2023 is the year of making new changes in the scene. The year of cover bands and tribute gigs and never-ending discourse about it everywhere. The year of pandering to authorities and bigots and boring people. The year of big festivals thriving and small gigs mushrooming everywhere. The year of quantity, but also the year of quality.
This is our first-ever year-end list and we hope to make more of them in the future. Hence, we seek music that not only mirrors the current state of the scene but also foreshadows its future. We hope there’s something for everyone on this list — if not now, maybe years later when your musical taste evolves, as it should.
By documenting the best 50 songs of the year, we hope this list helps you to recognise more talents, more music and appreciate them all, whenever you come across this list.
50. “PETI BESI” – Astral Angels, Manska, Nonsenselaaa
“PETI BESI” is nothing short of an unabashedly enjoyable track that refuses to burden itself with seriousness. Every so often, we deserve this kind of carefree vibe, especially with fresh offerings carrying a distinct Pierre Bourne influence. If you’re on the lookout for music that doesn’t take itself too seriously, whether in its production style or wordplay, “PETI BESI” and other releases from Astal Angels’ vault are the ones to keep an eye on.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
49. “WHERE’S MY BABY” – Advents
In Advents’ “Where’s My Baby?” the narrator longs for his missing lover, who seems to have vanished, or perhaps he’s in search of the earlier version of his partner. The repeated chorus passionately pleads for her return, even though the lover isn’t always a remedy for tough times: “I’m feeling so restless / Your tone is getting careless again / You had me up, had me down / I can’t stand it, must get out.” The song exudes the glory days of indie rock, reminiscent of when bands like The 1975 and The Neighbourhood first graced the scene with their glistening production and lyrics delving into lost love and rebellious adulthood phases. Advents encapsulate that era with sophistication.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
48. “Cigarettes & City Breeze” – Different Mornings
Different Mornings, the side project of Hacktick’s vocalist Hyke Nasir and guitarist Mo, may only have two songs under their belt, but its sole offering of the year, “Cigarettes & City Breeze,” is a playful projectile of indie pop fun that’s worth paying attention to. Taking the form of the famous bedroom indie pop recommended on everybody’s YouTube — think Boy Pablo, The Marias — it leaves you wondering if the side project could be expanded into something more serious, reaching a broader audience than Hacktick! itself. The possibility is there. The highlight of the track is its outro: a two-minute-long dreamy synth that expands the landscape, creating a dimension somewhat grander than the first half of the song.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
47. “Menari Dalam Memori” – FLQ, Acap Loko, Dian
The personalities that emerge from “Menari Dalam Memori” are scattered with sarcasm, jealousy and lovers who secretly wish they still held each other’s attention. Featuring guest vocals from Ashraf “Acap” of Loko and Dian Rautraz, the song captures Dian flirtatiously mocking a former partner right from the first verse — “Kau perasan / Aku buat ini untuk aku / Engkau bukan penunjuk jalanku.” Later on, it delves into the notion that being into each other, despite attempts to belittle one another, might not be such a wrong idea after all.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
46. “Indah Selamanya” – Ufuk Raya
The works of Ufuk Raya shouldn’t be limited solely to potential film soundtracks, although it’s hard not to envision beautiful tracks like “Indah Selamanya” playing as the credits for a teary-eyed, lesson-learned film roll-in. Ufuk Raya crafts their cinematic landscape by weaving imaginative storylines with melodramatic guitars and dreamy sound structures that speak louder than words can.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
45. “Suratan Masa Depan” – Jetcetera
Jetcetera makes a bold and luminous choice by collaborating with Megat Fazly as the producer for “Suratan Masa Depan.” In this folk-pop track, their blossoming piano intertwines seamlessly with Aida Rashid’s lush vocals, crafting a narrative that feels intimate yet universally relatable. The questions reflect sincere attempts to comprehend both oneself and the dynamics of love: “Adakah cinta itu saksama? / Adakah rasa kita berbeza?” Jetcetera bids farewell to their indie pop roots, and if there were a progress bar illustrating Jetcetera attempting to find their sound, they are inching closer.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
44. “When I Was Young” – Sweetass
While Sweetass’s second album, “Heavy Rotation,” may appear hesitant to attain the cult status achieved by their 2018 album, “Wa Caya Lu,” the lead single “When I Was Young” acts as a saviour that simply knows how to have a damn good time. Heavily dosed with fun and accompanied by its high-as-hell music video, Sweetass’s defiant, spontaneous stage presence in live performance radiates in this track, making it the one to eagerly anticipate in the next Sweetass sets.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
43. “SURI” – Leaism
With little more than spacey, airborne backing instruments and Leaism’s gentle voice, “SURI” is a slow-burning ballad that brims with simplicity yet is rich with lingering questions about relationships and the reciprocity of it (“Siapa yang berani untuk / Meneruskan semua / Di kala kau jatuh dan terduduk / Segalanya musnah”), leaving you hovering above reality. If we could have Leaism’s voice narrate the ugliness of the world, then maybe this world wouldn’t be such a shit place to live in after all.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
42. “Karma” – May of Scarlet
In “Karma,” May of Scarlet embraces a neo-cyberpunk apocalyptic future that blends well with their harsh guitars, politically fervent songwriting and guttural vocals. The song takes shape in a captivated society seeking revenge against its leader. Infused with rage and resistance, May of Scarlet not only awaits karma to happen but also takes charge (“Dendamku / Hingga karmamu / Berharap jasadmu selamat”) to ensure that the villain gets what they deserve.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
41. “Yang Penting Kau Selamat Sampai” – Okirama
The Johor-based band has a solid grasp of the allure of “galau” TikTok music, amassing fans faster than the algorithm can keep up. However, “Yang Penting Kau Selamat Sampai” is the song that should have propelled Okirama further than any of their previous releases. Shah Iskandar, its vocalist and songwriter, recognizes that this slow acoustic ballad should deviate from Okirama’s atypical sound. Instead, an almost simple and clean acoustic guitar takes the center stage while its narrator longingly wishes his lover a safe journey. It’s tender, intimate and makes you feel well taken care of; anyone who listens to it would recognise its intimacy emanates from a sincere place.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
40. “Sambung Nyawa” – — Seru.
This nearly 7-minute-long epic track is infused with Nusantara and modern post-rock influences, creating an authentic clash — Seru. proudly showcases to the rest of us. They got the flair, they got the aesthetics. To make it all even more majestic than it already is, a poem is eloquently recited in the middle of the song, fitting seamlessly into the rich ambience pulsating with romance. Have we been waiting for this long to encounter a post-rock band that excels at crafting the Nusantara sound?
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
39. “Lorelai” – the world ends with you.
The shoegaze band the world ends with you. may only boast one official song, “Lorelai,” under their name, but it serves as an explosive and gently immersive debut. With lyrics like “The birds won’t sing and the sun won’t shine / Flowers wilt and the moonlight dies / Promise me you’ll be there when I’m gone,” the narrator pleads amidst hazy washes of guitars and dreamy, almost muted vocal melodies. Together, these elements create a soundscape that has the potential to lift a brooding flesh into a lighter space.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp
38. “Gebor Meroh” – Awang Samrow
Terengganu native Awang Samrow made a distinctive entrance into the scene with his robust dialect and 70s-inspired looks, sporting ankle-high boots and swag-inducing curly hair. Honestly, no male in the current scene has looked as cool on stage before. Setting aside his blazingly stylish outfits, “Gebor Meroh” stands out beyond the “ganu” dialect as a unique selling point. It has distinctive classic rock influences and a touch of traditional Siamese atmosphere that will have you glued to his personality-driven singing and folklore lyricism. Just like his stage presence, “Gebor Meroh” is both mysterious and alluring, leaving you eager for his debut album.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
37. “Dawnting” – Kelibat
In “Dawnting,” Kuching-based band Kelibat presents a track with clear fingerprints of Sonic Youth’s early days plastered all over the crime scene. Yet, its confidence still finds its footing amidst the glitching noise throughout the track: “Simmer down! / Saturate! / Set at eight!” Emir shouts with the allure of Thurston Moore when Thurston Moore is cool. The result lingers with nostalgia and pays homage to its influences, without shoving away its bigger potential to rise as one of the bands holding high the resurgence of noise in the scene.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
36. “Lidah Ular Kepala Babi” – Xzet Sicknal, ALTRBG, YaRobin Yashar
Produced by Xzet Sicknal, “Lidah Ular Kepala Babi” is a social critique of the state of Malaysia infused with explosive rage highlighting underprivileged communities who, in their pursuit of a better living, find themselves following senseless, money-hungry leaders and politicians. The first half of the song, penned by ALTRBG, speaks of cynical resistance (“Merapal serapah mengacung tangan ke angkasa / Biarpun langit cerah hari ini tetap bukan kamu punya,”) while YaRobin Yashar takes over in the second half, incorporating callings on how changes must happen (“Jangan taksub jadi tukang sorak dan tepuk / Penuhkan hati dengan buku supaya tak mudah dimomok,”). The criticisms are rightfully violent, articulated by those who grapple with this harrowing reality themselves while acknowledging that meaningful changes may be a long time coming.
Listen: Spotify
35. “Entah” – B-Heart
Growing up in the underground rap scene of Kuantan, B-heart rises to stardom and make it all so easy in “Entah,” acknowledging that despite facing criticisms and challenges, he is still evolving: “I’m the biggest enemy, and I’m the biggest fan / Forget your position, I ain’t ever fearing a man,” he declares to the world.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
34. “Sayang Awak” – Hacktick!
Few songs this year dared to match the raw honesty of Hactick’s “Sayang Awak” when it comes to penning a song for your lifelong best friend. In an almost-transparent box, allowing the audience a glimpse behind the scenes, Hyke Nasir narrates the journey of Hactick! in keeping the band together and working on their much-anticipated debut album (“Kau dah lah jauh gila / Come move closer / Nak siapkan album lah, fucker,”). With its hazy yet complete retellings, inside jokes and the inherent struggles of solitary songwriting, “Sayang Awak” emerges as a friendship anthem that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still underscores the notion that maintaining friendship requires hard work.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
33. “Nur” – Viona
The hit film “Imaginur” undoubtedly spins an alluring tale that evokes nostalgia for both the scene kids of the 2000s and the zoomers. Its soundtrack maintains the same magic. One standout track from its impeccably curated soundtrack is Viona’s “Nur,” a romantic acoustic piece depicting Zuhal’s unwavering devotion to Nur (“Rohani yang kosong dijamu / Dengan sekadar kehadiranmu.”). Viona, also known as Takahara Suiko, makes a brief appearance in the film as Yumi, Nur’s friend. And just like her character in “Imaginur,” Viona effortlessly steals the spotlight, armed with nothing more than a ukulele and a soothing grasp of everlasting romance.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
32. “Drop” – Saballa, DJ Fuzz
Kajang-born rapper Saballa collaborates with DJ Fuzz in “Drop,” delivering a playful, egotistical, and succinct track that manages to stay grounded while still playfully taking jabs (“Beria sangat nak rap tapi last last kena bungkus / Nak selamanya jadi yang terbaik dari ladang.”) It seamlessly bounces between cynicism and a more lighthearted tone, showcasing its ability to just have some fun.
Listen: Spotify
31. “Hulu Kinta” – CISCO
“Hulu Kinta” is a six-minute-long odyssey by Ipoh indie rockers CISCO. Syed Faiz’s vocals fluctuate, placing much emphasis on every line. Sometimes he almost whispers the questions, while most of the time, he asks them with a curiosity that nobody knows the answer to. The song extends for a considerable amount of time without over-occupying your space, and as you reach the end, you’ll realise you actually couldn’t get enough of it.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
30. “Redacted” – Porcelane
Porcelane may have a “new band” status, but their prowess makes it seem like they’ve been doing this their whole lives. With the debut of their EP “Not Dead, Just Asleep” receiving an incredible reception, the pop-punk band effortlessly captures the hearts of local music fans. This success can be attributed to their compelling hooks, songwriting that delves into the highs of pop punk with meticulous attention, and, of course, their stage presence radiating with explosive energy. The EP’s standout track, “Redacted,” unabashedly declares an addiction with less shame and more frustration in obtaining the narrator’s desires. “Cause I’m addicted to you / When I know it’s not meant for me / But I’m addicted to you,” the narrator reinforces with a sense of desperation.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
29. “Tahun Baru” – Echoless
Though the premise of “Tahun Baru” may echo with a familiar pop-punk structure, Echoless manages to infuse it with a force that prevents it from descending into boredom too swiftly. Serving as a classic heartbreak anthem, the song is imbued with regret and missed opportunities to rectify the mistakes: “Melangkahi dunia ini / Maka hukumlah kesalahanku.” The momentum is sustained seamlessly throughout this deliciously produced five-minute track.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
28. “Apologetick” – Golden Mammoth
What more could you ask from “Apologetick” by Golden Mammoth? It has groovy, twangy guitars, flickering synths and of course, Syabil Alyahya’s intoxicating yet rightfully arrogant vocals, especially when he asks, “Are you hopeful or are you boastful ’bout our crippled bleeding life? / Are you sad that I am bad at giving what you always want?” It’s a tale of a lover who’s unabashedly unapologetic about how he turned out after all the time spent being anyone but himself.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
27. Sanglirsari” – Mohd Jayzuan
Following the release of the underrated romantic pop album “Filokalis” in 2021, Ipoh-based indie rocker and multi-disciplinary artist Mohd Jayzuan makes a return to music with a folk song that still champions romance as the most poignant fulfilment to seek in life. This time around, Lisa Fuad, the vocalist of indie pop band FUAD, lends her sultry vocals in the background. “Dikau anggun menari dhan hamba menunggu / Bilakah akan padam resahku?” Mohd Jayzuan asks, taking the form of a devoted lover. There is a palpable anxiety building, an eagerness to fast forward to old age just to witness whether the lovers will endure until the end. If there’s one message to take from this song, it’s that we should all embrace being hopeless romantics like Mohd Jayzuan.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
26. “Crash Land Imminent” – The Bungalows Had Eyes
The intention behind “Crash Land Imminent” is crystal clear: A tale of the creeping horror of following orders leading you to an uncertain end. The narrator, also known as the “Captain” guides his passengers with careful instructions. First, you must avert your eyes. Then, you must fasten your seatbelts and life jackets. “Brace yourself for impact,” the Captain pleads, with a vocal performance by Nicholas Sia whose narration splits excellently between different personalities. It wasn’t until towards the end that you realised that the Captain wasn’t trying to save you but rather to prepare you for a pitch-black destination with no point of a return. It’s a haunting narrative of trust that lingers far too extensively.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
25. “Cuaca” – Aktadiri
This year witnessed a modest surge in shoegaze bands, yet emerging talents are delivering some of the most memorable works of the year. In “Cuaca,” the Rawang-based shoegaze unit Aktadiri thoroughly studies the shoegaze revival and what makes it blossom decades after its birth. Without the cries of impending personal catastrophe that are almost always offered as the unique selling point, “Cuaca” instead provides a pleasurable listening experience with radiant optimism, searching for light amidst the darkness: “Bersama pelangi / Menuju destinasi / Ku harap bercahaya / Ke arah yang dilindungi.” If a stronger revival of shoegaze bands unfolds in the upcoming years, it would be great to witness Aktadiri dominating the scene.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
24. “Places” – Smesta
In “Places,” one of the only two English-language songs from their exceptional “Rotten Fantasy” EP, Smesta asserts that strolling down memory lane is not a journey for the weak. Armed with guitar lines that strongly embrace the nostalgia-inducing sound of 2000s alternative rock, the agony of revisiting past mistakes and empty promises lingers persistently. “Sorry / Memory haven’t fade,” the narrator admits, with guttural confessions, repeatedly with much shame, that the memories not only haven’t faded, but they have also been haunting him all along.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
23. “Selamanya Bukan Milik Kita” – Servants
In 2023, more bands found comfort in releasing their first-ever Malay-language songs, excelling at them in the process. Joining the club is the alternative rock slash emo band, Servants. “Selamanya Bukan Milik Kita,” embraces the structure of emo classics, fortified with lyrical confidence and lush production. The gentle vocals of Amirul Nazreen, its vocalist, initially confesses his hungry wishes to fix what’s left to be fixed — before succumbing to desperation and finally reaching acceptance. There’s no turning back now.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
22. “Her” – Alextbh
The premise of “Her,” Alextbh’s lead single from his debut album “It’s All Good,” is simple: A guy who’s in love with a guy who’s in love with a girl. This sweet, sugary pop song is a treat for the hopeless romantics who find themselves pondering, “Is forevermore too much to ask for?” But unlike most breakup pop songs, the song maintains its integrity without resorting to any tacky attempts to vilify the lover’s new partner. “She’s got it all / But you’ve got it wrong if you think she’s the enemy,” he underscores, placing the blame where it truly belongs.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
21. “Erat” – Megat Fazly
This year, Megat Fazly embarked on a solo journey, diverging from his folk-pop band Mafidz, though his solo works orbit within a similar sonic realm. Among the four singles released to showcase his strength as a songwriter and producer, “Erat” effortlessly rises to the top. Loaded with warmth and words of affirmation, the single extends support to an anxious partner navigating their understanding of life’s catastrophes. It refrains from making grand promises that take time to keep. Instead, it presents a caring partner in their most sincere form. The glimpses offered by “Erat” suggest that his debut album could become one of the most exciting projects to anticipate in 2024.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
20. “LRT Gombak” – junosuara
In 2023, junosuara emerged onto the scene as one of the most exciting bands to look forward to. Their rapid rise—thanks to the captivating, memorable hooks of “LRT Gombak”—not only earned them a spot on gig bookings but also over 100,000 plays on Spotify and counting. This success brings to mind the trajectory of bedroom pop queen Clairo, especially in the context of the internet-driven era of music, where DIY, bedroom pop love songs thrive. While it’s unclear if the use of train references is carefully planned to capture their target audience, it certainly caught the attention of social media admins of rapidKL and later became the backdrop for train passengers recording their commutes against the skylines of Kuala Lumpur. “LRT Gombak” marks itself as a potential scene classic, and junosuara, as a new band, makes the entire ride look effortless.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
19. “Hamra” – MIM
“Hamra” commences with nearly a two-minute intro featuring a striking gambus performance by Hamizan Rashid, meticulously building both tension and excitement. As the explosive guitar kicks in and the entire MIM unit comes together, “Hamra” undergoes a cinematic, immersive transformation designed to be enjoyed in both intimate settings and majestic, spacious chambers.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
18. “Jatuh Sakit” – Johny Comes Lately
“Jatuh Sakit” stands out as one of the highlights in the ska-punk band Johny Comes Lately’s sophomore album, “DI SIMPANG TIGA,” primarily due to its heartfelt celebration of life and friendship. The song maintains its mellow momentum from the beginning, before concluding with sped-up verses and a collision of instruments towards the end. All of these create a beautiful, entrancing finale, reminiscent of walking into the sunset hand in hand with lifelong friends.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
17. “maraschino” – Apriltwentyfifth, Adriel
The collaboration between Apriltwentyfifth and Adriel forms a sugary, caffeine-inducing combination to keep you awake throughout the day. In other words, it’s addicting. The influences of bedroom pop and R&B are evident, but the charming persona remains steadfast and clear: “Used to live in shorts, nowadays I’m dressing proper / I don’t want no icing on my cake, but you could be my / Cherry on top,” — making it impossible not to leave you swooning for more.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
16. “Born July” – Airliftz
Heavenly produced by Shelhiel, Airliftz’s “Born July” is a sleek and concise autobiographical journey, chronicling his evolution from “a kid selling weed, smoking doobie” at 15 to becoming one of the most prominent rap stars in the scene within a decade. Despite his current stature, humility remains a central theme as he candidly acknowledges that the journey was no easy feat — “That was a lil backstory / Hanya tuhan tahu / Betapa perit hidup hari tak berlagu” — all without hesitating to assert that he was destined for this path.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
15. “Nice” – Note/Void
On their Spotify bio, Note/Void cheekily announces that their music offers an experience akin to “seeing an old Grandpa riding a Zebra on the Old Bentong Road at night!!” The description doesn’t make any sense, but it’s also accurate at the same time. Such is the experience we get from their nearly 5-minute otherworldly track “Nice” which holds buoyancy that could throw you into a spaceship, a jazz club or maybe, yes, why not somewhere on Old Bentong Road. Every second spent listening to “Nice” feels intimate yet so universal all at once; their expertise at keeping you entertained is akin to having a miniature version of themselves having a good time hanging on your shoulders. Could you have more fun than this?
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
14. “Nada Baru” – FLQ, Dian
Mohd Faliq, previously known for his work in Pastel Lite and now reintroduced into the scene as FLQ makes a return that is both grand and quiet at the same time. As a solo artist, his debut offerings find footing in the shimmery fun of city pop. “Nada Baru” stands poised, decorated with eloquent glitter and grooves that reflect the narrator gracefully making peace with heartbreak. Picture it: dancing beneath the mirrorball, immersed in the newfound glory post-heartbreak. Being one of the artists signed under Yuna Room Records, the opportunity to re-release the single with Yuna on vocals appears as an obvious choice. But Dian’s vocals radiate with more innocence, making the track blasting with extra fun and flair.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
13. “count to 10” – Lurkgurl
The opening track of lurkgurl’s “black hole tabernacle” paints a gloomy picture — a narrative of languishing in bed, observing life unfold in the relentless cycle of time. As lurkgurl counts to ten, she swings from one absurdity to another, inviting you to a suffocating fiesta, akin to waiting for the end of a panic attack. It’s a sentiment familiar to those who have sought solace in rotting in bed, avoiding the harsh embrace of reality. There’s an effort to reach out for help, there’s an acknowledgement that this depressing episode can only last for so long. Yet, the track concludes with a predictable ending: “I’m so alone, I’m always home / But like Cobain / I found friends in my head / They say stay in bed / and count to ten.”
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
12. “Masih Sunyi” – Yuna
Making the most of the power of nostalgia and seamlessly jumping onto the “healing” bandwagon embraced by local TikTok youths seeking temporary solace from their never-ending heartbreaks, Yuna manages to capture both nostalgia and emotions in “Masih Sunyi”. This single, featured in “Masih Yuna,” her first Malay-language project in many years, proves that though the songstress is now based in Los Angeles, she has quietly studied what captures the attention of the local audience, especially among the zoomers. The result is a breathtaking pop ballad, with conscious songwriting of one’s self-worth — “Aku tak pernah minta / Lebih dari yang kau beri” — that has left a potent mark in her discography.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
11. “City Of Rome” – Roadiarc
“City of Rome” by the alternative rock band Roadiarc opens with the gentle notes of a guitar. However, gradually, you can sense that it’s only going to get gloomier from here. When the lead song shifts its mood and enters a realm stripped of hope and optimism, you start to question its premise that you had foolishly thought would be a hopeful, happy ending song. Such is the eloquence of Radhi Osman’s songwriting, the vocalist, whose performance cynically dismantles both his expectations and yours of joy-filled adulthood — “When I look up into the skies in Rome / I try to make it feel just like at home / And then I start to realize I’m in pain” — in facing harsh realities, from the degrading state of the world run by imbeciles to the impending doom of one’s personal life.
Towards its climax, all the shredded pieces of optimism left exist just to be trampled: “A forever fight with a forever demon,” he sings, almost whispering, to mute the agony. Is there anything more painful than admitting your defeat?
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
10. “Suspiria” – Lil Asian Thiccie
No other song in this list radiates haunting coolness quite like “Suspiria” by Lil Asian Thiccie. It’s a track explicitly written about a witch in the making, summoning the courage to execute an evil plan amidst the terrifying world outside. Released fittingly around Halloween, Lil Asian Thiccie portrays the narrative of a newborn witch confidently preparing to embark on her inaugural evil endeavour of the night — leaving home without a bra, concealing a blade and shaving off her brows. “I think my Gone Girl starts tonight,” she whispers, the track exuding the same confidence and eagerness as Amy Dunne in her cool girl monologue that had all the girls yearning for the courage to commit a similar sin. Who knows if the evil plan worked out? What’s clear is that nobody is having more fun embracing their inner witch than Lil Asian Thiccie.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
9. “Bayang – Bayang” – Abjad Aksara
It’s perplexing how Abjad Aksara, hailed under the much-praised record label Luncai Emas, still manages to fly under the radar. However, after a rebirth from their indie pop-rock origin under a different name, paspatathopulous, “Bayang – Bayang,” is a strong introduction that proves why they’re here in the first place. The single roars its strength from the very beginning, with guitars that easily glue to your brain after the first few listens. “Jangan melawan kata titahnya / Hanyutlah engkau dalam nikmatnya,” is a call from a powerful, dark force that no one dares to say no to.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
8. “Nostalgia” – Golden Mammoth
Has anyone made a more thrilling comeback to music in 2023 than Golden Mammoth? The psychedelic-rock band returns with “GM” — a full-length album made for you to sit still and be in awe of how fucking cool they sound. In “Nostalgia,” the band’s first Malay-language song, Golden Mammoth sways with a breeze: “Jalan ke mana saja / Tetap jumpa nostalgia,” before transitioning into a new beginning — a one-minute, joy-inducing guitar solo that makes resisting the urge to join in the fun nearly impossible. Every second is dedicated to enchanting the listeners, be it through their explosive talents or enthralling rhythms, further cementing Golden Mammoth’s status as one of the most exhilarating bands we have today.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
7. “i’ll be alright, right?” – Lunadira
Lunadira has evolved from her bedroom pop days, as evident in the recent releases of her singles. Is it now safe to say that the songstress has truly discovered her signature sound? In “I’ll Be Alright, Right?”, Lunadira seamlessly navigates the rhythm while embracing chaos and existential crisis. The track’s title serves as a recurring mantra all the way through, though one could argue that it’s not saving her in any way. The questions are loud and clear, and so is her anxiety. The single holds the allure of PinkPanthress — though it’s far better than most tracks in PinkPanthress’ latest project — and makes its way to the top of her discography as her best work to date.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
6. “Matahari” – SXPH
As the main single off SXPH’s debut sci-fi-infused album, “Nisbah Sinematik Resolusi Penuh,” “Matahari” offers an otherworldly sound, heavy on gospel instruments and spacey isolation. The setting vacuums the narrator’s relationship issue with other humans, making it seem so minuscule in comparison to his spiritual journey in an attempt to find God in spite of all the chaos. “Minda bising adakala bisu / Di hujung saat tak tarik picu / Tuhan ada hadir bukak kan pintu,” he confesses with hopelessness. The track acknowledges its destiny — to be lonely is to be human — achieving humility despite its unclear reality.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
5. “Semoga HipHop Dirahmati” – YaRobin Yashar, HipHop Decontrol
In “Semoga HipHop Dirahmati,” YaRobin Yashar and HipHop Decontrol scorch the blaring ego of the hip-hop scene with a boombap track filled with heightened fortitude that solidifies their status in the scene. There are subtle jabs at fellow rappers, but there are also more direct ones that feel like multiple stabs in the chest. This solid track entices you to delve into the hip-hop scene, prompting questions about who to listen to and who to avoid (“Banyak adiwira tapi kuasanya makin kering / Banyak raja ku terbalikkan mahkota buat bekas makanan anjing.”). Despite its ugliness and glory in hip-hop, YaRobin Yashar and HipHop Decontrol make it clear that the whole point of music, after all, is resistance: “Hapuskan ketakutan, kalau benar ini jalan seni / Jabat erat kawan, sama-sama kita lawan sampai mati.”
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
4. “once upon a time and time again” – Lurkgurl
Lurkgurl’s album “black hole tabernacle” is far more timid in comparison to her previous works, yet more generous on the sad girl anthems. One track, in particular, that looms the darkest is “once upon a time and time again”— a song hefty on existential crisis and friendship breakups, with the slightest tinge of tired optimism. “Next exit we part ways / Destinations always the same / Swear the friendship wasn’t in vain / Pain never in vain.” The imagery is condensed with both fantasy and anxiety that exists just to harm your already distorted perception of reality. Still, Lurkgurl, or Khadijah Juswil, finds clarity in the mess and ends the self-doubts with the old mantra: It is what it is.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
3. “Kota Sengsara” – Smesta
The pop punk/emo revival may have reached close to dusk, exhaustingly populated with bands that aim for nostalgia but never the sound that makes it so big in the first place. But Smesta’s arrival into the scene feels grand and refreshing, as their rookie presence seamlessly integrates among many other pop punk/emo bands that are still panting with their games. This boasts brightly in “Kota Sengsara” an existential anthem dragging its narrator into the filthy, dirty mud of Kuala Lumpur. Think twin towers without their glory, think the city brought to life by misery — Smesta’s pen shamelessly admits that life in Kuala Lumpur is nothing but a phoney, depressing simulation.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
2. “Hasrat” – Amir Jahari
A lot of songs listed here revolve around hope, whether in search of more of it or contemplating giving up on it. But to have hope, even the slightest bit of it, in the first place is already a powerful act of change. Such is the premise of “Hasrat” by Amir Jahari, a song written for “Imaginur” but surpassing expectations and founding its own fanbase.
In “Hasrat,” the surface-level songwriting may seem to diminish hope and lean towards a bleaker fate: “Teriaklah, sekuat mana pun aku / Suara ini tiada mendengar / Teriaklah, berhentilah berharap.” Yet, Amir Jahari affirms that hope is not entirely lost. “Hasrat” distinguishes itself from being merely a soundtrack of a hit movie. It possesses excellent songwriting and vocal performance that carries a weight capable of tranquillizing all kinds of suffering. Yes, it suggests putting less hope, but hope is all we have, especially in a world so cruel that it makes it seem shameful to need more of it. It should come as no surprise that Amir Jahari’s pen works with this magnitude of charm; he is one of the best songwriters working today.
Even without “Imaginur,” “Hasrat” stands as a masterpiece on its own.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
1. “Sayang” – Shelhiel
Is it a misjudgment to pick a song from 2022 as our top pick for 2023?
Yes, “Sayang” initially unveiled in December 2022 as a single, but it truly found its stride upon being reintroduced as an EP with accompanying remixes in April 2023. This echoes a familiar narrative akin to SZA’s SOS, released belatedly in December 2022, yet managing to assert dominance over year-end lists for many publications (This however was met with criticism and frankly, we’re ready to face ours. Totally understandable, though.)
But “Sayang” is a celebration of love that excels in every aspect of visual direction, experimentation and timelessness, it feels like a sin to ignore its influence and bury it under other releases just because it was released on the twelfth month of the year. Its gradual evolution from an acoustic bedroom rendition to a lover and finally into a slow dance-pop sonata is enriched with rich piano and euphonious strings, rekindling romance more effectively than a candlelight dinner could. Shelhiel skillfully grasps the weight that the term endearment “Sayang” holds, turning it into an instant classic without over-engineering it. Hence, we assert that Shelhiel’s “Sayang” not only sustained its impact into 2023 but burgeoned, carrying a weight that transcends its original release, promising a lasting influence for many years to come.
Listen: Spotify / Apple Music
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