As we gear up to say goodbye to 2023 and usher in the exciting year of 2024, what better way to kick off the festivities than with some killer vinyl records? These iconic albums aren't just musical marvels; they're the ultimate catalysts for turning your New Year's Eve bash into a raging success. So, put on your snazziest attire, dust off your turntable, and let's groove our way into the future with these 10 glittery records that promise to make your celebration absolutely unforgettable.
1/ 'RENAISSANCE' by Beyoncé (2022)
In the cosmic whirlwind of 2022, the one and only Beyoncé blasted us into a new era of pure joy, love, and freedom with her GRAMMY-winning album, 'RENAISSANCE.' She didn't just lead the parade; she was the songwriter, the executive producer, the vocal virtuoso - she was basically an "ALIEN SUPERSTAR." This kaleidoscopic masterpiece, paying homage to Black LGBTQIA+ dance pioneers, boasts credits that read like a hall of fame lineup, including legends like Honey Dijon, Syd, NovaWav, Mike Dean, Stuart White, and more. With bangers like the viral sensation "CUFF IT," 'RENAISSANCE' is the audacious anthem of limitless jubilation, empowerment, and dancing like you've got zero cares left in the galaxy.
2/ 'Future Nostalgia' by Dua Lipa (2020)
Dua Lipa's 'Future Nostalgia' dropped like a glitter bomb in 2020, rewriting the rules of pop music with a funky, retro-futuristic twist. This album was the blueprint for time-traveling disco parties and snatched a GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Album. With chart-toppers like "Don't Start Now" and "Levitating", 'Future Nostalgia' was basically the soundtrack for any epic dance-offs. This record proved that Dua Lipa is not just a pop star; she's a pop supernova!
3/ 'Random Access Memories' by Daft Punk (2013)
Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' wasn't just an album; it was a musical comet that crash-landed into our lives, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. This funk-infused, robot-tinged masterpiece won enough GRAMMY Awards to make even the most decorated artists jealous, and tracks like "Get Lucky" and "Lose Yourself to Dance" with icon Pharrell Williams, were infectious earworms that infiltrated every dance floor and radio station on the planet. Plus, when you've got the legendary Nile Rodgers lending his guitar wizardry on multiple tracks, you know you're in for a groovy, disco-fueled journey through the cosmos of sound.
MUNA's self-titled record was like a double rainbow in the pop music scene, making us feel like we'd just discovered a glittering treasure chest of electro-pop gems. Instant-classic cult smash like "Silk Chiffon" with fellow star Phoebe Bridgers had us getting out our pom-poms. With their unapologetically joyous queer and feminist lyrics, MUNA had all of us dancing like nobody's business! After all, life's so fun when you got your rollerblades on!
5/ 'ASTROWORLD' by Travis Scott (2018)
Travis Scott's record 'ASTROWORLD' didn't just drop; it arrived like a sonic meteor, crashing through the stratosphere of hip-hop with a bang. Tracks like "STARGAZING" and "SICKO MODE" (yep, we're still obsessed with THAT beat switch) had us feeling like we'd hopped on a rollercoaster through a theme park of cosmic beats and wild flows.
6/ 'Fountain Baby' by Amaarae (2023)
When Amaarae first went viral with her incredible collaboration "SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY" with Kali Uchis back in 2020, we knew that she would be a huge star. And we were absolutely right! From the stellar "Co-Star" to the infectious "Reckless & Sweet", Amaarae's second album 'Fountain Baby' is a vibrant genre-blending kaleidoscope of Afrobeats, R&B, pop, and a sprinkle of punk! In need of a confidence boost? Put this record on. You can thank us later.
7/ 'An Evening With Silk Sonic' by Silk Sonic, Anderson .Paak & Bruno Mars (2021)
Silk Sonic's 'An Evening With Silk Sonic' was like a soulful time machine that transported us straight to the heart of vintage R&B coolness. Awards? Oh, you bet that they sweeeeeped the GRAMMYs! Hit tracks like "Leave the Door Open" and "Smokin Out the Window" were instant classics. And with a sprinkle of Bootsy Collins's funk magic, this album was a luxurious, suave, and downright irresistible trip back to the era of sharp suits and smoother tunes.
8/ 'Something To Give Each Other' by Troye Sivan (2023)
"I feel the rush! Addicted to your touch!" – and just like that, Troye had us immediately rushing to the dancefloor when he dropped his ARIA-winning lead single "Rush" this year. And since then, it has gotten even better and better from that Ross Lynch cameo to securing his first GRAMMY nomination. With unabashed queer happiness at the core of this record, Troye won all of our hearts.
9/ That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware (2023)
Jessie Ware's record 'That! Feels Good!' hit the music scene like a glittery disco ball falling from the sky, reminding us that good times and groovy tunes never go out of style. Tracks like "Pearls" and "Begin Again" had us shaking our hips like it was Studio 54 all over again. 'That! Feels Good!' proved that Jessie Ware had a ticket to our dance-loving hearts, and she used it wisely.
10/ 'BUBBA' by KAYTRANADA (2019)
KAYTRANADA's 'BUBBA' was a funky intergalactic joyride that left our hips swiveling like they had a mind of their own. With tracks like the GRAMMY-winning "10%" with Kali Uchis, KAYTRANADA reminded us that his production chops has always been the secret sauce to unlocking dance floor euphoria. Ready to start the party? In KAYTRA we trust.
So there you have it, you party animals. 10 records that will have you still shaking the glitter off when the new year comes 'round!
(Photo of Beyoncé by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)