By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Best of 2023 series continues as I reveal my favorite 60 songs of the year!
The Year of Dolly
The Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton, had one of the busiest years of her career. At the beginning of the year, Dolly teamed up with EDM trio Cheat Codes with “Bet on Us,” featured in the trio’s country crossover album One Night in Nashville. In February, she appeared in the late and beloved Olivia Netwon-John’s final duet – a cover of “Jolene.” That same month, the “I Will Always Love You” singer-songwriter collaborated with one of her idols, Dionne Warwick, and recorded the beautiful gospel tune: “Peace Like a River.” Finally, Dolly released her highly anticipated Rockstar album on November 17. One of the album’s crown jewels is her collaboration with Sir Elton John: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
Cover It!
2023 featured tons of excellent covers! Adam Lambert introduced a new generation to Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero.” At the same time, Darius Rucker gave Rihanna’s homage to the late Chadwick Boseman’s “Lift Me Up” a country twist. Longtime Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friends Branden + James gave “Roxanne” a classical crossover makeover. Zac Brown Band joined Steven Tyler in “Sweet Emotion,” while Kodi Lee breathed new life into The Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams.” Angel City Chorale gave listeners chills with their interpretation of “When You Believe,” and Fall Out Boy gave the millennial and Generation Z answer to “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
Let’s Collaborate!
2023 was a busy year for collaborations. Britney Spears and will.i.am reunited to tell haters and tabloids to “MIND YOUR BUSINESS,” while Demi Lovato recruited Slash as she re-recorded “Sorry Not Sorry.” Bebe Rexha told fans: “I’m Good (Blue)” with frequent collaborator David Guetta. Jon Batiste performed a “Raindance” with Native Soul. Meanwhile, Michael Bolton re-visited his American Song Contest entry “Beautiful World” with collaborator Justin Jesso. P!nk recruited the Lumineers for the haunting “Long Way to Go,” as Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s friend Lux made fans dance with Nick Lachey with “Recover.”
Legendary
Music Legends took 2023 by storm! Cher and Cyndi Lauper told fans to “Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart.” Billy Porter’s “Baby Was a Dancer” and Idina Menzel’s “Beast” made theater lovers dance. John Mellencamp asked, “Hey God,” and Kylie Minogue enchanted the world with “Padam Padam.” Motown icon Smokey Robinson told fans “How You Make Me Feel,” while Tanya Tucker had “Breakfast in Birmingham” with Brandi Carlile. Shania Twain’s “Giddy Up!” merged dance and country music, while the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and Stevie Wonder gave music lovers “Sweet Sounds of Heaven.”
Superstars (and Rising Acts) on the Horizon
Miley Cyrus bought herself “Flowers,” while Lisa De Angelis weaved a story about “My Sister’s Blue Suitcase.” Morgan Wallen regretted “Last Night,” as Post Malone shifted into “Overdrive.” Troye Sivan made fans “Rush” to the dance floor while the Vakili Band stated that “Yves Called Her Betty.” Future podcast guests Laura Bryna revealed her “Wishlist,” and Ksenia declared, “It’s my birthday.” Nicki Minaj released “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” as Dua Lipa helped Barbie “Dance the Night” away.
The Ghost Hounds went on the “Last Train to Nowhere,” while Ed Sheeran visited an “American Town.” John Morgan asked fans to “Remember Us,” as Dan + Shay warned obsessive music lovers to “Save Me the Trouble.” Beyonce welcomed the Beyhive to “My House” and collaborated with Travis Scott on “DELRESTO (ECHOES).” The Jonas Brothers hashed out issues at “Waffle House,” Monsta X sang to K-pop fans about “LONE RANGER.”
Brandy told fans to “Shine Out Your Light,” while Chris Stapleton rode a “White Horse.” Bad Bunny traveled to “MONACO,” and Janelle Monae found her “Lipstick Lover.” Diplo and Lily Rose made us “Sad for the Summer,” while Chapel Hart reflected on the “Glory Days.” Lauren Marcus sang about being “Skinny & Blonde” as Taylor Swift released her version of “Mean.”
What were some of your favorite songs from 2023?
