As we celebrate another year coming to a close, Audacy’s Katie Neal, Julia and Bru are here to reflect on some of the most influential songs and artists of 2023.

From Ed Sheeran to Luke Combs, Dua Lipa, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift and more, Katie, Julia and Bru are here to review it all as they discuss this year's stand-outs and spotlight their personal faves from across the year.

Julia was eager to start the conversation as she shared the one song she finds “most interesting” from the year is Miguel’s, “Sure Thing.“

“That is a song from 2011 that ended up being one of the biggest songs of 2023 because of TikTok,” she shared. “This whole year, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing it.”

Resurfacing songs seemed to be a common theme in 2023, Katie Neal pointed out, reminding everyone of Luke Combs’ monstrous success with a cover of Tracy Chapman's 1988 hit, “Fast Car.”

While there were definitely songs that stole the spotlight, Bru was eager to talk about the healthy serving of new artists that saw success like never before this year. Two of those artists being Jelly Roll and Noah Kahn. Both are nominated for Best New Artist at the 2024 GRAMMYs.

“One of the most-played artists… and one of the best stories of 2023 was Jelly Roll,” Bru shared, tossing to Katie Neal who has spent a lot of time interviewing him at Country radio.

“It’s been really wild to see how fast he’s blown up,” Katie said. “Jelly Roll obviously had a career in Rap, Hip-Hop [and] Rock prior to coming to Country — but watching how Country has embraced him, but also now, the rest of the world — I just think it’s so amazing. His mission is so pure, he’s such a nice guy.”

While Jelly has definitely had a record year, even he will argue the one who has had an even bigger year is Noah Kahan who Julia agrees is “blowing up rapidly.”

“He’s up for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs, he is headlining many festivals that I see him posting day by day. It’s not only just because he’s a talented musician, but he’s hilarious,” she expressed, while admitting he was her favorite interview of 2023.

Moving right along, what would a 2023 wrap-up be without Taylor Swift?

“Her dedication is just unmatched,” said Bru. “To see her down in Rio and suffer heat stroke just to make sure the fans get to see a show [is crazy].”

He continued, “I saw Taylor in LA, which is always fun. My little sister flew out for it [The Eras Tour] and it was one of those core memories just getting to watch it with a little sibling… I was marveling at the production,” he said praising Taylor for a straight 3-hours of live music.

“I just feel like she brought a lot of joy into this year,” concluded Katie.

To hear the full recap of stand-out songs and artists of 2023, check out the entire podcast featuring Audacy’s Bru, Julia and Katie Neal above.

Words by Monica Rivera Hosted by Katie Neal, Bru, and Julia