.jpg)
2022 is immortalized by my favorite albums of the year…
…after the break!
2024 Update:
I still stand by these picks! 2022 was a great year for music.
Original Words (from December 2022):
My Favorite Albums of 2022
Exited 2021 slowly recovering from VID and returning to a new small town day gig… despite that, all I wanted to do was stay home and play video games. Lame I know. Slowly I put back on my earphones and the music began to flow back into my life once more. Which eventually made me miss the music blog and all you silent readers. A few baby steps later and we’re here ready to look back before we move forward into a new year. I’m so excited to get back into the vibe. Hopefully this old body holds up a bit longer.
Below you can read all about my favorite albums of 2022. Left notes on over 30 projects that touch these ears this year. Hope you dig my recommendations!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- ‘Come Home the Kids Miss You’ by Jack Harlow
- ’7220 (Deluxe)’ by Lil Durk
- ‘Bleed Out’ by The Mountain Goats
- ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ by Bad Bunny
- ‘Cheat Codes’ by Black Thought & Danger Mouse
- ‘MUNA’ by MUNA
- ‘Wet Leg’ by Wet Leg
- ‘Fear of the Dawn’ by Jack White
- ‘Homosexual’ by Darren Hayes
- ‘Dance Fever’ by Florence + The Machine
- ‘Only Built For Infinity Links’ by Quavo & Takeoff
- ‘Palomino’ by Miranda Lambert
For the most part I just didn’t spend much time with these records, but I did like what I heard from the promotional singles & time spent. Really need to go back to Mountain Goats, Darren Hayes, MUNA, Miranda Lambert, & Florence + The Machine eventually.
THE CONTENDERS - EXPLAINED
(Not in any order)
If this post was in the format of past generations of Favorite Albums countdowns… the LPs below would be claiming spots roughly #30 to #11. That’s not the case today. They are all tied for #11. [hehe]
‘Her Loss’ by Drake & 21 Savage
Really loved the first few plays of this record. 21 Savage really shined with Drake being consistently himself throughout. Sadly got bored with 75% of the tracks after awhile and just grew outta of love with it after a few weeks.
‘Midnights (3am Edition)’ by Taylor Swift
Really enjoyed the starting half of this album but it becomes increasingly slow, tedious, & a bit campy the longer it goes. Playing solo tracks on random really helps the experience, especially in the car. Does the “after dark” fit the theme? Absolutely! And Taylor’s songwriting appears to growing up a bit. Not at all times… but certainly in a moment or two. Loving the progress.
‘SCREEN VIOLENCE (DIRECTOR’S CUT)’ by CHVRCHES
Technically a loophole pick as CHVRCHES’ ‘Screen Violence’ ranked quite high on my 2021 list. However, I discovered this Director’s Cut version over the summer and it made my summer vacation trip to Hawaii as I howled “Screaming” & “Killer” over and over again under a pacific sun. Lasting on my Apple Music (in full) for over a year is a testament to everything I once praised. It’s fantastic. Go experience this horror concept album now!
‘THIS IS WHAT I MEAN’ by Stormzy
A rather new addition as this album dropped literally a few weeks ago. “Give it to the Water”, “Sampha’s Plea”, “Bad Blood”, the title track, and among others really projects this conflicted spiritual reality Stormzy battles with on the LP and it’s absolutely beautiful to take in. Can’t wait to start 2023 with it on repeat.
‘Suzume (Motion Picture Soundtrack)’ by RADWIMPS
Can’t deny a RADWIMPS soundtrack & this one really is chill. Won’t really fall in love with it until I see the film next year. So yeah…
‘FULL COURT PRESS’ by Girl Talk, Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., & Smoke DZA
Girl Talk & Big K.R.I.T. really steals the show here. The rest tried to meet the challenge and some might’ve loved it… me, so so.
‘God Don’t Make Mistakes’ by Conway The Machine
This was a perfectly executed hip hop standard featuring stellar beats, hard hitting lyrics, and some standout features. Everything I expect from Conway The Machine. Does it top his last three albums? Not really, but gets close enough!
‘Home, Before and After’ by Regina Spektor
Loved listening to this album at the summertime airports. It’s quirky, as expected, but almost half of the songs got stuck to the ear gums. “Becoming All Alone” & “Raindrops” are my two standouts.
‘Avatars of Love’ by Sondre Lerche
This is such a pretty record. Full of beautiful moments that really brought me back to my early Sondre Lerche fan days. Does this album take you into lovely dreams? Oh yes. Definitely warmed my heart at the end of springtime. Wraps you in a cozy musical blanket for the most part. Can’t praise it enough. Really blends all of Sondre’s unique styles & boosts them to the max.
‘Stick Season’ by Noah Kahan
Will always be hard for me to separate Noah Kahan from ‘Busyhead’ as it is one my favorite albums of the last decade that holds so many memories of Pa’s Cancer battle. ‘Stick Season’ did a really great job creating new stories for me to attach to, with all its raw, acoustic, presentation which just blooms brilliance. The “me now” played this with a hopeful smile and loved so much… from the lyrics atop folkys strings to the smaller moments. Plus my life will probably mirror that of “Homesick” except in California.
‘Self-Titled’ by Marcus Mumford
For what seemed to be a very personal project… listening to Marcus Mumford go from being a solo Troubadour at the start to being surrounded by his musical friends by the end of this album felt like a perfect evolution of sounds as it dances on the edge of beauty & madness. This couldn’t have been a Mumford & Sons album. It felt entirely Marcus and I connected with everything almost instantly.
‘Who is Nardo Wick?? (Deluxe)’ by Nardo Wick
Another technicality as this is an upgrade to a fantastic 2021 project. More Nardo Wick with less features really fleshed out this epic 2-disc collection.
‘Alpha Zulu’ by Phoenix
Not much to explain with this one… it’s a fun record that brings back much of what I loved about Phoenix’s debut over a decade ago! Bonus points for that Ezra Koenig feature. But Phoenix’s greatest cannot be denied here. So many catchy, crispy, & cool electro pop anthems to vibe to. Pity I don’t own it on vinyl.
‘Revival’ by Judah & the Lion
One of those bands that filled a massive folk hole in my musical heart when Mumford & Sons gave up the banjo years ago was Judah & the Lion. ‘Revival’, their fourth album, has a such a spiritual side to it that you just get whisked away on soundwaves almost instantly. This is what most my vacation drives sounded like this year. Anthems on Anthems on Anthems that makes chills pop all over my body.
For someone who desperately sought out a ‘Revival’ (of sorts) this year… this album acted like the perfect start.
‘ENDWALKER: FINAL FANTASY XIV Original Soundtrack’ by Masayoshi Soken & THE PRIMALS
This is still not on streaming & it makes me sad. =(
(2024 edit: it now is!)
After spending over 500 hours in Ezorza in the aftermath of Endwalker this year, I really had no choice but to honor one of the most epic evolving soundtracks in my video game history. Spent HOURS in game listening to “Endcaller”, “Flow”, “Old Sharlayan Day Theme”, and so many more as I literally spent my days and nights completing the post-game content.
Being able to experience this with the entire game’s longtime fanbase will always be special to me. Forever and for always.
‘RENAISSANCE’ by Beyoncé
Ms. Bey always brings it. As someone who grew up in the 90s with this type of sound being played everywhere… this album really felt like a homage to those sorts of projects at times. Did love the hip hop moments at the beginning and the unique delivery. Pity there wasn’t a music video movie to expand the thematic-cinematic sounds.
‘UTA’S SONGS ONE PIECE FILM RED’ by ADO
Still haven’t seen the film, but based off these songs… I think I’m gonna absolutely love it.
‘壱 (Ichi)’ by 優里 (Yuuri)
Spent so much time on the Spotify global playlists this year and that put me in Singer/Songwriter Yuuri’s musical path. This is a powerful debut that opens your ears & demands your attention with some strong ballads. Luckily love & music is a universal language that anyone can feel.
‘It’s Almost Dry’ by Pusha T
Glad Pusha T is walking away from the GOOD Music label after (he I won’t name) continues to burn his legacy to the ground. Listened to this album heaps around the release date. He really put out a strong, hard hitting, project that showcased his skills as a MC. The beats here are magical.
THE TOP 10
10. ‘CRASH’ by Charli XCX
Totally forgot this album came out earlier in the year. Sorry! Charli XCX has always been one of my favs but this totally got lost in my musical shuffle after my initial plays after ‘Crash’s’ release. It’s lovely regardless. Beautiful electronic melodies and some solid features that leaves the listener addicted to what you’ll hear. Glad I rediscovered this project recently for ‘Crash’ spellbound this listener once more.
Favorite Tracks: “Every Rule”, “Crash”, “Baby”, “New Shapes”
09. ‘HARRY’S HOUSE’ by Harry Styles
Much like Olivia Rodrigo last year, Harry Styles was the one artist whom I heard on every radio station while traveling across this country in 2022. And we didn’t tune off the channel. Acted like musical comfort food in-between static lulls. The funny part is I actually loved this album the 1st time I listened to it. Thought it was huge plate of pop goodness as I drove to work in the early mornings. Guess I wasn’t the only one, huh? The album is funky, chill, and an overall a good time. Couldn’t recommend it enough. Especially for the more causal pop fans.
Favorite Tracks: “Matilda”, “Cinema”, “Late Night Talking”, “Music for a Sushi Restaurant”
08. ‘MR. MORALE & THE BIG STEPPERS’ by Kendrick Lamar
One of those albums that I appreciated more as I looked under the hood and realized Kendrick Lamar was once again experimenting with his narrative & stylistic techniques. Something I expected now that he has walked away from Top Dawg. Doing his own artistic thing with a complex, sometimes off putting, therapy session for all to hear. Props to him for shining a light on his flaws & inner thoughts. Hopefully it has helped all those listening.
Favorite Tracks: “Mr. Morale”, “N95”, “Count Me Out”, “Die Hard”, “The Heart Part 5”
07. ‘ELDEN RING SOUNDTRACK’ by Yuka Kitamura, Yoshimi Kudo, Shoi Miyazawa, Tsukasa Saitoh, Tai Tomisawa, & the FROMSOFTWARE Team
Elden Ring was an experience man. From the challenging, but freeing, gameplay to the euphoric feeling on beating over 50 or so bosses. I loved it so much I beat it twice and completed all the achievements/trophies. And this was my soundtrack for the painful, frustrating, and yet glorious 100+ hour journey. Something no film, TV show, or other piece of media could touch this year. Every track here is now tied with a video game memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Beyond epic.
Favorite Tracks: “Morgott, The Omen King”, “Starscourge Radahn”, “Divine Tower”, “Malenia, The Blade of Miquella”, “The Final Battle”
06. ‘I NEVER LIKED YOU’ By Future
My biggest issue with ‘I NEVER LIKED YOU’ is that it has a feature by (redacted). Otherwise, this album is near perfect. I personally love FUTURE’s clever, humorous, hard hitting musical blueprints in general. He gets really soulful on this album too. Does it help I’ve been a fan for years? Probably! Doesn’t change the fact that swagger oozes from all these tracks. Sounds great in the car, in the bedroom, and everywhere in-between.
Favorite Tracks: “GOLD STACKS”, “LOVE YOU BETTER”, “WAIT FOR YOU”, “HOLY GHOST”, “VOODOO”
05. ‘LOVE, DAMINI’ by Burna Boy
Burna Boy invited everyone to his party: Ed Sheeran, Popcaan, J Hus, J Balvin, Blxst, Kehlani, Khalid, Victony, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and you…. the listener. These features are wonderful, but Burna Boy can carry his own album and does for most of the front half here. The rest feels like a celebration of styles that allows for the afrobeats to hypnotize your body. Makes for such an addictive listen.
Wasn’t expecting ‘Love, Damini’ to become a staple of my 2022 Apple Music playlists…. but happily it did! Loved everything about this album and how it made me feel on each play.
Favorite Tracks: “Glory”, “Love, Damini”, “Kilometre”, “Science”, “Rollercoaster”, “For My Hand”, etc.
04. ‘LEAP (Deluxe)’ by James Bay
Sad that none of the songs from ‘Leap’ are in James Bay’s Spotify channel top 10. For this is probably his best album, collectively, in his entire discography. The album is close to perfect to me. Empowering, uplifting, heartbreaking, and all around brilliant. Played it countless times on my travels and never let me go each time these anthems hit my eargum. It makes me weak how good these songs are. Always compels me to howl the lyrics out the window for everyone in town to hear. This a hidden gem if there ever was one in 2022. Hope you give a chance.
Favorite Tracks: “Save My Love”, “Give Me A Reason”, “One Life”, “Brilliant Still”, “Love Don’t Hate Me”, “Better”, etc.
03. ‘THE LONELIEST TIME’ by Carly Rae Jepsen
Wish I had more to say about Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘The Loneliest Time’ besides it is pop perfection, but it really is. Don’t believe me. Just hit play. It’s like taking a sip of the most delicious, flavorful, milkshake and letting that supreme sugar rush hit your body. Luckily the pacing of this project really allows for the listener to coast on the soundwaves easily. Great peaks and valleys that just flow well. Even feels laid back at times. Carly just makes pure pop sound so easy; you know?
Bonus points are given for bringing back one of my favorite artists, Rufus Wainwright, on that a soaring title track duet. Something so unexpected and cool. Total standout moment.
Favorite Tracks: “Talking to Yourself”, “Surrender My Heart”, “Sideways”, “The Loneliest Time”, “Bad Thing Twice”, “Keep Away”, “Far Away”, “Bends”, etc.
02. ... (there isn’t one, why?)
01. [TIE!!!!] ‘DAWN FM’ by The Weeknd & ‘SONDER’ by Dermot Kennedy
The battle for Number One flipped multiple times… over the past couple of weeks… between The Weeknd’s ‘DAWN FM’ and Dermot Kennedy’s ‘SONDER’ so much so that I had no choice to crown my 1st “Favorite Album of the Year” tie in our history. Couldn’t pick one over the other cause ‘DAWN FM’ was my most played and ‘SONDER’ was the most meaningful. Both projects encapsulated my 2022 in different ways that they both deserve to share the crown.
Entering 2022, I felt I hadn’t given my new part-time job enough attention (despite getting COVID from my third assignment site). I didn’t want to chase jobs, but wouldn’t turn one down if I got the call from my booker. So I usually said yes if the cellphone rang. ‘DAWN FM’, after its release, became my early morning anthem before all those gigs. Listened to the album countless times from front to back, learning every lyric, and appreciating Abel’s clever framework of an eternal sunshine radio show hosted by the great Jim Carrey. All the songs connected with my musical soul and ended up loving the entire experience, despite feeling abstract & all over the place at times. But I liked those moments. It is an Outer space, mental, radio show in a life’s perishing moments.
‘DAWN FM’ helped me get through my rookie year and will forever be tied with those early experiences as I change my career trajectory for the moment. I needed comfort music from The Weeknd to water down a truly terrifying first steps. Forever grateful that it appeared when I needed it. Music that gets released in January are usually not praised by the winter season due to how far removed they are but glad so many sites gave Abel his flowers on ‘DAWN FM’. Such a strange music experience that I loved since Day 1 and only got better over the year. Think I appreciate it more than 2015’s ‘Beauty Behind The Madness’ (which was my #1 fav that year).
Now… on the other hand… no album I played this year made the chills appear on my skin faster than ‘Sonder’. Some of the songs on the album even make me cry. Not like a little drizzle. Full downpour. Dermot’s music came into my life after Pa passed and select songs on his debut album really helped me mourn the loss. Feeling outnumbered as I laid pretty much at rock bottom wasn’t something I ever expected to feel in life. All things I have mentioned before here. That album felt like a raw mixture of chaos and art wherein on ‘SONDER’ everything has been refined for a more impactful experience.
And boy… it sliced at my musical soul in the most beautiful way possible. Everything I hear on ‘SONDER’ really mesmerized me, with impactful lyrics that represent so many of my internal feelings. These are anthems to be screamed at the open sky. The topics of being conscious of being imperfect and promising to do your best but knowing there will be missteps on the road of moving forward is so me. But you gotta live it man. All reminders of promises I once made to myself. For Dermot to convey these thoughts, and make it catchy & digestible, is masterful.
Just listen to “Homeward” where he literally says “it sucks what happened to you, but I’m here to listen”… repeatedly… and it always fills my soul with such great warmth when it plays. We all need to hear that sometimes, right? Easily acceptable reminders that we’re all human. That’s what makes this album a diamond.
These two albums represent the two sides of myself that were fashioned in the year 2022. Both beautiful & worth your musical time. For they mean so much to me. Along with everything else I wrote about above. I think these batch of albums will forever be remembered as I climb back to the blog grind in the next year. The music that caused me to return to this world. Grateful to be back in this seat.