As we head into the second half of 2023, Pitchfork’s writers and editors are already thinking about what albums have left the biggest impressions and will land a coveted spot on our end-of-the-year list. So we’re spotlighting some of the year’s most outstanding releases to date by rounding up albums that have earned high scores and Best New Music designations with a quick list of RIYLs (that’s Recommended If You Like) and links to our coverage. Unlike our year-end lists, this one is organized in reverse chronological order, from our most recent faves to the December 2022 releases that just missed the deadline for last year’s list. To help you keep track of the year’s best music, we’ll be updating it periodically throughout the remainder of 2023.
(All releases featured here are independently selected by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, however, Pitchfork may earn an affiliate commission.)