The year 2023 is coming to an end, and this means it’s time to look back and select all the tracks and songs released in 2023 to try to identify the best ones—the “masterpieces” that can truly represent, at least musically, the year that has just passed.

In order to be part of our list, all tracks (except one, which we will discuss shortly) had to undergo a rigorous selection process based on the following criteria:

1. Any friendship/acquaintance with the artists does not matter.

2. The artist’s “fame” does not matter: musicians with 1 million followers are as valuable as those with only 10 followers.

3. Music is about messages and emotions, so unless the mixing quality is blatantly poor, it is not taken into consideration.

4. No production using AI (detected through specific software) for both music and/or cover image has been considered: currently, AI technology relies on the unauthorized use of others’ art, and therefore, we will not support tracks created using its utilization.

5. As there are two of us, for a track to be included in this list, it had to receive approval from both. Any track that received approval from only one of us was discarded.

Within the article, you will find:

1. The official playlist of the ranking.

2. A song selected by the community to be part of this list.

3. The actual list.

4. The announcement of the artist of the year selected by us for 2023.

Let’s start with the list of the best synthwave  // synthpop music of 2023, reminding everyone that this is not a “top 10,” and the songs are not listed in order of “score.” Instead, all are equally deserving. Also, tastes are personal, so if you don’t find a track you think should be included, don’t get upset but suggest it to us by sending an email to “[email protected]“.