Top 16 songs from Merseyside in 2023 – RANKED!

As 2023 comes to a close, Sam Millne picks his personal top 16 songs to come out of Merseyside this year.

There have been some brilliant releases this year, and so many top tracks haven’t made it in. However, I’ve decided to go through 16 of my personal favourites and share them with you.

Honourable mentions from me include songs by Cast, Dovegate, The Farm, Stanleys, Paul O’Keefe, Fiona Lennon, Tom Rogan and Ria Hanley.

Comment yours and any we’ve missed out!

#16 Now and Then by The Beatles

It feels slightly surreal to be able to include this, but we couldn’t not. It’s a beautiful track that will go down in history with its breakthrough in technology.

#15 Scarlet by Caitlyn Eve

A brilliant debut single that captures Caitlyn Eve’s fantastically powerful vocals and is memorable in its simplicity.

#14 Voice of the Voiceless by Jamie Webster

A classic message from Webster about standing up for those without the means to, chiefly using his acoustic guitar to allow the words to stand out.

#13 When The Sun Came Up by Paul Askew

This one is Paul Askew’s strongest track yet and showcases his ability to write with his backing band in mind. The opening lick will stick with you for days!

#12 Daisy Chain by Pixey ft. Tayo Sound

Arguably Pixey’s best release to date, Daisy Chain crisscrosses across different genres seamlessly, with an incredibly catchy chorus that is almost the definition of a summer song.

#11 Stay Behind by Reignmaker

We could have picked any from their EP, We Go Round, but Stay Behind stands out for the drums that accompany the chorus, as well as the intense harmonies.

#10 Hard by Rianne Downey

It has been the Glaswegian’s best year yet, touring and releasing another EP from her new home city of Liverpool. Hard is among her best work and is maybe the catchiest song on this list.

#9 Sinking Ship by Liam McGarry

Following up Do What You Love, Liam McGarry worked with poet Emily, Rats guitarist Mikey Duncalf and producer Jay Gaugler to record this beautifully written ballad.

#8 Four by East Exchange

One of Liverpool’s fastest growing bands were massively helped by a strong debut single they released – Four. If you take the time to listen, it is a well-crafted song that leaves you wanting to hit replay as soon as the track finishes.

#7 Paris to Marseille by Keyside

This has been the year Keyside really took off. With influences from different figures in the band, Paris to Marseille gets your feet tapping and head nodding in an instant.

#6 Chancer by The K’s

The Earlestown group hardly ever miss and this is vintage K’s music. They’re quickly into a rip roaring chorus after a pre-chorus and opening verse that set the scene perfectly.

#5 Reborn by The Cheap Thrills

The Walton band returned with a bang when they released Reborn. The track has been played over 200,000 times on Spotify and is already a favourite among fans.

#4 I’m A Liar by The Royston Club

In truth, any of the new songs off their album could have made this list, but we’ve gone for I’m A Liar due to its creative pre-chorus and seamless transition into power chords that punctuate the gaps in the song.

#3 Cornerstone by The Stamp

This might be the Scousest song of 2023. With a sound like The La’s, the song hits you instantly and never gives you a chance to breathe throughout the 2 minutes 39 seconds – a brilliant piece of work.

#2 Keep That to Me by Hannah Weedall

You’ll struggle to find a better debut tune. This list may be personal preference but this is genuinely as good an indie rock song as I have heard in a long time.

#1 Trip Through The Night by The Kairos

A simply stunning piece of art that takes its time to build.

The highlight of the track comes with the closing violin solo but the journey there takes you up and down, meandering towards the climax before teasing you and bringing you back to Earth.

It is a song that could have come from The Levellers, and is a real statement from The Kairos that they aren’t just a band that play their guitars loudly.

You don’t want to miss out on sitting down and listening to this properly, or eventually witnessing it live.

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Tell us your top 2023 releases from Merseyside artists on social media @merseymusicmag_ on all platforms!

A playlist featuring the top 16 plus some honourable mentions.