From Janelle Monáe to boygenius, we were spoilt for choice when it came to queer music this year
BY EMILY ALICE MOSS, IMAGE BY SAM MULLER
2023 has been a difficult year for so many of us, but if there’s one thing that seems to have thrived this year- it’s sapphic music. From pop to indie folk, to RnB, there have been few genres in which sapphic artists haven’t been making waves across the music industry (and TikTok). And with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the songs that have made this year so fantastic for sapphic music…
Lipstick Lover – Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe was back with their first album in five years, The Age of Pleasure, whose Afrobeat, reggae-inspired sounds and joyous mood have won them plenty of acclaim. But it was Lipstick Lover, one of the album’s singles, that really stood out. Its blending of electronic pop with reggae, the catchy chorus, and unapologetically queer lyrics capture so much Black queer joy and make it a real bop.
One That Got Away – MUNA
Fresh off the back of the success of their single Silk Chiffon, which became summer 2022’s sapphic hit, queer icons MUNA are back with another banger. Their single, One That Got Away, has an 80s influenced, punchy, electro-pop sound which feels like an instant classic that you can’t quite get out of your head (although why would you want to?!).
Weightless- Arlo Parks
This single from Arlo Parks’ new album, My Soft Machine, is a quietly devastating song about a souring relationship. While not exactly a bop, its catchy chorus of “I don’t wanna wait for you/But I need you, so I won’t go” perfectly encapsulates the unhealthy codependent relationship dynamics that can feel all too familiar to those of us who have experienced them.
Ruined – Adrianne Lenker
This recently released single marks the welcome return of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker, whose previous solo album, Songs, became a staple listen for sad queers everywhere. With an especially heartbreaking refrain of “Can’t get enough of you/ You come around I’m ruined”, the song conveys the agony of obsessive love, and like so much of Adrianne’s discography, is a great song to cry to.
Cool About It – boygenius
Arguably one of the standout songs of the year by everyone’s favourite queer supergroup is Cool About It, whose devastating lyrics include verses like “but we don’t have to talk about it/I can walk you home and practice method acting”. Once again, boygenius has given us the perfect sapphic heartbreak song.
She’s On My Mind- Romy
Until recently, Romy was best known as a member of indie rock band, The xx. But this year, she has soared to dance-pop stardom with her debut solo album, Mid Air, which she described as a “love letter to gay clubs”. Romy’s track She’s On My Mind is written about her wife, Vic Lentaigne, and it’s an upbeat, joyful trance and electro-pop-infused club anthem and love song all in one!
Hungry Heart – Steve Aoki and Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko
This list wouldn’t be complete without Hayley Kiyoko aka “Lesbian Jesus”. Here, she returns in this collaboration with EDM legends Steve Aoki and Galantis, writing the song’s lyrics about her relationship with her girlfriend Becca Tilley. It adds a heartwarming touch to this playful dance track that will definitely be playing in gay clubs in the years to come.
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