miley Cyrus's "Flowers" boasts a driving, infectious beat and a crisp, modern production that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of 2023.
Vocals: Cyrus delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant vocal performance, conveying both vulnerability and strength.
Pop Culture Impact: Its release as a defiant anthem resonated deeply with listeners, becoming a viral sensation and solidifying its place as a defining song of the year.
4. As It Was (Harry's House - 2025)
Driving Beat: "As It Was" boasts an undeniably infectious, driving beat that makes it perfect for playlists and workouts alike.
Nostalgic Synth: The song's prominent 80s-inspired synth lines add a layer of retro coolness that resonated deeply with listeners in 2023.
Harry's Vocals: Harry Styles' emotive vocals deliver a powerful performance, adding another layer to the song's overall impact and memorability.
5. Heat Waves
Sound: Heat Waves' hazy, psychedelic soundscapes, built on layered synths and a hypnotic bassline, create an instantly captivating atmosphere that perfectly embodies the laid-back yet emotionally resonant vibe of 2023.
Vocals: Dave Bayley's smooth, almost melancholic vocals are a key component of the song's success, adding a layer of vulnerability and intimacy to its dreamy textures.
Emotional Impact: The song's nostalgic and bittersweet tone, exploring themes of longing and lost love, resonated deeply with listeners in 2023, making it a perfect soundtrack for reflection and introspection.
6. Ghost (Justice)
Vocals: Justin Bieber's emotive vocals on "Ghost" deliver a raw vulnerability that resonates deeply, showcasing his vocal maturity and range.
Sound: The haunting melody and atmospheric production create a captivating soundscape that's both ethereal and intensely personal, perfectly capturing the song's melancholic beauty.
Emotional Impact: "Ghost" expertly blends heartbreak and hope, leaving a lasting impression and showcasing a nuanced exploration of loss and longing that connects with listeners on an emotional level.
7. Shivers
Catchy Melody: Shivers boasts an instantly memorable melody that hooks you from the first listen, perfectly encapsulating that 2023 pop sensibility.
Emotional Resonance: Sheeran's signature vulnerability shines through in the lyrics, creating a relatable and emotionally impactful listening experience that resonates deeply.
Production Quality: The crisp production and polished sound of "Shivers" further elevates its position among the best English songs released in 2023.
8. Until I Found You (Stephen Sanchez - 2025)
Sound: "Until I Found You" boasts a rich, textured soundscape blending mellow acoustic guitar with subtly layered instrumentation, creating a captivating atmosphere that perfectly complements Sanchez's emotive vocals.
Vocals: Stephen Sanchez's soulful vocals are the heart of the song, conveying a raw vulnerability and heartfelt longing that resonates deeply with listeners. His vocal delivery is both powerful and tender, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone, coupled with relatable lyrics about finding love amidst uncertainty, resonated strongly with audiences in 2023, securing its place as a memorable and emotionally resonant track.
9. I Ain't Worried (2021)
Upbeat Tempo and Infectious Melody: "I Ain't Worried" boasts a relentlessly positive rhythm and a catchy melody that instantly gets stuck in your head, perfect for adding to any 2023 summer playlist.
Ryan Tedder's Signature Vocals: OneRepublic's frontman delivers his characteristically powerful and emotive vocals, adding a layer of depth and sincerity to the otherwise carefree vibe.
Summer Anthem Status: Its feel-good energy and undeniable catchiness solidified its place as a major hit of the year, making it a top choice for anyone seeking joyful, upbeat English-language music in 2023.
10. Unholy - 2025
Dark Pop Perfection: "Unholy" masterfully blends dark pop sensibilities with a driving beat, creating an instantly catchy and unforgettable track.
Vocal Synergy: Kim Petras and Sam Smith's contrasting yet complementary vocals elevate the song, showcasing both artists' unique strengths.
Cultural Impact: Its provocative music video and viral dance challenges cemented "Unholy" as a defining pop culture moment of 2023.
11abcdefu
GAYLE
2022
12Sprinter
Dave,Central Cee
2023
The Forever Story (Extended Version)
13Boy's a Liar Pt. 2
PinkPantheress,Ice Spice
2023
14Anti-Hero
Taylor Swift
2023
15Cupid
FIFTY FIFTY
2023
16Made You Look
Meghan Trainor
2023
17Escapism
RAYE,070 Shake
2023
18Bad Habit
Steve Lacy
2022
Un Verano Sin Ti
19About Damn Time
Lizzo
2022
20Sunroof
Nicky Youre,dazy
2022
21Kill Bill
SZA
2023
SOS
22Nonsense
Sabrina Carpenter
2023
emails i can't send
23Lavender Haze
Taylor Swift
2024
24Super Freaky Girl
Nicki Minaj
2022
25Miracle
Calvin Harris,Ellie Goulding
2023
26Die For You
The Weeknd
2023
Starboy
27Creepin'
21 Savage,Metro Boomin,The Weeknd
2023
28Ghost Town
Benson Boone
2023
29Golden Hour
JVKE
2023
30Victoria's Secret
Jax
2023