Music 2023🎵: songs, catchy tunes🎧. A return to the 80s

Before we get started with the list of songs from 2023 – the biggest hits of the year – please allow us to say a big thank you: As the year draws to a close and the festive spirit of Christmas surrounds us, we at DJ4 would like to thank you all for making such an extraordinary year, full of memorable evenings, possible. And we’d like to share with you the the most important songs of 2023, which have characterised the past twelve months, turning every celebration into an explosion of fun and joy.

In this overview, we turn the spotlight on the major successes of the year, which have shaped our journey, with a special focus on the music that got people dancing the most.

MUSIC 2023: THE BIG HITS… HAVE A VINTAGE SOUND!

Many hit songs in 2023 drew heavily on the 1980s! The “Made in Italy” group of the year, the The Kolors, scored a European hit with “Italo Disco”, a tribute to the genre that, in the 1980s, made our country a world leader in electronic music (there are clear references in the lyrics – and in the music – to Giorgio Moroder and Righeira).
Also Bob Sinclar followed the trend, adding her own twist to a classic from the Matia Bazar of the the 1980s, “I Can Hear You“, in a way repeating the move that made him famous about ten years ago with his remix of Raffaella Carrà’s “Far l’Amore”. This new version of “I Can Hear You” is a real time travel, thanks to carefully crafted sounds that transport the listener back in time, as far as 40 years ago. Sinclar has managed to breathe new life into this iconic track, infusing it with a fresh, contemporary energy without losing any of its original charm. It is a mix that perfectly embodies the art of blending the past and the present, offering an immersive musical experience for both long-standing fans and the younger generation.

Also Dua Lipa  paid tribute to the The 1980s with “Houdini” (The artist, who is of Albanian origin, also released “Dance the Night” in 2023, which features on the soundtrack to the Barbie film).

A long-standing champion, dating back to the 1980s, he is Purple Disco Machine, who really didn’t put a foot wrong in 2023, with tracks that were heavily played on the radio and danced to in nightclubs: “Something on my mind“, “Bad Company“, and “Substitution” (In the latter, you’ll have recognised the sample from Alphaville’s “Big in Japan”, that memorable track from the 1980s; this record is the result of a collaboration between two top-class artists, Purple Disco Machine and DJ Kung, working together for the first time).

This spring’s music scene has seen the release of a splendid cover of “I’ve Never Known Love Like This Before“, a track by Stephanie Mills that won a Grammy way back in 1981 for “Best R&B Song”. This new interpretation, retaining the sound of the 1980s, was produced by French DJ and producer Bob Sinclar, who chose Quinze to breathe new life into this iconic track.

Furthermore, it is worth noting an unexpected foray into the world of dance music by Duran Duran with “Psycho Killer“, in collaboration with Victoria De Angelis of Maneskin. The version Rivaz Remix This collaboration has a surprising energy and drive, combining the influences of Duran Duran with the freshness and power of Victoria De Angelis, adding a new layer of creativity to the music scene.

SONGS 2023: THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF 90s REFERENCES

Although we’re not talking about a real trend like the 80s revival, even the the 1990s They were a source of inspiration for many of the hits that had us dancing throughout the past year: for example, David Guetta and the Black Eyed Peas they cited Haddaway e Scatman John.

David Guetta has covered the hugely popular 1990s track ’What Is Love” by Haddaway in his “Baby Don’t Hurt Me“, in collaboration with Anne-Marie and Coi Leray. It’s the perfect way to kick off the retro vibe at your parties.

The current music scene confirms the shift towards Latin music that the Black Eyed Peas have been making in recent years, as evidenced by the new singles taken from the album “Elevation”. “Dancing with You” sample “Scatman“, Scatman John’s 1990s hit. This fusion of contemporary sounds with an iconic rhythm from years gone by demonstrates the Black Eyed Peas’ ability to blend different styles and eras, creating a musical experience that is both engaging and nostalgic.

Speaking of references to the the 1990s and successful partnerships, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding (on their third collaboration) have released “Miracle“. This dance track is perfect for letting your hair down at parties DJ4 and already boasts several remixed versions. It is clearly inspired by the trance and dream music vibe of the legendary 1990s, an era when Robert Miles’s ’Children“ reigned supreme. This new track perfectly captures that atmosphere, bringing a contemporary twist to a sound that defined an era in the history of dance music.

And how could we not mention the track by the AQUA, Barbie Girl, republished by Tiësto? Well, it really has defined 2023, thanks to the success of the film – a real blockbuster.

Most-streamed Italian songs of 2023: the female singers’ comeback

On the domestic front, it is interesting to note that it has been women in particular who have achieved the greatest number of “consecutive” hits – that is, two or three chart-topping tracks – in 2023. Let’s start with Paola and Chiara (they got back together after years apart), with “Furore” (a track that pays tribute to the dance music of the 1990s and 2000s), “Sea of Chaos” (with a Latin-style rhythm that gives a nod to the 1970s, featuring a reference to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”), and “Lambada” with Boomdabash.

Annalisa has had a truly “top” year: Absolutely beautiful (officially released at the end of 2022, but which “took off” in early 2023), “My love“, “Euphoria”, “Disco Paradise” (featuring Fedez and Articolo 31).

And Annalisa’s “self-proclaimed rival”, Elodie? Well, the last 12 months have been a really successful period for her too. At the start of the year, she launched “OK. Take a deep breath”, and then two more hits: “Crazy music” with Marco Mengoni, and “With the headlights off“.

There’s also room for a newcomer: Angelina Mango, with “Summer evenings” and “What shall I say to him?“.

Among his “male colleagues”, one name certainly deserves a mention: Lazza who enjoyed huge success with “Ash” (a track in which one can recognise the skilful touch of Dardust). Presented at the Sanremo Festival, where it secured a well-deserved second place, Ash It was played constantly on the radio and was a big hit at our birthday parties, especially 18th birthday parties.

I Nuclear Tactical Penguins They continued to release hit after hit, with “Rubami la notte” (a song celebrating nightlife and the new romances that blossom in that setting) and “Nightmares” with Bresh

Another of the summer’s most popular tracks, “Strawberries” by Achille Lauro and Rose Villain.

Hip-hop songs 2023: here’s how it went

Hip hop and, above all, the trap, has maintained a strong presence on playlists, with tracks that became real party hits in 2023. “Finesse” by Gelosa featuring Shiva, Guè & Sfera Ebbasta, and “Black Glasses”The acts by Ava, Anna and Capo Plaza were particularly in demand, becoming regular features at birthday parties and proving a huge hit, especially with younger audiences.".

Another popular track is “Taxi on the Moon” produced by Takagi & Ketra, performed by Tony Effe and Emma. Although less energetic, it was a huge hit on the radio, proving its enduring presence on listeners“ playlists. “Lightning conductors” has emerged as a real rap hit: this collaboration between Ernia, Fabri Fibra and Bresh has highlighted a critique of the excessive use of social media and the pressure of being judged by one’s social success.

Finally, amongst the tracks that draw on hip hop but lean more towards a dance sound,”Bon Ton” by Drillionaire (Feat. Lazza, Blanco, Sfera Ebbasta) and “Another World” by Merk & Kremont featuring Tananai and Marracash, have caught the public’s attention thanks to their skilful and effective fusion of sounds. This track, in particular, with its atmosphere reminiscent of the famous “Born Slippy” by Underworld, has been met with enthusiasm by listeners, combining the power of hip hop with the groove of dance music in an explosive and captivating mix.

DANCE AND HOUSE SONGS IN 2023: A LATIN TOUCH IN THE CLUB TOO

Continuing in the vein of the dance music, let’s take a closer look at club music. In 2023, the trend towards Latin influences is undeniable; here are a few examples. It has a certain “Latin style” about it “Caribbean” by Baddies Only; special mention for Bel Mercy – “Jengi” and “Teeth” by J Balvin, Usher and DJ Khaled, which, whilst essentially a reggaeton track, has a nod to dance music: it’s going down a treat on the dance floor. For fans of the genre, it’s also worth mentioning “Pa Lante” the new single by the French DJ and record producer Hugel produced in collaboration with Ryan Arnold, El Chuape and Shakira, featuring MUSIC SESSION 53, a “tail end of winter” in 2022 that became significant in early 2023.

Other dance tracks, not influenced by Latin music, which were hits in 2023 include “(It Goes Like) Nanana” by Peggy Gou It’s another track that’s perfect for a “stylish” party, with its slightly 90s-style house sounds: it’s classy yet catchy. Let’s also mention La Bebe (David Guetta remix, by Yng Lvcas, Peso Pluma and David Guetta) and two hits by Gabry Ponte: Easy on my hearth e One by One

Rock songs 2023: a magical year for fans of electric guitars

During the autumn of 2023, the rock scene was abuzz with major comebacks, featuring iconic bands such as the The Rolling Stones, who released their single “Angry” taken from the brand-new album “Hackney Diamond“. The video for this single was filmed on the streets of Los Angeles, featuring the actress Sydney Sweeney, offering a unique visual experience.

Among the most eagerly awaited comebacks are also the U2 they made a name for themselves with “Atomic City“, whilst Lenny Kravitz presented “TK421“, a track that perfectly reflects the distinctive style of the legendary American performer. It offers a blend of strong African-American influences, creating atmospheres that evoke the talent and soul of Prince, whilst the driving rhythm and infectious groove ensure it’s a hit even when played as part of rock sets at parties.

REGGAETON: MALUMA IS STILL THE STAR OF THE SHOW

As for the reggaeton, 2023 wasn’t exactly one of the most memorable years: there aren’t many tracks that have gone mainstream; Rosalia with “Tuya“However, she has actually managed to make this upbeat track a massive hit across the board, even though it doesn’t get people dancing quite like the most popular reggaeton hits of yesteryear. Maluma (in Italy, he is the Latin American singer with the most Instagram followers after Shakira) has “re-emerged” following his summer single “Power of Attorney” and Anitta with “A Thousand Times” . But the highlight is undoubtedly the new one by Zion & Lennox and Wisin: “Now” is still really getting people dancing, just like “”lala" by  Myke Tower.