MMI 2023 Listeners' Picks Poll
The annual MMI Listeners' Picks poll aims to establish the top favourite releases of the year among the weekly Mużika Mod Ieħor podcast listeners.
A list of music from Maltese recording artists released in 2023 was compiled by Toni Sant for his eighteenth annual MMI Listeners' Picks poll. This is not a fully comprehensive list of 2023 releases; Toni Sant has always maintained, through his podcast and blog, that he is somewhat selective - but the scope has always been to include as many titles as possible at the nomination stage.
Nominations
Here is the list of nominations for 2023...
| Performer/s | Title | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Years Later | Hold On | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| 5 Years From Now | Greedo Island | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Acknologica | Battle of the Stars | Album |
| Aidan | This is Aidan | Album |
| Aidan | Pupa | Lyric video |
| Aidan | Blu | Lyric video |
| Aidan | Strawberry | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Aidan | Reġina | Video bil-Malti |
| Aidan Cassar + Ira Losco | R.I.P. (Rest in Peace) | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Aiden Cohen | Mera | Digital |
| Airport Impressions | Waiting for Paradise | Digital |
| Alexandra Alden | Muscle and Blood (live from the castle gardens in the snow) | Overseas |
| Amber Bondin, Aidan | Shine Your Light | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Andre | Broken Hill | Digital |
| Andre Camilleri | Famous When Dead | Overseas |
| Andre Camilleri | All the Animals Art My Friends | Overseas |
| Andre Camilleri | Even Aliens Get the Blues | Overseas |
| Andre Camilleri | Ain't Gonna Stray | Overseas |
| Andre Camilleri | Melbourne Sentimental | Overseas |
| Andre Camilleri | Stoner Rock | Overseas |
| Andre Camilleri | Christmas at the Last Chance Saloon | Overseas |
| Angela Vella Zarb | Funny Face | Album |
| Antares Flare | The Remixes | Overseas |
| Ara Lil Yoon | Taste | Overseas |
| Atomic Flame | Innocence Becomes Prey | Lyric video |
| Avenue Sky | Xorta Int | Video bil-Malti |
| Bahjat | Ya Habibi Janbik | Overseas |
| Bangout feat. Paul Sky | Falling Star | Lyric Video |
| Bark Bark Disco ft. JOON | Love Cuts | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Bee | Anke Jien | Lyric Video |
| Ben Miller | Number 1 | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Ben Miller feat Abire | End of Story | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Benjamin Gatt | Heart on Fire | Lyric Video |
| Benny Benassi & Emma Muscat | M.I.A. | Overseas |
| Bernie and Pod | Ħobbni | Video bil-Malti |
| Bitterside | Low | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| BraD N | What You Can`t Explain | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Brian Farrugia | Warda Ħamra Minn Ġol-Ġnien | Video bil-Malti |
| Brikkuni + Cher Camilleri | Porporina | Video bil-Malti |
| Bruce Samut | Drilly | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Carlo Muscat | Hymns | Album |
| Carlo Muscat + Tony Tixier | The Trees of Tollygunge | Overseas |
| Charelle | Hu Biss | Lyric Video |
| Cher Camilleri | Qalbi Tibkix | Video bil-Malti |
| Cheryl Balzan | La La Land | Digital |
| Cherylis Camilleri | Ngħożż | Lyric Video |
| Chess | Un-Shy | Overseas |
| Chiara, Daniel Cauchi | Ilsna Velenużi | Lyric Video |
| Chris Birdd | Day One | Digital |
| Chris Birdd | Bestie | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Chris Lanzon | Dark Side | Overseas |
| Christabelle Scerri | Kemm Hu Sabiħ | Video bil-Malti |
| Claire Tonna | Songs for a Transfigured Heart | Album |
| Claire Tonna | Never Enough | Digital |
| Claudia Faniello | Ġmielek | Video bil-Malti |
| Cushion | Reborn | EP |
| Custò | Breathe | Digital |
| Dalam | Headlines | Album |
| Damaged & Co. | Life's Grand Delusion | Album |
| Damaged & Co. | Vengeance is Mine | Lyric Video |
| Damaged & Co. | Carpe Diem | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Daniel Sant | Catharsis | Album |
| Dario Bezzina | Bridle Road | Digital |
| Daryl Jaymes | Il-Mikrofonu u Jien | Digital |
| Daryl Jaymes | Mela! | Video bil-Malti |
| Das Birthday Girl | Pain and Joy | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Davinia | Lady Luxury | Digital |
| Denise | Forget Me (Not) | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Denzel Jo Armani feat. Ira Losco | Love of My Life | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Depanneur | Everything Will Even Out | Overseas |
| Different Minds | Different Not Less | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Digby | Ħudni Kif Trid | Digital |
| DiggerThings feat. Moira Stafrace | Sugar Pain | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Dominic Cini | Sbatax | Video bil-Malti |
| Drakard | Dust | Lyric Video |
| Drakard | Alive | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Dylan De Bono | Get a Little Crazy | Lyric Video |
| Dylan De Bono feat Kristijan Volchev | Lost Without You | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Eddie Fresco X Gizmo | Bass in the Room | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Eliana Gomez Blanco | Guess What | Digital |
| Empire of the Ants | Capitulation (Ed Blank mix) | Lyric Video |
| Enya Magri | Sikktu L-Għanja F'Qalbi | Video bil-Malti |
| Eurachord | Eurachord | Overseas |
| Fake Ophelia | Allerstraße, 10 (album outtake) | Overseas |
| FANTASAIR | Departures | Overseas |
| Fr Karm Debattista | Fik Nittama | Video bil-Malti |
| Freddie Portelli | Jitbegħdu (Unplugged) | Digital |
| Gaia Cauchi | Why? | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Ġenn | Unum | Overseas |
| Gilbert Gauci | Broken Me | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Golden Psalms | Golden Palms | Overseas |
| Ħajbu X Sempliċiment tat-Triq | Aħjar Dak iż-Żmien | Video bil-Malti |
| Hearts Beating in Time | Manifesting Happiness | Digital |
| Hearts Beating in Time | Let's Watch the Sky Turn Pink | EP |
| Hearts Beating in Time feat. Amy Micallef Decesare | Sun Doesn't Shine (If I Don't See You) | Digital |
| Hollie Cassar | Bossy | Digital |
| Hooli | The World Is Mine | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Il Walker | Civilised | Overseas |
| Il Walker | The One | Overseas |
| Ira Losco | Illejla | Digital |
| Is-Saħħar | It-Tarf tal-Kożmu u ta' Ruħi | Digital |
| Is-Suffarin | Nofs Mewta | Video bil-Malti |
| Is-Suffarin | Fix-Xej | Video bil-Malti |
| [[Grech | (Let's Get) High On Love | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Janvil | Walkin On Air | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Jay Zinga feat. Bee | Better Alone | Lyric Video |
| Jay Zinga X Hearts Beating in Time | I Get High (You Get Sober) | Digital |
| Jessica Grech | Anaconda | Lyric video |
| Jessika | Rain | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Jodi & Ian | Għajjejt | Video bil-Malti |
| Joon | Wait | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Joseph Calleja | Ave Maria | Overseas |
| Joseph Refalo | Move | Digital |
| Julie Pomorski | Ħsieb | EP |
| Kantera | Mis-Sema 'l Isfel | Video bil-Malti |
| Kantera Band | Mur Ara | Video bil-Malti |
| Kapitlu Tlettax | Tibkix | Video bil-Malti |
| Kapitlu Tlettax | Żerriegħa ta' Mħabba - Tarxien (Festa ta' Duttrina) | Video bil-Malti |
| Kapitlu Tlettax feat. Christina | Nibqa' Nammirak | Video bil-Malti |
| Kapitlu Tlettax X Julie Pomorski | Wiċċ b'Ieħor | Video bil-Malti |
| Karm Debattista mssp | Int Tafni | Lyric Video |
| Karm Debattista mssp | Search Me | Lyric Video |
| Karm Debattista mssp | In Him I Trust | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Karmaġenn | Urbanali | Album |
| Karmaġenn + Hearts Beating in Time | Il-Problema | Digital |
| Kaya Gouder Curmi, Ike Mizzi | Fire | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Kelsey Bellante | Heartbeat | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Kelsey Bellante | Take U Home | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Kill the Action | Zero / Infinity | EP |
| Kill the Action | Mongol | Lyric Video |
| Kill The Action | Level | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Kill the Action | Zero Infinity | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Kim Pepe | Mill-Bidu | Video bil-Malti |
| Kris Critien | Plates Against the Wall | Digital |
| Krishna | Headless (limited edition cassette) | Album |
| Krishna | Despondent | Digital |
| Krishna | Domination4 (Live from Rock The South 2023) | EP |
| Krista Šujak | Stronger | Lyric Video |
| Kurt Calleja + Kevin Paul Calleja | Li Kieku Nista | Video bil-Malti |
| Kurt Calleja feat. Owen Leuellen | X'Għamilt B'Idejja | Digital |
| Kylie Coleiro | Unika | Video bil-Malti |
| Kym Pepe | Sittin Kuljum | Digital |
| L-Anġlu | Ħajja Waħda Għandek Liba | Album |
| Lawrence Gray | Pieces | Lyric Video |
| Luke Chappell | Hate Me! | Digital |
| Lulu | Dawn | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Lulu' | Jolly | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Lyndsay | Prolific | Digital |
| Lyndsay | Fireproof | Digital |
| Lyndsay | Haunted | Digital |
| Malcolm Pisani | July | Digital |
| ManaTapu | Shulama | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| ManaTapu | Rastaċċun | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Manwel T | Dub Power | Album |
| Manwel T | Mandala | Digital |
| Maria Bellia | Love, X | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Martina Cutajar | Rise Up | Digital |
| Martina Cutajar | Rise Up | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Marty Rivers | I'm Available | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Massacre House Party | If It's Pop(ular) It's (Not) Cool | EP |
| Mat Rosales | Agħmillu Lager | Video bil-Malti |
| Matt Blxck | OneTwoThree | Digital |
| Matt Blxck | Black Magic | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Matthew James | Mhux Xorta | Video bil-Malti |
| Melbourne Ska Orchestra | Something Strong | Overseas |
| Melchior Sultana | Bring the Soul Back | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Melchior Sultana & Tazzmo Olifant | The Connection | Digital |
| Michael Azzopardi | Vaganza | Album |
| Michael Azzopardi | Milied Mingħajr Tiżjin | Video bil-Malti |
| Micimago | On My Way | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Miggy | Made You Do | Digital |
| Miguel Samuel feat. Jamie Cardona | Baila | Video bil-Malti |
| Mik il-Malti | L-Għami Dlam | Album |
| Mik il-Malti | Fuq l-Irdum | Video bil-Malti |
| Mikayla | One Day (For Real) | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Mikiel Camilleri Haber | Triq San Franġisk | Album |
| Moira Stafrace | Feather Flight | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Myles | Strangers | Lyric video |
| Myles | 27 | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Myles | Silverlinin | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Myles | Mazikeen | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Myles | Die Like A Rock Star | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Myles ft Hooli & DJ Mac | Namaste | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Myles x Sempliċiment Tat-Triq | B'Ċejjeċ tal-Baħar | Video bil-Malti |
| naBBoo + Aidan | Head and Mind | Lyric Video |
| Nicole Frendo | Temptations | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Noah Fabri u Maya Aarohi | L-Ikla tal-Milied | Video bil-Malti |
| NOOG | Mos Deadly Pt II | Digital |
| Oblique Visions | Out of Darkness | Album |
| Oblique Visions | XIII | Digital |
| One11 | Roll Up | Digital |
| One11 | Ħdax u Ħdax | Video bil-Malti |
| One11 x Zion Not Zeeyon | Punches & Kicks | Digital |
| ONE11 x Zion Not Zeeyon | Pass Pass | Digital |
| Orfew | Salm | Digital |
| Overdrawn | Jumpstart My Heart | Digital |
| Overdrawn | The Way Things Used To Go | Digital |
| Overdrawn | Jumpstart My Heart | Lyric video |
| Owen Leuellen | I Wish I Knew (The Mixtape) | EP |
| Owen Leuellen | Pitstop | Lyric video |
| Owen Leuellen ft. Destiny | Juice | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Owen Leuellen ft. Luke Chappell | Dear God | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Owen Luellen | Bad | Digital |
| Pekelktru feat. Żizza | Ejja Sibni | Lyric video |
| Peter Sant | Mining the Hamam | Overseas |
| Priscilla Giordano Psaila | F'Tarf Irdum | Video bil-Malti |
| Purple Haze | No Surrender | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| RagħwaDagħwa | Waħdi | Digital |
| Red Electric | In Our Blood | EP |
| Red Electric | In Our Blood | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Red Electric | Fix of You (acoustic) | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Rheez. | URUS | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Rheez. | Ħajja Reali | Video bil-Malti |
| Robert Farrugia | Ċipress | Album |
| Sarah Bonnici | Never Ever | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Scibi | The Motion Vol. 1 | EP |
| Sean Borg | Stajt Tkun | Video bil-Malti |
| Seqer Malti | Lulju | Lyric Video |
| Shaun Farrugia | Count On You | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Shaun Farrugia | Vertigo | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Simon Pulo | Love | Digital |
| Simon Pulo | Motion | EP |
| Sound Synthesis | Schematics | Album |
| Stefan Galea | Not Alone | Digital |
| Stephen Galea feat. Grace Debono | 2nd Victory | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| SterjoTipi | Fjura | Video bil-Malti |
| The Areola Treat | Alabaster Hallelujah + Rabbit Hole | Album |
| The Areola Treat | Melting My Nerve Endings | Digital |
| The Areola Treat | Red Town Baby | EP |
| The Areola Treat | Deserter | Lyric video |
| The Areola Treat | Cherry Swing | Lyric video |
| The Areola Treat | Judgement Day | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| The Areola Treat | Tell A Lie | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| The Areola Treat | Into My Shadow | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| The Bride | Ħallikom! | Lyric video |
| The Bride | Master of Contradiction | Lyric Video |
| The Busker | Thinking About You | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| The Busker | Bulletproof | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| The JoyGivers | Ħondoq ir-Rummien | Video bil-Malti |
| The JoyGivers | Ilmaħtek id-Dwejra | Video bil-Malti |
| The New Victorians | Be Fine | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| The Travellers | Ħdejja | Video bil-Malti |
| The Travellers | Jum Ġdid | Video bil-Malti |
| The Travellers feat. Ira Losco | L-Imħabba Kelma Kbira Wisq | Video bil-Malti |
| The Velts | Nowhere is Everywhere | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Timea Farr | Young | Digital |
| ToNation | Rajt u Smajt | Video bil-Malti |
| Tony Bartolo + Paul Giordimaina | How Do You Keep the Music Playing? | Album |
| Tony Paris | Meditation | EP |
| Tryst Arcane | Sun of Other Days | Album |
| Tryst Arcane | Lura | Video bil-Malti |
| Ugly Monkey | Watch Me Crawl | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Vince Bongailas | Sajf | Video bil-Malti |
| VINE | Kellimni | Lyric Video |
| Warren Galea | Meditations | Album |
| Wayne | Reality Check | Lyric Video |
| Weeping Silence | Serpentine | Digital |
| Weeping Silence | The Collector | Video [non-Maltese language] |
| Weeping Silence | Isle of Lore | Album |
Top Picks
Voting was open throughout the month of January 2024 at ToniSant.com, where a total of 3,185 votes were submitted across these seven categories by 455 voters:
- Top Album
- Top EP
- Top Music Video (bil-Malti)
- Top Music Video (non-Maltese language)
- Top Lyric Video
- Top Online Release
- Top Overseas-based Artist
The top 5 vote receivers in each category are indicated below :
Top Album
- Aidan - This is Aidan (60 votes)
- Acknologica - Battle of the Stars (30)
- Tony Bartolo + Paul Giordimaina - How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (18)
- Weeping Silence - Isle of Lore (16)
- Tryst Arcane - Sun of Other Days (13)
- Weeping Silence - Isle of Lore (16)
- Tony Bartolo + Paul Giordimaina - How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (18)
- Acknologica - Battle of the Stars (30)
Top EP
- Red Electric - In Our Blood (86 votes)
- Kill the Action - Zero / Infinity (73)
- Tony Paris - Meditation (44)
- Owen Leuellen - I Wish I Knew (The Mixtape) (42)
- Julie Pomorski - Ħsieb (32)
- Owen Leuellen - I Wish I Knew (The Mixtape) (42)
- Tony Paris - Meditation (44)
- Kill the Action - Zero / Infinity (73)
Top Music Video [bil-Malti]
- Tryst Arcane - Lura (62 votes)
- Aidan - Reġina (36)
- Daryl Jaymes - Mela! (29)
- Brikkuni + Cher Camilleri - Porporina (25)
- The Travellers feat. Ira Losco - L-Imħabba Kelma Kbira Wisq (23)
- Brikkuni + Cher Camilleri - Porporina (25)
- Daryl Jaymes - Mela! (29)
- Aidan - Reġina (36)
Top Music Video [non-Maltese language]
- Mikayla - One Day (For Real) (14 votes)
- 5 Years From Now - Greedo Island (8)
- Weeping Silence - The Collector (7)
- Stephen Galea feat. Grace Debono - 2nd Victory (7)
- 13 Years Later - Hold On (7)
- 5 Years From Now - Greedo Island (8)
Top Lyric Video
- Krista Šujak - Stronger (40 votes)
- Aidan - Pupa (32)
- Karm Debattista mssp - Int Tafni (17)
- Wayne - Reality Check (16)
- Owen Leuellen - Pitstop (12)
- Wayne - Reality Check (16)
- Karm Debattista mssp - Int Tafni (17)
- Aidan - Pupa (32)
Top Online Release
- Lyndsay - Fireproof (40 votes)
- Ira Losco - Illejla (36)
- Airport Impressions - Waiting for Paradise (29)
- Freddie Portelli - Jitbegħdu (Unplugged) (18)
- Digby - Ħudni Kif Trid (15)
- Freddie Portelli - Jitbegħdu (Unplugged) (18)
- Airport Impressions - Waiting for Paradise (29)
- Ira Losco - Illejla (36)
Top Overseas-based
- Ġenn - Unum (77 votes)
- Joseph Calleja - Ave Maria (69)
- Benny Benassi & Emma Muscat - M.I.A. (42)
- Alexandra Alden - Muscle and Blood (32)
- Andre Camilleri - Famous When Dead / Blue / Stoner Rock (30)
- Alexandra Alden - Muscle and Blood (32)
- Benny Benassi & Emma Muscat - M.I.A. (42)
- Joseph Calleja - Ave Maria (69)
The Crowd Signal service was used for voting on this poll.
Voting was open throughout the month of January 2024 at ToniSant.com. Regrettably, a larger number of invalid votes than usual were cast this year, particularly in the Top Album and Top Music Video [non-Maltese language] categories. Invalid votes are largely votes cast from the same IP address either by someone using the same computer/mobile device to vote repeatedly, or a similar attempt perceived by the polling system as unfair voting.
Results will announced in early February 2024 through the Mużika Mod Ieħor podcast.
External links
Mużika Mod Ieħor : MMI Listeners' Picks * 2000s: 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 * 2010s: 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2019 * 2020s: 2020 - 2021 - 2022 - 2023 -