Not that I’ve been writing much, but this was always one of my favorite posts the last few years. I tried to be better about keeping notes from where/when/how I heard it but dropped the ball a few times. Anyway, none of these songs were released in 2023, but they are all new to me- meaning I heard them for the first time ever within the past 12 months. Also, while I wish I could recap every song from the playlist, I’m only going to highlight about half. Still check out the full playlist below though – I even sprinkled in a few 2023 releases that I enjoyed throughout the year. Hope you enjoy it too! Let me know what songs you heard for the first time this year!

Simple Step – Vulfpeck ft. Antwaun Stanley (2022)

I heard this on the first episode of 2023 for Cutlet Radio. Really dig this sound. I learned of Vulfpeck from their song “Christmas in LA” back in December 2022 and really enjoyed that. Definitely need to dive into them. Also, what a voice on Antwaun and LOVE the horns!

For Everyone Under The Sun (Live) – Jimmy Smith (1972)

Finding this song is why I write this blog post. I LOVED this song, and played it many times since first hearing it. In fact, the entire Root Down live album is so, soo good. I had never heard this song, never heard of Jimmy Smith, and only occasionally listen to jazz. But man, this song, which arguably might not even be the best one on the album, just caught me at the right time. It’s so groovy and so soulful, you can’t help but just start rocking your head and tapping your feet. Next thing you know, you’re making the stink face – you know the one – like you can’t believe he’s ripping like this on the organ! Wow.

In One Ear – Cage the Elephant (2009)

Heard this from Ryan’s ‘hour long run’ playlist and immediately added it to my running playlist. I actually enjoy finding others Running Playlists and see what they’ve got on there. Usually find one or two I add to my own.

Slip Into Something More Comfortable – Stephen Hague 2016 Mix – Kinobe (2016)

This I heard from a random playlist that I found on Spotify some morning. It sounds like it could be from a movie, or even the background on the weather channel back in the day. Either way, it makes you want to do exactly what’s in the title, grab a cold drink and relax in the sun and fresh air.

Dance The Night Away – The Mavericks (1998)

My parents saw The Mavericks in concert down the Cape this summer, and I had not heard of them before, so had to do my due diligence. They didn’t disappoint! Their genre is a wild mix of pop, rock, Latin, country and they are fun as hell and this song is a classic!

Scare Away the Dark – Passenger (2014)

Unfortunately can’t remember where I heard this. It kind of gives me Mumford/Lumineers vibes, but also someone else that I can’t put my finger on while writing this.

Three Man Weave – Injury Reserve (2019)

Funky and smooth. Pretty sure I heard this on Cutlet Radio – just a great spot to hear new music, especially for those of you, like me, who no longer have their finger on the pulse of actual new music.

Ronan (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift (2021)

Goddamn. This is such a sweet, but heartbreaking song. And I love it. When you can, read the Wiki about the song.

Goodbye Mr. Blue – Father John Misty (2022)

 

Where do people stand on Father John Misty? I’ve known about him, but never really listened to him. If he’s got more stuff like this though, I might have to start.

Grab Her Hand – Michael Christmas ft. Mac Miller (2015)

I came across on this article while scrolling Twitter, and of course clicked to read about Boston where it mentioned Michael Christmas. I listened to a couple of his songs and liked this one best. Real cool flow!

Tuesdays – Jake Scott (2018)

I got engaged this year, and this song was kind of appropriately introduced into my life. I actually think I heard “Good Day” first and then went to Jake Scott’s page and found this song.

Willie Maley – Charlie and the Bhoys (1996)

I somehow stumbled upon a (different) video of this group singing live, and had to text a buddy of mine asking if he knew this song. I don’t follow soccer (football), but this was catchy enough to maybe get me into supporting Celtic! And if anyone knows what the crowd yells out/chants, let me know! Also, if you like Irish music like me, check out Charlie and the Bhoys- they got a bunch of good versions of songs.

Be Good (Lion’s Song) – Gregory Porter (2012)

Cool song, from a guy with a pretty unique voice. Kind of sounds like Harry Connick, Jr. if I’m being honest.

100 Miles and Running – Logic ft. Wale & John Lindahl (2018) 

I think a commercial used this song, and I probably Shazam’d it. It’s pretty fire, and I like Wale and really ought to get into Logic, he’s got a good flow.

Dreams – Brandi Carlile (2009)

Brandi, I owe you an apology. I wasn’t really familiar with your game. This song rocks!

Musta Been a Ghost – Proxima Parada (2019)

Is finding new music something that makes you genuinely happy? Like when you hear a song for the first time and like it? I love that feeling. I had that feeling when Spotify made me a Morning Coffee playlist and this song was on it.

When You Need Me – Bruce Springsteen (1987)

I heard this at a wedding when the bride danced with her father. I’m a pretty big Bruce fan, so I was surprised to have never heard it, but damn this is a good one!

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