Bass Drops & Saxophone Melodies: The Top 5 Tracks that Defined My 2023

The primary reason I switched from SoundCloud Pro to Spotify Premium was the end-of-year Wrapped feature. I find it really cool that Spotify summarizes a year (technically 11 months) of data, showcasing favorite artists and songs from one’s actual listening history. I wanted to delve into my top five most played songs to share some new tunes with you!

“Saxoriddim” by GRiZ

First up is the undisputed king of my heart, GRiZ. This song perfectly represents his transition into the bass world, and it was on repeat for months. It seamlessly combines heavy bass with funk and saxophone melodies. Each of the three drops, while different, incorporates elements from all parts of GRiZ’s musical career. My favorite is the last drop, with its piercing saxophone melody combined with heavy bass downbeats.

“Dummy – Chris Lake Remix” by Chris Lake, Portugal. The Man

I was pleasantly surprised that this song had an official release, a testament to Chris Lake’s incredible talent. The track makes excellent use of bass counter melodies, featuring many layers. My favorite drop is the last one, especially the buildup, where the tension is drawn out, leading to an irresistible dance-worthy drop.

“Rollo” by Ganja White Night

Ganja White Night showcases their mastery in this song, first introduced at EDC Las Vegas in 2021. Despite its long wait for an official release, it was worth it. The deep bass rifts in the drop create a unique and unmistakably Ganja White Night experience.

“Drop In” by GRiZ

GRiZ graced us with one last EP before his indefinite hiatus, and this track from the EP will be my most-played song this year. The incredible buildup and the flurry of bass notes in the drop, fluctuating while piercing your soul, make this song extraordinary. The second drop brings back the classic old school GRiZ vibe, carrying the melody along with an instrumental twist.

“One More Weekend – It’s Different Remix” by It’s Different, Audien, Max

This one was a surprise for me, but a delightful one. While the original song is fantastic, this remix transforms it into a stutter house masterpiece with an incredible drop that cascades up and down. The melody and vocals are on point, resulting in an outstanding composition. Check it out!