Highlighting Steven Hyden’s Top Eight Columns of 2023

Gathering for the holidays often comes with the pursuit of enjoyable pastime activities, and reading thought-provoking columns can be a perfect way to enrich one's leisure moments. 2023 brought us a diverse collection of columns penned by a cultural critic known for his engaging critiques and unique takes on pop culture. His top columns provide insights and entertainment across various aspects of the entertainment industry. The critic's self-selected favorite pieces of the year offer readers a plethora of topics, from music album reviews to TV show insights, capturing the cultural zeitgeist of 2023.

Albums on the Spotlight

The critique of Måneskin's Rush, characterized as an ultra-skanky sleaze-rock masterpiece, stands out as one of the writer's most memorable pieces. In contrast, celebrating the art of a good album compilation, the writer curated the best tracks from The National's two 'just okay' albums, crafting a superior listening experience, and sharing the process with readers.

Live Music Stories

Capturing the essence of live performances, the critic recounts the thrill of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, deeming their concert his favorite show in 2023. He discussed the myriad of emotions and surrounding controversies with an infectious passion. Meanwhile, a review of U2’s performance at the Sphere, or just 'Sphere', was credited as the second-best live musical experience, noted for its immersive qualities that translated vividly through the writing.

Debut Lists and Soundtrack Anecdotes

A fondness for list-making led to the creation of a popular column outlining the best debut albums. Readers responded positively to the structured commentary and rankings provided. Meanwhile, the writer expressed a particular fondness for the TV show The Bear, praising not only the storytelling but also its carefully curated soundtrack, and recounting engaging discussions with those responsible for song selections.

Cinematic Celebrations and Unconventional Reviews

Anniversaries of unique cinematic projects like Bob Dylan's Masked & Anonymous provided an opportunity for the critic to delve into conversations with the legendary Larry Charles, extracting and sharing fascinating behind-the-scenes tales. Another unconventional column saw the writer purchasing and reviewing a new Garth Brooks album exclusively sold at Bass Pro Shops, documenting the peculiar experience for readers.

reviews, concerts, lists