Andrew’s Best Albums of 2022

SZA – SOS (Alternative R&B)

Don’t be upset at me. I was just as hyped for this as you were. While I still enjoy this album – it feels bloated. 23 tracks is a lot of music, and I think it should’ve been whittled down to around 13. There are some bangers, all great features (especially from Phoebe Bridgers), but it just felt like too much.
Standout tracks: F2F, Ghost in the Machine, Open Arms, Kill Bill

FKA Twigs – Caprisongs (Alternative R&B)

This one was so much fun. I don’t remember too much of it, though. I enjoyed it upon first listen, but didn’t really see myself coming back to it very often. If you’re looking for some alt R&B bangers, this should be your first stop.
Standout tracks: oh my love, meta angel, papi bones, tears in the club

brakence – hypochondriac (Glitch Pop)

A very imaginative glitch pop album with crazy good production. The vocal effects are great and the transitions between songs are seamless. I thought it was pretty good overall, but the lyrics at times made me sink into my seat from second-hand embarrassment.
Standout tracks: venus fly trap, cbd, stung, deepfake

DOMi & JD Beck – NOT TiGHT (Jazz)

WOW what an experience. It really pains me that it didn’t make my top twenty, but it is what it is. The debut album of these Anderson .Paak signees is a jazzy joyride with features from Thundercat, Mac DeMarco, and Anderson .Paak himself. Do yourself a favor and watch their Tiny Desk Concert.
Standout tracks: TAKE A CHANCE, BOWLiNG, TWO SHRiMPS, PiLOT

Kenny Beats – LOUIE (Instrumental Hip-Hop)

Famed producer Kenny Beats comes through with a debut album of his own, a lo-fi beat tape in honor of his father who had previously been diagnosed with cancer. It’s a heartwarming project with chill beats to relax/study to – while also having features from Slowthai and JPEGMAFIA.
Standout tracks: Hold My Head, Family Tree, Still, Hot Hand

Freddie Gibbs – $oul $old $eparately (Gangsta Rap)

You have no idea how gross it feels to not have a Freddie Gibbs project in my top 25. While this LP is an overall enjoyable experience, it’s definitely the least memorable thing that Gibbs has put out in a long, long time. That doesn’t mean it’s without its fair share of bops.
Standout tracks: Space Rabbit, Feel No Pain, PYS, Decoded

Bladee & Ecco2k – Crest (Cloud Rap)

I don’t have much to say about this other than the fact that it’s Bladee’s best project. This might just be because I’m a big Ecco fan, but Bladee kills it too. The vibe is so strong here, and the album cover is what the music feels like. I will NEVER not scream the opening track.
Standout tracks: The Flag is Raised, White Meadow, Girls Just Want to Have Fun

25. The Weeknd – Dawn FM (Synth Pop)

The Weeknd is still on his 80’s synth-pop wave, and we’re still here for it. I don’t really need to say much about this one because we were all blasting this at the beginning of the year. Shoutout to Abel for getting HoYeon Jung from Squid Game to be in the same room as him! How does he do it?
Standout tracks: Sacrifice, Out of Time, Here We Go… Again, Less Than Zero

24. Alex G – God Save the Animals (Indie Folk)

Alex G is back with some more eclectic tunes! The range of sounds on this album is crazy, with some songs being cute acoustic ballads and others sounding eerie with whispered lyrics and blaring synths. Some of the material here is quite vulnerable, too, tying together yet another great Alex album.
Standout tracks: Runner, Mission, Blessing, Miracles

23. Djo – DECIDE (Indie Synth Pop)

Spotify suggested this album to me. I clicked on it. Listened to a couple songs. Loved it a lot. Looked up the artist. It’s Joe Keery. It’s Steve Harrington from Stranger Things. How does he manage to be so cool and awesome? Can I shake his hand?
Standout tracks: Runner, Half Life, End of Beginning, Change, Figure You Out

22. Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry (Hardcore Hip-Hop)

Pusha’s rapping about cocaine again let’s go!!!!! The southern hip-hop legend returns with a solid outing in his discography, with half of it produced by Pharrell Williams and the other by He Who Shall Not Be Named. Clever bars, fantastic beats, the quintessential Pusha T experience. 
Standout tracks: Let the Smokers Shine the Coupes, Dreamin Of The Past, Neck and Wrist, Diet Coke

21. Beyoncé – RENAISSANCE (Dance Pop)

How could I not mention her? How could I not mention that she is the only person who pulled off a transition into house music? How could I not spit on Drake’s sad attempt at a house album? Bops all over this project. She’s sweeping the Grammys, I’m calling it.
Standout tracks: ALIEN SUPERSTAR, CUFF IT, BREAK MY SOUL, VIRGO’S GROOVE

20. Black Thought & Danger Mouse – Cheat Codes (Hip-Hop)

When I heard that these two were going to collaborate on an album, my anticipation was through the roof. One of the best MCs and one of the best producers in hip-hop history coming together is something I couldn’t wait for, and it didn’t disappoint at all. I wasn’t blown away or anything, though. Just a bunch of great tracks without anything too mold-breaking. 
Standout tracks: Because, Belize, Aquamarine, Strangers

19. ROSALÍA – MOTOMAMI (Neoperreo)

ROSALÍA has proven once again why she’s a force to be reckoned with in today’s music scene. Throughout this album’s runtime I wasn’t bored for a second. People have been calling this the “Latina Yeezus”, and at this point let’s just say that she was the one who made Yeezus.
Standout tracks: SAOKO, LA FAMA, HENTAI (yes, really), BIZCOCHITO

18. Beabadoobee – Beatopia (Indie Pop)

This was the year where I really got into Beabadoobee’s music, and it was a damn good year to do so. Beatopia is a magical ride with so many cute and playful songs with lyrics that hit a bit too hard at times. 
Standout tracks: 10:36, the perfect pair, Talk, Don’t get the deal

17. BROCKHAMPTON – The Family (Experimental Hip-Hop)

For their last hoorah, the self-proclaimed “world’s best boyband” put out a seventeen-track, thirty-five-minute LP. This was concerning to fans, as each song would average a little over two minutes. To further the concern, the only band member on the entire project was Kevin Abstract. Against all odds, Kevin came through with a beautifully petty send-off for the renowned group.
Standout tracks: Big Pussy, The Family, The Ending, Brockhampton

16. Little Simz – NO THANK YOU (Conscious Hip-Hop)

One of the emerging rappers of the modern scene, Little Simz comes through with another triumph. Wonderfully produced beats, extremely honest and wounded lyrics (and more) are what make her such a renowned voice in the culture within a short amount of time. She doesn’t miss.
Standout tracks: Gorilla, Silhouette, Heart on Fire, Broken

15. Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems (Hardcore Punk)

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!?!?!?! THIS IS SOME TRUE PUNK STUFF RIGHT HERE!!!!!! SOME OF THE HARDEST SONGS OF THE YEAR GO CHECK IT OUT!!! REPRESENTING PHILLY!!! COMING TO A FUCS SHOW SOON!!!!!!!
Standout tracks: Gold Chain Punk (whogonbeatmyass?), Jump!! (Or Get Jumped!!!)((by the future)), Driponomics, Spiritual Level of Gang Shit

14. Viagra Boys – Cave World (Dance Punk)

Cave World is a fever dream of laughs and insane punk bangers with some political satire sprinkled on top. It’s brilliant, it’s hilarious, and it’s chock-full of moments that want to make you get on your feet. It’s an album by a band named Viagra Boys. There you go.
Standout tracks: Baby Criminal, Troglodyte, Ain’t No Thief, Return to Monke

13. Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See Your Future (Hip-Hop)

With his most introspective lyrics and diverse set of songs yet, Zeltron reminds us all how far ahead of the game he truly is. I first heard “Walkin” as a single at the beginning of the year, and it remains my favorite song of 2022. The Cowboy Bebop-inspired visuals really shined when I saw him in concert, too.
Standout tracks: Melt Session #1, Walkin, X-Wing, The Ills

12. black midi – Hellfire (Avant-Prog)

This one’s not for the faint of heart. Each song is a barrage of instruments and overwhelming production that makes you feel like you’re about to have a stroke. It is BRUTAL in the most amazing way possible. No matter what black midi does, they never seem to fail.
Standout tracks: Sugar/Tzu, Eat Men Eat, Welcome to Hell, 27 Questions

11. JID – The Forever Story (Southern Hip-Hop)

This is in a lot of people’s top fives, but I don’t think it struck as strong of a chord with me. Nonetheless, The Forever Story is still amazing. JID whips out some of the best production of the year and bars that will blow you away. If “2007” was included on the album, it would undoubtedly be in my top ten. Every rap fan should check this out.
Standout tracks: Dance Now, Surround Sound, Kody Blu 31, Sistanem

10. Jean Dawson – CHAOS NOW* (Alternative Rock)

One of my personal favorite artists, Jean Dawson’s CHAOS NOW* is a noisy and anthemic opus that makes you feel like running through a wall. Jean’s background guitar is as chaotic as ever, and the features he assembled are crazy. Having Isaiah Rashad, Earl Sweatshirt, and George Clanton on the same album says enough.
Standout tracks: THREE HEADS*, PORN ACTING*, SICK OF IT*, PIRATE RADIO*

9. Alvvays – Blue Rev (Shoegaze)

Woof. This cuts deep. Blue Rev is the first time I’ve ever heard Alvvays, and it won’t be the last. They make gorgeous tunes with heartbreaking lyrics that I’m sure anyone can relate to. This LP is no exception, making this one of the most accessible shoegaze albums I’ve heard. Then again, I haven’t heard much shoegaze (I am aware of this magazine’s name).
Standout tracks: Pharmacist, Easy On Your Own?, After the Earthquake, Belinda Says

8. Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You (Folk)

I cried to this one. Shed a tear or two. Don’t judge me if you haven’t heard this yet, because this is the most beautiful collection of songs I’ve heard in a long time. It’s like the longest exhale ever recorded in musical form. I don’t care who you are – if you have an hour and twenty minutes, listen to this. Also pull up to the concert in February if you snagged tickets.
Standout tracks: Change, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, Little Things, Simulation Swarm

7. Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (Hip-Hop)

WE WERE ALL WAITING ON THIS ONE BABY!!! KENNY’S BACK!! HE’S THE GOAT!!! After a long hiatus, Lamar put out a double album to spoil his fans. It’s full of the thoughtful bars we know him for, except this time around he’s way more introspective. While not better than some of his other projects, Mr. Morale has blessed us with another spectacular piece of work.
Standout tracks: N95, Father Time, Mirror, Mother I Sober

6. Natalia Lafourcade – De Todas Las Flores (Singer-Songwriter)

Look, I’m not fluent in Spanish. I know how to identify true beauty, and this album is just that. It’s minimalistic and intimate, making the listener feel an array of emotions that overall feels like a blissful getaway from reality. Pretentiousness aside, this shit is lovely. Perfect music to shut your eyes to.
Standout tracks: De todas las flores, El lugar correcto, Mi manera de querer, Muerte

5. billy woods – Aethiopes (Abstract Hip-Hop)

Changing gears drastically, this album makes you feel hopeless and desolate! Nice! Woods is no stranger to dark subject material, but this is next level even for him. Dense with meaningful lyrics based on his own experiences, Aethiopes is dark and breathtaking. This is what abstract hip-hop should be.
Standout tracks: No Hard Feelings, Sauvage, Heavy Water, Remorseless, Smith + Cross

4. Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights (Neo-Soul)

This is the album I’ve been waiting to write about. This had a chokehold on my summer. This was my most anticipated album of the year. It came out when I was a camp counselor, and I had already been spinning “Bad Habit” on repeat. I didn’t have service until I got home a month later, and found out that Steve BLEW UP on TikTok. Yet, this didn’t ruin anything for me. The most catchy and memorable music of the year. I don’t care how many times this album was sped up for the TikTok kids. This is my type of music.
Standout tracks: Mercury, Helmet, Bad Habit, Sunshine, Give You the World

1. Black Country, New Road – Ants From Up There (Art Rock)

2022 was a great year for music, being kicked off by an actual masterpiece. Black Country, New Road is a relatively newer name to the music scene, but have made such a name for themselves to the point where their newest project is among the best albums of all time. I’m with the hype, too. The lyrics are tragic, the horns are amazing, the progression on each song is movie-esque. It’s just one musical wave goodbye. I would show this to a small Victorian-era child to make their head explode.
Standout tracks: Concorde, Good Will Hunting, The Place Where He Inserted the Blade, Basketball Shoes