Let’s take a look back at 2023 with a selection of the 5 biggest musical hits of last year.
These titles were the most listened to and appreciated on the international scene. For Mukiz, this top 5 is a must-have that reflects the richness and diversity of music.
1. « Flowers » by Miley Cyrus
https://youtu.be/G7KNmW9a75Y?si=mRptUX3r2LedTOTM
No one will dethrone the iconic Miley Cyrus, who used her song to get back at her ex… We explain! “Flowers” is a declaration of independence and personal freedom when rebuilding after a break-up. Released in 2023, this energetic pop song is a celebration of self-love. Its success is due to the catchy rhythms that make this song an inspiring anthem for those seeking to regain their self-confidence. “Flowers” has topped one billion listens on Spotify. It has also dominated the charts in several countries and accumulated hundreds of millions of streams on various streaming platforms.
It’s true that everyone knows the title of this song, but it remains an essential element of a successful blind-test!
2. « Kill Bill » by SZA
https://youtu.be/MSRcC626prw?si=6QL0aV00G8C11D9d
“Kill Bill” by SZA is a song from her album “SOS” released in 2022. Inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s cult film, the song evokes themes of revenge…. Yes, you’re right, we’re getting closer to Miley Cyrus, but you’ll see, the story and the mood are different.
“Kill Bill” has a melody that is both soft and dark. The lyrics describe a story of heartbreak as SZA contemplates extreme action against her ex-lover and his new girlfriend. This contrast between SZA’s soft vocals and the darkness of the lyrics creates a unique tension that appeals to everyone. The song quickly climbed the charts and turned SZA into an icon of contemporary R&B music.
3. « As It Was » by Harry Styles
https://youtu.be/H5v3kku4y6Q?si=fXOF2F4xl60rdVtj
The celebrated British Harry Styles released “As It Was” in 2022, part of his third studio album entitled “Harry’s House”. It deals with introspective and personal subjects of loss or change with notions about the passing of time. The music is pop with 80s influences.
Naturally, the success of this song was not long in coming, as it reached the top of the charts in several countries. In the U.S., it quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, and in the U.K., it also dominated the charts. The music is still going strong in the charts, even two years on. Styles’ ability to mix musical genres shows the artist’s exceptional talent.
4. «Seven (feat. Latto)» by Jung Kook
https://youtu.be/QU9c0053UAU?si=tUbgUUl9TidCkguN
“Seven (feat. Latto)” is a song performed by Jung Kook who is a member of the South Korean group BTS, in collaboration with the American rapper Latto. Released in 2023, this song marked a significant milestone in Jung Kook’s solo career. It was hailed for its ability to change musical genres, as the song is a fusion of pop, hip-hop and R&B. The lyrics of “Seven” speak of romance and commitment to love, with a sensual, poetic touch. Latto brings a different touch with his rap verses. This solo artist has collaborated to discover new horizons, hence his success in the international charts.
5. « Ella Baila Sola » by Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma
https://youtu.be/lZiaYpD9ZrI?si=DVNgqXTmkH7lTvSy
“Ella Baila Sola” is performed by the group Eslabon Armado in collaboration with artist Peso Pluma. The song is a representative example of the Mexican regional genre, specifically the subgenre known as “corridos tumbados.” For the record, Eslabon Armado, is an American regional Mexican music group formed in 2017. On the other hand, Peso Pluma is a Mexican singer and songwriter who has also gained notoriety in the same musical genre. “Ella Baila Sola” blends traditional elements of Mexican regional music with modern influences, making it accessible to a wide audience. It fits in perfectly with the corridos style, since the song is about a story of love and desire, with a touch of melancholy. It goes to show that the language of love is indeed universal, bringing people together around international music like this.
From now on, your musical culture will be at the cutting edge! You can find these tunes on the Mukiz app, where you can also test your musical culture with entertaining blind tests. We hope you’ll get the titles and artists of these international tunes!