The Top 30 Montreal Songs of 2023

The Top 30 Montreal Songs of 2023

20. Population II “C.T.Q.S.”

The sound of a psychedelic, Krautrocky joyride into a dizzying new dimension — the kind Pink Floyd, Tame Impala and Can would be proud of.

19. YOCTO “Orbital Alcatraz”

The sound of bouncy post-punk made by people with a fever, for which the only prescription is more cowbell.

18. Marci “Stop”

The sound of the artist behind one of 2022’s best Montreal albums mixing razor-sharp pop songwriting with a minimalistic yet scintillating sonic backdrop.

17. Aliocha Schneider “Ensemble”

The sound of a painful, yearning for a long-distance love put to tape with acoustic guitars not unlike what you’d hear on the Garden State soundtrack.

16. Half Moon Run “Gigafire”

The sound of Devon Portielje simultaneously at his most vulnerable and feral — lyrically and vocally.

15. Comment Debord “Blood pareil”

The sound of a funky, disco-influenced track full of harmonies, smooth bass lines and killer hooks fit for the hippest of Montreal venues.

14. Sorry Girls “Prettier Things”

The sound of ‘70s soft rock with a contemporary sheen and the kind of breakup-themed songwriting you’d expect on Rumours.

13. Braids “Evolution”

The sound of self-reflective lyrical musings backed by hushed, bare-bones electronic soundscapes appropriate for lying in the sun.

12. Debby Friday “let u in”

The sound of a Montreal expat to the 6 taking a victory lap after winning this year’s Polaris, and toning down the noise while cranking up the atmosphere.

11. CRi feat. Jesse Mac Cormack “Losing My Mind”

The sound of a veteran local house producer subtly, calmly and confidently making arguably his catchiest tune to date.