Editors' Choice for October 2023

Album cover for Solar Music

Solar Music

Concord

The Virginia-based quintet and a number of first-call guests deliver what is arguably the most elegant, soulful party album of the year.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Lighthouse

Lighthouse

BFD / The World Is Flat

The ex-Guns N' Roses bassist continues his run of solidly composed, surprisingly deep solo material that ranges from tender Americana to narrative, socially conscious punk.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Bolted

Bolted

Ninja Tune

The producer returns from a six-year hiatus with artfully claustrophobic tracks that teeter between mournful and menacing.

— Heather Phares

Album cover for Women

Women

Jansen

Known for their infectious grooves and whimsicality, the quasi-instrumental rock trio's third album adds sweeping strings to their eclectic sound.

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for Condition Red

Condition Red

Liberty Spike

The classic debut album from the New Orleans punk quartet who emulated the Clash but rocked way harder.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Lahai

Lahai

Young
R&B

After years of background work and featured appearances, the singer/songwriter returns with a stirring follow-up to his Mercury Prize-winning debut.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for Decent Shapes

Decent Shapes

Upset the Rhythm

The second album from this Melbourne synth punk band amplifies the chaos, gloominess, and excitement of their already intense sound.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Madres

Madres

Ninja Tune

A vibrant set of house tracks that serve as poignant reflections, celebrations, and peaceful protests.

— Paul Simpson

Album cover for Javelin

Javelin

Asthmatic Kitty

Love, both human and divine, is examined in all its complexity and necessity in one of the songwriter's most affecting works.

— Mark Deming

Album cover for Poet's Tooth

Poet's Tooth

Kill Rock Stars

The country-psych duo's third album continues in the fancifully haunted fashion of their 2021 Kill Rock Stars debut.

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for God Games

God Games

Domino

Combining apocalyptic love songs and pleas for salvation with dub, disco, and plenty of guitars, the duo delivers some of their most exciting music.

— Heather Phares

Album cover for Half-Eaten by Dogs

Half-Eaten by Dogs

Trouble in Mind

The third album from this Cincinnati synth punk trio gets darker and rawer, combining industrial dance elements with blown-out demo tape production.

— Fred Thomas

Album cover for Hold

Hold

Captured Tracks

An album of romantic sophisti-pop that sounds like a lost classic from the late '80s.

— Matt Collar