If you were surprised when we published our Music of the Year 2024 feature in September 2025, then buckle up! Our Music of the Year 2023 feature was partially put together on time, but numerous other site projects kept us from being able to complete it. At the time, few team members were able to contribute personal favorite lists. Instead of publishing the feature with only two lists, we opted to revisit it later, even if we didn’t intend later to be “2025!”
Thankfully, we have several incredible newer people these days keeping our Music section thriving! As a result, our Editors’ Favorites for 2023 grew to six contributors, and I owe Patrick Gann a special shout-out for filling in the gaps in our overall list. Starting below, we have our Overall Best Music of 2023 across two pages, as voted on by the whole team. Use the menu below to read everyone’s personal favorites and to listen to our Music of the Year 2023 edition of Rhythm Encounter, too.
This second “catch-up” edition of Music of the Year means we finally no longer have a gap in coverage over the last five years! We are entering the pre-planning phase of Music of the Year 2025 soon, so be on the lookout for that in early 2026. Although, it turns out there is but one more gap year since we started Music of the Year back in 2012, so perhaps next spring you’ll see something surprising…
In the meantime, though, please enjoy Music of the Year 2023 (in 2025)!
Intro by Mike Salbato
Editors’ Favorites
ADOL CHRISTIN ~Ys 35th Anniversary Music Works~
by Audra Bowling
ADOL CHRISTIN ~Ys 35th Anniversary Music Works~ is a phenomenal collection of arrangements by Yukihiro Jindo from throughout the venerable action RPG series’ history. Standout tracks include the closing song “Adol Christin -The Adventure Goes On-,” an adventurous theme that captures the essence of Ys and its intrepid red-haired swordsman. Others include the ethereal and energetic “Foliage Ocean in Celceta” from Ys: Memories of Celceta, the rock-heavy opening “To Make the End of Battle” from Ys II, and the blood-pumping “Crossing Rage” from Ys SEVEN. The Ys games are known for their dynamic, action-oriented songs, and this arrangement album showcases this with a brilliant tracklist.
Highlighted Track: “To Make the End of Battle (Ys II)“
Baldur’s Gate 3 Original Soundtrack
by Hilary Andreff
If Baldur’s Gate 3 mirrors the experience of playing Dungeons & Dragons, the soundtrack is exactly what I want in the background for a D&D-style adventure. From the haunting, ethereal song that plays throughout the harpy battle to your stirring arrival at Baldur’s Gate, there is fitting music for a staggering number of situations. The music is notable on its own, appropriate and supportive of the writing and visuals, but that becomes even more impressive when you consider the vibrant cast of characters, player character options, and player decisions the music accounts for.
It also reminds me of Howard Shore’s The Lord of the Rings film scores, which use leitmotifs to denote certain elements through music. For example, the melody from “Down by the River” first appears during character creation, resurfaces several times throughout your journey, and then swells triumphantly in the credit music (aptly titled “The Power”). It also blends impressively with Amelia Tyler’s narration, and I cannot stress enough how crucial that is.
Highlighted Track: “Main Theme Part II“
Chrono Trigger played by Kara Comparetto
by Patrick Gann
Accomplished keyboard-based multi-instrumentalist Kara Comparetto has had incredible output over the past few years. For RPG lovers, her major feat in 2023 was performing arrangements of the entire Chrono Trigger score for piano, pipe organ, and harpsichord. Most arrangements feature two of the three instruments, but when it’s called for, all three instruments show up.Not only is this a great album to listen to — as I discussed in my review — it’s also phenomenal to watch! The video performances showcase some fancy hand- and footwork, and it’s delightful to see Kara fully embody the performance in her impressive Lucca, Marle, and Ayla cosplays! Finally, listen to Rhythm Encounter 114, in which we invited Kara to talk about her work.
Highlighted Track: “Secret of the Forest“
Coffee Talk Episode 2 ~Hibiscus & Butterfly~ Official Soundtrack
by Audra Bowling
The Coffee Talk Episode 2 ~Hibiscus & Butterfly~ Official Soundtrack is a lo-fi treat for the ears, the musical equivalent of a cozy spot you take shelter in from the rain with a warm and comforting beverage in hand. Composer Andrew Jeremy returns after his work on the first game’s soundtrack, once more providing stellar tracks that are equally chill and soothing. Standout songs include the two more upbeat tracks “Feeling Better” and “Sunny Day of Cold Winter,” as well as the sentiment-inducing pieces “Self Reflection” and “Thanks to All of You.” The Coffee Talk Episode 2 ~Hibiscus & Butterfly~ Official Soundtrack is an album you’ll want to have on repeat, especially if you need something relaxing to soothe what ails you.
Highlighted Track: “Never Fade Away“
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (Original Score)
by Aleks Franiczek
Similar to the Cyberpunk 2077 expansion itself, Phantom Liberty‘s OST offers less content in an overall tighter and more cohesive package. Sure, the soundscape includes some familiar ethereal electronic warbles and aggressively pulsating breakdowns that the base game had, but there’s a knife-cuttable tension in some of these songs that evoke Phantom Liberty‘s alienating world of espionage.
Tracks like “Apex Predators” and “You Can’t Hide From Us” feel like they’re about to hack your brain chip, while “Just Another Weapon” and “Test of Loyalty” fuse electric anxiety with soulful melancholy. And “Contra la Luna” just slaps. This concise DLC album offers an impressive amount of depth and variety.
Highlighted Track: “Contra la Luna“
Dave the Diver Original Soundtrack
by Hilary Andreff
Dave the Diver is a delicious contradiction in many ways. Appreciate the sea life while diving, but also appreciate it as delicious food. (Look, I don’t think anyone is more reverent and appreciative of the sea’s bounty than Bancho.) Remain vigilant due to the perilous, roguelike gameplay while exploring a gorgeous, serene aquatic environment. I adore how most of Dave the Diver‘s music fuels that dissonance by providing a gorgeous background during your exploration, but it doesn’t let you down during boss battles either, as it amps up the intensity to match the action.
The soundtrack draws me in whether I am getting into a flow state serving sushi, or trying to solve problems for residents in the breathtaking Sea People Village. I also love the boat music’s little twang and old-timey feel; it perfectly captures the idea of a small craft on the water throughout the day. If you haven’t played or listened, treat yourself and do both!
Highlighted Track: “The Blue Hole“
Distant Worlds VI: more music from Final Fantasy
by Audra Bowling
Distant Worlds VI: more music from Final Fantasy is an orchestral experience for those who adore the vaunted games’ phenomenal scores. The album covers a selection of memorable tracks from throughout the series, with Final Fantasy I being the oldest game represented and Final Fantasy VII Remake the latest. It’s a shame not every game is present, but the songs included are absolutely gorgeous and well worth listening to. Standout tracks include “Eternal Wind” from Final Fantasy III, “A New World” from Final Fantasy V, “Ragnarok” from Final Fantasy XI, and “Stand Up” from Final Fantasy VII Remake, though I’m genuinely hard-pressed not to mention every fantastic music piece on the album. Whether you’re new to the Distant Worlds music collections or an avid fan, this sixth album is definitely worth the price of admission!
Highlighted Track: “Final Fantasy III – Eternal Wind“
Filled With Pride: An LGBTQ+ Tribute to Undertale
by Patrick Gann
Released at the tail end of 2023’s Pride Month, GameGrooves published a compilation arrange album of tracks from Undertale. The album, like the game, celebrates diversity and LGBTQ+ representation. Many of the artists who collaborated on this album openly and proudly identify as LGBTQ+. Furthermore, proceeds from sales of Filled With Pride go to the politically affiliated non-profit 501(c)(4) Equality Florida.
Now, music for an important cause is meritorious all on its own. However, does the arranged music match the value of the process? After all, there are thousands of Undertale arrangements out there these days. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Nah Tony’s clever arrangement of “Death by Glamour” especially charmed me, with wailing electric guitar solos by Joshua Taipale. But all the favorites are here in fun new forms with varied instrumentation: “Heartache,” “Asgore’s Theme,” “Spear of Justice,” and of course, “Megalovania.” You’ll enjoy a great mix of rock, pop, chamber music, and some esoteric genres as well (did someone say SKAsgore?), if you take the time to listen to this killer arrange album!
Highlighted Track: “Death By Glamour“
Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack
by Patrick Gann
If you’re in the market for something so musically massive that it borders on overwhelming, look no further than the latest game in the numbered Final Fantasy series. Final Fantasy XVI Original Soundtrack boasts seven discs (eight, if you have the Limited Edition) from Masayoshi Soken and his colleagues from the Final Fantasy XIV music scene. If you like the Final Fantasy XIV soundtracks, you’re almost guaranteed to like this as well. In some areas, I’d forgive anyone for calling it “more of the same.” Some central melodic motifs and conceptual structure within the XVI score differentiate it from XIV and its many expansions, though. Regardless, if you’re looking for some fantastic orchestra and choir for epic battles between godlike creatures, this is the soundtrack for you.
Highlighted Track: “To Sail Forbidden Seas“
Final Fantasy Series Acoustic Arrangements
by Greg Delmage
In my youth, my uncle had access to music and would make us mixtapes — and later, CDs — from his extensive DJ album library. Then Kazaa, Napster, etc. came to be, and I requested Final Fantasy music. What he sent back cemented my love of video game soundtracks, and the pioneer albums of orchestrated, live video game music. Now, we have a glut of arrangements, orchestrations, and otherwise from talented fans and officially licensed composers. One of the best albums I’ve heard in a long time is Final Fantasy Series Acoustic Arrangements. The journey through 15 tracks of Final Fantasy music history, with an expertly curated collection of classics to new surprises, is a delight to listen to. Even the old faves you’ve heard before are arranged in such a way that make them, arguably, some of the best versions. Do yourself a favor and listen to this fantastic album crafted by Atsuki Yoshida, Yasunori Nishiki, and a talented league of arrangers and performers.
Highlighted Track: “Don’t Be Afraid & Force Your Way“
