Turn it Up! 10 of Our Tutors' Top Songs of 2023
As the year comes to a close, you can often find people discussing their favorite films, books and shows of the previous 12 months. In particular, music streaming apps have made it very popular to share and compare our favorite songs of the year.
This year, we've decided to join the festivities; we asked some of our tutors to share their top tunes of the year, and we're happy to present some of their responses below.
Remember: although we asked for favorite songs of the year, it does not mean that those songs need to have been released in 2023. So even if a song debuted 40 years ago, it doesn't matter as long as our tutors enjoyed it more than any others this year!
Our Tutors’ Favorite Songs of 2023
Clare (Australia)
Favorite song of 2023: "(It Goes Like) Nanana" - Peggy Gou
Why do you like it?
It's a catchy song that lifts my spirits, whatever my mood. [It's] also inspiring to see a female DJ become so successful globally!
Kleo (Albania)
Favorite song of 2023: "Yellow" - Coldplay
Why do you like it?
I truly believe that Coldplay has no bad songs. The song "Yellow" is one of my favorites because it has such an amazing vibe and I think everyone that feels low and blue should listen to it for a boost in energy and happiness.
Milja (Serbia)
Favorite song of 2023: "Runaway" - OneRepublic
Why do you like it?
The video is really great and the song itself is kind of soft, but at the same time somehow energetic. I like it very much!
Ricky O (Haiti)
Favorite song of 2023: "California Dreamin'" - The Mamas & The Papas
Why do you like it?
I really like the rhythm of this song; the lyrics are easy to follow and understand.
Anders (The United States)
Favorite song of 2023: "Oh! Tengo Suerte" - Masayoshi Takanaka
Why do you like it?
The moment I heard this song, I just couldn't help but smile and feel happy.
Ilke (South Africa)
Favorite song of 2023: "Ghost" - Justin Bieber
Why do you like it?
I love this song because I can relate to it. Losing a loved one is hard, whether that might be recently or many years ago the pain still lingers. So "I'll settle for the ghost of you" 🙂 as the song says. The song also reminds me of how short life can be and motivates me to live life to the fullest everyday and to appreciate the people in my life.
Eni (Hungary)
Favorite song of 2023: "Lost on Land" - Lily Honigberb, Hanna Crowley and Eric Rigler
Why do you like it?
This song reminds me of a recent trip I had in Ireland as it gives an authentic atmosphere to how we imagine Irish culture and Ireland.
Luka (Serbia)
Favorite song of 2023: "MY EYES" - Travis Scott
Why do you like it?
[It's a] gorgeous two-part instrumental. The first part has an overall relaxing atmosphere with some pleasant vocals whereas the second half amps up the energy significantly. Together they create a beautiful blend of moods.
J Ann (The Philippines)
Favorite song of 2023: "Wherever You Are" - ONE OK ROCK
Why do you like it?
I started listening to ONE OK ROCK music as recommended by a student. It eventually became my go to music during break time which soothes me and gives a relaxing appeal to me. It also has the combination of English and Japanese words to learn and relate to.
Oroni (Bangladesh)
Favorite song of 2023: "New Dance" - XG
Why do you like it?
Whenever I listen to this song, I feel a rush of energy and happiness, and it motivates me to work out regularly. As someone who struggles to find the motivation to exercise, this song has become an essential part of my workout routine.
Wrap(ed)-up
Thank you to all of the tutors who shared their favorites. As you can see and hear, their choices covered a wide variety of eras and musical styles, from modern dance tracks to classic folk songs.
Have you discovered any new favorites from this list? Why not talk about your own favorite music of the year during your next lesson? Algorithms can be convenient, but it's also great to discover music the old-fashioned way: through recommendations and word of mouth!
