Underrated 2023 Albums for Every Zodiac Sign

Stuck in a listening slump? Afterglow’s got you covered with a list of lesser-known 2023 albums to match each zodiac sign.

Written by C.S. Harper

Photos courtesy of Balming Tiger, Ally Shmaling, Oddisee, Netti Hurley, and Wanjie Li

For the second year in a row, Afterglow’s compiled a list of underrated 2023 records to match each zodiac sign.

**Aries (March 21 – April 19): Teeth by Die Spitz**

Aries traits: Rebellious, electric, relentless

Die Spitz is an all-femme punk band that has gained notoriety in the Austin, TX music scene since releasing their debut EP, The Revenge of Evangeline, in mid-2022. After following up with debut full-length Teeth in January, the fourpiece carried their momentum with high-profile performances at Levitation Festival and ACL. Teeth emulates the undeniable energy and rage of riot grrrl greats, making it the perfect soundtrack for Arians in 2023. From the unflinchingly grimy sexuality of “Groping Dogs Gushing Blood” to the metal riffs of “Monkey Song,” the record is packed with standout moments that reflect the bold nature of the ram. “Marrow Bone” calls back to the cryptic lyricism of Hole’s Live Through This, while “Slater” brings to mind Veruca Salt’s “Seether” with the leading hook, “Slater wants to grow / Slater is a creep / Slatеr bring me down / Slater bring me free.” With Teeth’s juxtaposition of primalism and profound commentary on femininity and religion, the record screams Aries energy throughout its 22-minute runtime.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Tomorrow's Fire by Squirrel Flower

Taurus traits: Obstinate, stable, brooding

Indie rocker Ella Williams follows up 2021’s Planet (i) with her third studio album as Squirrel Flower, Tomorrow’s Fire. Don’t be fooled by the record’s fiery title and Williams’ Leo sign — her music is firmly rooted in the Taurean headspace. The album delves into the twists and turns of the bull, stubbornness and all. In opening track “i don’t use a trash can (Tomorrow’s Fire),” Williams resists change so much that she wallows in her literal and metaphorical filth: “I'm not gonna change my sheets / I'm not gonna clean the floor / I will never wash my hands.” In second track, “Full Time Job,” the singer-songwriter burns out from the expectations that come with life, droning “Doing my best is a full time job / But it doesn't pay the rent” over fuzzy guitars. Much of Tomorrow’s Fire exhibits the “glass half empty” mentality of Taureans, with highlights being “Alley Light” (“I was gonna take her out tonight / But all her favorite spots closed down”) and “When a Plant is Dying” (“Can't get much lower now / I'm sitting in the drain”). Although Tomorrow’s Fire is undoubtedly pessimistic, the record’s grungy production paired with its candid lyrics about love and growth will be cathartic for many Taureans.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Hearth Room by Frost Children

Gemini traits: Dichotomous, versatile, contradictory

St. Louis hyperpop group Frost Children trade their signature experimental club sound for sunny acoustics in their fifth record, Hearth Room. Just like the Gemini twins, the album exists in relationship with its counterpart, SPEED RUN, the sibling duo’s other 2023 release. But while SPEED RUN features laser-like synths and rapid-fire drumming, Hearth Room softens Frost Children’s glitchy framework with emo vocals and delicate guitar strums. Bouncing from minimal electro-pop in opener “Lethal” to pop-punk in “Stare at the Sun,” the album showcases the versatility of Geminis. Lyrically, the album also plays with duality, as band members Lulu and Angel Prost express their ever-changing emotions. In one moment during “Lethal,” Angel sings, “Every freckle upon my face / Loves you;” the next, her sister turns around and calls her love interest “a criminal.” “Bernadette” best exemplifies the two-faced, yet alluring, nature of Geminis: “You may say that I’m wicked and I’m strange / That I’m twisted and deranged / But you love me just the same,” Lulu teases the eponymous character before calling herself the “master of deceit.” Though contradictory, Angel and Lulu’s lyrics accurately reflect the multifaceted nature of the twins.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Holy Waters by Puma Blue

Image courtesy of Blue Flowers and [PIAS]

Cancer traits: Hopelessly romantic, musing, clingy

Self-described South London “romantic” Jacob Allen (aka Puma Blue) is known for his jazzy, heartstrings-tugging take on indie rock. Holy Waters is no exception, avoiding the sophomore slump with its lo-fi yet refined iteration of Allen’s sound. Right off the bat, the album immerses listeners into a Cancerian headspace with the bluesy jazz-rock production and fatalistic lyrics of opener “Falling Down.” “Some shade / Creeps into my heart / Where it stays / I fall so hard,” he croons over muddled guitar strums. Just like the melancholic nature of the crab, Holy Waters sees the singer-songwriter reminisce on a past relationship. In “O the Blood!,” he's even willing to give up his blood to convince his lover to stay. To top off the visceral lyricism, the record features intricate instrumentals, like the no-wave saxophones and dreamy guitars of “Hounds” as well as the minimal drumming paired with the soft piano keys of the title track. Like Cancers’ confessional tendencies, Allen manages to yet again put his heart out on a platter for all to see, creating a breathtakingly tender record for the hopeless romantics of the zodiac.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): Let’s Hope Heteros Fail, Learn, and Retire by Alice Longyu Gao

Leo traits: Braggadocious, show-stopping, materialistic

Best known for Dylan Brady-produced single “Rich Bitch Juice” and its subsequent Laura Les remix, Alice Longyu Gao released xyr long-awaited debut album, Let’s Hope Heteros Fail, Learn, and Retire, this March. At less than 20 minutes long, the record makes a statement with its metal-inspired hyperpop production and Leo-like confidence. Opener “(Intro) Let’s Hope Heteros Fail, Learn, and Retire” establishes Gao as a queer main character with the Cher Horowitz-esque line, “They're intimidated 'causе I'm bored (Bored) / Cunty (Cunty) / Sexy (Sеxy).” The rest of the record delivers Leo energy throughout, like the absurdity of the lion’s self-centered humor in “Monk” (“They no longer say, ‘Oh my God’ / They say, ‘Oh my G-A-O’”) and Gao’s insistence that Oli Sykes-assisted track “Believe the Hype” is “the future of music.” “(Reprise) Let’s Hope Heteros Fail, Learn, and Retire” closes the record on a silly note, with Gao mocking the therapy-industrial complex: “I need therapy / And better help / Use code ‘ALG’ / For 10% off.” Gao’s unrelenting humor and head-turning lyrics make Let’s Hope Heteros Fail, Learn, and Retire the perfect album for Leos to sashay into 2024.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? by Kara Jackson

Virgo traits: Introspective, intelligent, candid

Former U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate Kara Jackson makes her official debut into the music world with April’s Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?. Equal parts ethereal and sharp-witted, the Sen Morimoto-produced album showcases the analytical yet gentle essence of Virgos. “Some people tell lies to be recognized / Some people take lives to be recognized / Lotta people gon' die to be recognized,” Jackson muses in the minute-long opener, “recognized.” In true Virgo spirit, much of the record finds her ruminating on love, whether she’s dealing with “dickhead” ex-lovers (“dickhead blues”) or men with mommy issues (“therapy”). Jackson, whose mission is to represent “the everyday person,” chose folk instrumentation to complement her poetic lyricism. Although the production may seem simple on the surface, its intricacies lie in subtle touches like bells, tambourines, harps, and barely-there reverb. Just like the mysterious nature of Virgos, Jackson’s debut is a record that reveals its true complexity with more listens. Every lyric, every instrumental embellishment, feels purposeful. Whether it be because of the breathtaking folk production or the poet’s heartfelt lyrics, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? is bound to resonate with the maidens of the zodiac.

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Voice Notes by Yazmin Lacey

Libra traits: Lush, magnetic, aphrodisiacal

With three EPs and performances for Glastonbury Festival and the COLORS Show under her belt, Nottingham-based singer Yazmin Lacey fully fleshes out her soulful vision in debut album Voice Notes. Although Lacey is a Cancer, the record oozes the flirtatiousness and curiosity of the Libra. Whether she’s soul-searching on “Where Did You Go?” or seeking an escape in “Late Night People,” Lacey epitomizes the pleasure-seeking and meditative nature of the scales. Starting with “Flylo Tweet,” Voice Notes embodies the unconventionality of Libras by kicking things off with a spoken word piece. Lacey discusses a tweet from producer Flying Lotus, reflecting on her self-consciousness and how it affects her creativity. The next track, “Bad Company,” explores Lacey’s duality. The London-born songstress brings to mind shoulder angel and devil imagery as she croons, “I woke with a demon on my shoulder … Think I'm flirting with bad company.” The album’s production, ranging from mellow soul-jazz to upbeat reggae, immerses the listener into the sensual world of the Libra. Combining honey-dipped vocals with yearning lyrics and instrumentals, Voice Notes will provide the perfect soundtrack for Libras’ next daydreaming session.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): BIG AND KIND by NONBINARY GIRLFRIEND

Scorpio traits: Meditative, dysphoric, tender

Fronted by nonbinary singer Anaïs Binkowski, aptly-titled Portland band NONBINARY GIRLFRIEND describes their music in Scorpio terms: “Music to unfold your gender … [and] to feel.” In their self-titled debut, the “sad indie pop punk” band covers wide-ranging topics on everything queer, from gender dysphoria to vulnerability. In line with the wisdom of the scorpion, Anaïs makes astute observations throughout the album, singing, “Being kind is not the same as being small / Sometimes, many times, kindness requires you to be big and tall” in opener “Big and Kind.” However, amid the singer-songwriter’s aphorisms lies a sea of self-loathing and self-doubt. In “No Face,” Anaïs calls themselves a “No-faced monster,” and in the seven-minute “Body,” they reveal their discomfort with their corporeal being: “I was afraid / I was ashamed / Of my body.” The singer’s versatile voice elevates the power of their intimate lyrics, going from a delicate falsetto in one moment to a hair-raising belt in the next. Paired with ethereal vocals and heartfelt pop-punk lyricism, BIG AND KIND depicts the rollercoaster ride that the Scorpio experience can be.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): CBD Reiki Moonbeam by Neggy Gemmy

Sagittarius traits: Adventurous, restless, freedom-seeking

Although Neggy Gemmy (aka Lindsey French) named herself after the twins of the zodiac, her Sagittarian sign means her music delves into the world of the archer. Third album, CBD Reiki Moonbeam, is no exception, with deconstructed bubblegum pop instrumentals and wanderlust-ridden lyrics. In “California,” French declares that “everything is fucked,” so she takes on a YOLO attitude: “You’re saying slow down / But I just wanna go fast.” In line with the opener, much of the album revolves around the archer’s desire to have fun. A true Sagittarian nomad, French lives in constant movement, whether getting high while cruising in her luxury sports car in “Black Ferrari” or blasting off to “touch the sky” in “Daydream.” The self-produced record is sonically riveting with clubby, hyperpop-influenced beats, to accompany the songstress’ freedom-seeking lyrics. Whereas “California” sounds more akin to a Slayyyter song with its twinkling synths and heavy bass, the Frost Children-assisted “Seeing Stars” carries emo and shoegaze influences in its angsty vocals and distorted guitar. With its adventurous lyrics and sonically diverse palette, CBD Reiki Moonbeam will quench Sagittarians’ thirst for freedom.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): To What End by Oddisee

Capricorn traits: Hard-working, pragmatic, success-oriented

Conscious rapper Amir Mohamed el Khalifa (better known as Oddisee) follows up 2020’s Odd Cure with his 10th studio album, To What End. In the work-oriented spirit of Capricorns, the industry veteran reflects on his career and ponders the limits of fame and ambition. Opening track “The Start of Something” takes the rapper on a trip down memory lane as he reminisces about the start of his career: “Started off for the love of things / But to remain my heart charged by other means / I abstained from the lure of fame.” El Khalifa remains introspective throughout, whether questioning how far he’ll go to achieve success in “How Far” or contemplating his identity when he takes on many façades in “Many Hats.” To accompany el Khalifa’s sea goat-like ponderings, the record features funky and soulful production, with vibrant piano lines sprinkled in. To What End takes a deep dive into the work ethic of Capricorns, making it the soundtrack for sea goats everywhere to plan their next side hustle.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): January Never Dies by Balming Tiger

Aquarius traits: Unconventional, quirky, free-spirited

From the Aquarius sign of Balming Tiger’s main member Omega Sapien to its apt title, January Never Dies is the perfect album for water bearers to muse to. Alternative K-pop group Balming Tiger’s debut studio album melds Aquarians’ unabashed confidence with the unorthodox sounds of their internal monologues. Preceded by a cacophonous bebop instrumental, the first verse of jazz-boom bap opener “BTB” says it all: “All my fits, they lookin’ obscure / Pace I’m livin’, it’s very absurd.” No matter how braggadocious rapper Omega Sapien gets, he always cools down his ego by flexing his Aquarian cleverness, naming the record’s twerk anthem “Buriburi” and trying his hand at Lana Del Rey style songwriting with the opening line of “Bodycoke”: “Super soaker pussy got a Coca-Cola body.” Perhaps the album’s biggest standout is “SEXY NUKIM,” which features performances from several of the collective’s members and RM of BTS fame. With its baritone vocals and “‘Asian Sexy’ and ‘Asian Cool’” message, the track is nothing short of a banger. All in all, January Never Dies is a quintessential 2023 album for Aquarians to add to their eclectic collection.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): softscars by yeule

Pisces traits: Dreamy, escapist, intuitive

Off-the-wall ambient pop darling yeule follows up 2022’s Glitch Princess with softscars, a foray into shoegaze. Born Nat Ćmiel, the Singaporean artist embodies the Pisces spirit as a self-described hikikomori, or socially withdrawn person. Ćmiel uses their asociality to their advantage, looking inward and embracing unconventionality throughout their latest record. Much of softscars is more aesthetic than practical, with fuzzy production and cryptic lyrics à la Cocteau Twins. “Vivi on my chain, diamond teeth, diamond pain … / Blood running through my veins, alchemy, arcane,” the artist sings-shouts in opener “x w x” before letting out blood-curdling screams over ear-splitting feedback. The title track highlights the fourth-generation goth’s glitchy quirks, with robotic vocals and twinkling synths. Ćmiel alludes to the vibrant imagery that lives within the Piscean mind, singing about forbidden gardens and fallen angels. The final track, “aphex twin flame,” brings things to a close with honey sweet acoustics and heartfelt belts courtesy of the singer’s versatile voice. “Come a little closer / Come right through my skin,” Ćmiel murmurs, mimicking the vulnerability of the last sign of the zodiac. Softscars evokes the imaginative beauty of Pisces, who will surely appreciate the softness of the record.

AESTHETICSAfterglow ATXDecember 18, 2023C.S. Harper, listicle, zodiac