The Current’s top 15 Minnesota songs of 2023 as voted by you and The Current’s staff. The list will air 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, and 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.

15. “Holding My Breath” by Atmosphere 

Fans can often count on Atmosphere’s Slug to take us on a journey into his psychoanalytical mind — and still, after all these years, come out with compelling, brutally honest lyrics. “Holding My Breath” goes for it right away: I've got a cup full of Novocaine (okay) / Stairway to Heaven, hope my name's on the guest list (go away). It’s a testament to his longevity in a scene as cutting and competitive as underground rap. This single’s electro-reggae backdrop especially adds a welcoming hypnotic touch.  

 14. “Optimist” by Gully Boys 

Gully Boys’ fiery "Optimist” is a cleverly produced rock ‘n’ roll track about betrayal. Its verses boil under the surface, while its choruses explode in our faces, kind of like our emotions when neglected. The Boys have come a long way from their more rudimentary grunge beginnings. “Optimist” highlights how the band has progressed in musicianship and synergy. 

13. “All of My Life” by Lady Midnight 

There's a certain magical quality to hearing an angelic singing voice floating over the top of driving, electronic club music. Lady Midnight was smart to team up with producer powerhouse Lazerbeak on her latest record Pursuit & The Elusive. “All of My Life," a song about setting yourself free from internal pain, was made for dance. The artist understands how body movement can assist in letting go and being present. 

12. “A Shakedown In Berlin” by Ondara 

Ondara’s big-hearted lyrics about moving on are a consistent theme in his rich catalogue of songs. In “A Shakedown in Berlin” he sings: I don’t know how to let you go / will you show me? Well, it sounds like he’s still “just getting good at saying goodbye.” The folk singer’s undeniable singing voice is enough to melt listeners — but it’s his words-to-melodies charisma that makes him a global force in music.  

11. “Satellite Farmer” by Tacklebox 

“Satellite Farmer” stands out as one of the best local rock ballads of the year by new indie supergroup Tacklebox. The song is slow moving, emotionally dynamic, and thoughtfully composed. Not to mention, “satellite farmer” sounds like an Urban Dictionary noun. While the lyrics leave something to the listener’s imagination (like many popular songs do), the song is transcendent enough to keep us curiously guessing.  

10. “Best Behavior” by Ivers 

A little brutal honesty can go a long way. In Ivers’ case, a display of parental dismay made for one heck of a sharp-witted first verse: My momma says that I've got a rotten mouth / Says if I talk like that, no one will wanna stick around /Maybe she's right, but here you are for the tenth night in a row /But I like your mom too much to not go buy a bar of soap. The song has the just right amount of cuteness and edge. Not to mention, Ivers have managed to encapsulate Gen-Z's indie music sound exceptionally well.  

9. “There You Are (Beautiful)” by Kiss the Tiger 

As a professional actress, vocalist/songwriter Meghan Kreidler has an uncanny ability to fluctuate character, even within one song. Rock band Kiss The Tiger’s single “There You Are (Beautiful)” adeptly juxtaposes both tempo and mood. Its verse is emotional yet militant in its marching beat, yet its legato chorus is practically weightless with stretched-out notes and delicate singing.    

8. “Daylight Falls” by Dua Saleh 

There are few Minnesota artists who’ve made cutting-edge alternative pop music the way Dua Saleh has been making in the last several years. “Daylight Falls” starts with just pulsing guitar chords and whispered singing, and then continually builds into each chorus with reverb-heavy choruses of epic electronic/orchestral proportions. The artist sings with passion and vulnerability — showcasing their ability to lament like a true rock star. 

7. “Cap Guns” by Mae Simpson 

Only a singer with a big, energetic voice and presence like Mae Simpson could be backed by an orchestra of a band as heard on “Cap Guns”.  From its savvy and polished production to its singable melody, Mae Simpson’s latest single has all the key elements of a contemporary pop song. Known for blending genres like soul, blues, country, and rock, Simpson’s dynamism is a true gift. 

6. “Blockbuster” by KC Rae 

KC Rae (a.k.a. Cacie Dalager of Now, Now) demonstrated her artistic power by releasing her first-ever self-produced solo record, Think I’m Gonna Die. The indie-pop artist's sophisticatedly produced track “Blockbuster” is an enriching tale of nostalgia based around a vivid childhood memory about “stealing” a car to rent a movie with her cousin. The song especially blooms in its wordy, list-delivered ending: Sugar Ray, sleeping bags, headphones, Walkman, car rides, CDs, beach sand, trampoline ... 

 
5. “Hurricane Party” by Dessa 

Years ago, I heard Dessa chose to be a rapper — rather than just a singer — so she could fit more words into one song. Certainly, her music doesn’t fit the normal rap aesthetic, but it has continued to serve her in lyrically dense songs like “Hurricane Party.” The electronica banger is about living life to the fullest — while we still have time. The word “hurricane” perhaps suggests a nod to impending climate change: DJ says don't hold back / Because the water won't. 

4. “Home to My Baby” by Laamar 

On the surface, Laamar’s “Home to My Baby” suggests a touching love song. Yet, upon lyrical introspection, the gentle folk/soul tune takes a tough look at police brutality and its effect on the day-to-day lives of Black Americans. The new-to-the-scene singer’s earnest sorrow is undeniably pure. “Let me be,” he suggests; and then ultimately makes a stand: I’m just trying to get home in one piece to my baby tonight.   

 3. “Little Bit of Sun” by Semisonic 

In our post-pandemic world, lead vocalist Dan Wilson understands the importance of optimism and hope. Semisonic’s “Little Bit Sun” offers just the right side of bright when so many of us have felt the weight of humanity's darkness. For a band that has been prominent since the ‘90s, the familiar voices of these Minnesota legends have also proved to be ever soothing. 

2. “Coming of Age” by Durry 

After gaining viral Internet success with their self-deprecating earworm “Who’s Laughing Now,” Burnsville-based sibling duo Durry have proven themselves to be more than a one-hit wonder. “Coming of Age” encapsulates the band’s anthemic, catchy rock appeal. The song begins strong and buzzworthy. Then it practically explodes into a high-energy, chant-worthy impassioned chorus about rejecting corporate American living. 

 
1. “Superspreader” by Ber 

Most humans know what it's like feeling victimized by a person we once loved. Though not all of us have the bravery and writing ability to share the experience. Ber beholds that power. Like a true pop singer, she’s dramatic (e.g. You’ll still ruin my life even though we don’t talk anymore); but at the same time, she’s charmingly clever (And I've tried testing the waters, my intentions are pure / My friends call me "Superspreader" / And like the sports bar I work at, everybody's been pretty / But the food could be better). To be able to write lyrics that make immediate sense, while having depth, humor, likeability, and universality is not a cakewalk. But then to be able to sing and deliver the lyrics so that people actually want to dial in and hear more? Behold Minnesota’s next big thing in music: Ber.