25 Favo/Best Albums of 2022

Here's a list of my favorite (and therefore the best) albums of 2022.

I already released this list on my AOTY account like 2 weeks ago. I wanted to release it in video form. But I don't want to work too hard on that. So I'll stick with the ol' Blogosaurus Rex. 

I must say... 2022 was an excellent year for new music. I haven't said that in forever. Just a large chunk of new albums I thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, I have 14 artists I'd like to give an honorable mention:

Alvvays. Amber Mark. Angel Olsen. Beach House. Cate Le Bon. Gilla Band. JID. Jockstrap. Little Simz. Natalia Lafourcade. Petrol Girls. Pusha T. $ILKMONEY. Special Interest. 

That's a lot. And I only see a thin gap between my #15 and #35 picks. But this list has always been top 25, so I guess I'll stick with tradition.

Here's the list!

25  Destroyer  LABYRINTHITIS 

Dan Bejar gives us more prophesies from his therapist's lounge chair and the band sounds looser than ever.

24  Lucrecia Dalt  ¡Ay!

Natural instruments from traditional Columbian roots are used to create an eerie, supernatural mood.

23  Black Thought & Danger Mouse  Cheat Codes

Kind of a safe pick, but hey, call me back when you find any skips in the tracklist.

22  KA  Languish Arts / Woeful Studies

KA works with his most experimental instrumentals in years to deliver a masterclass lesson on life and pain.

21  Perfume Genius  Ugly Season

One of the most talented artists alive takes a turn in a much less accessible direction, while sounding as beautiful as ever.

20  Daniel Rossen  You Belong There

Grizzly Bear co-founder guides us through his own adventurous take on folk music.

19  Kenny Beats  Louie

A refreshing instrumental hip-hop experience that can get muddy, but finds room to shine.

18  ROSALÍA  MOTOMAMI

ROSALÍA does not disappoint in her promise to deliver some of the most left-field Latin pop you can possibly get in 2022.

17  The Smile  A Light for Attracting Attention

Some self-serious folks from Radiohead work with jazz drummer Tom Skinner for an album that comes off just as fun as it is ambitious. 

16  The Weeknd  Dawn FM

Finally, a twisted album from a mainstream pop artist that got me questioning what in god's name I'm listening to.

15  black midi  Hellfire

The stellar production and chaotic performances coulda launched this higher up the list, if only the songs didn't sound like they were being sung by a guy in a bowler hat.

14  Conway the Machine  God Don't Make Mistakes

Conway represents Buffalo with some of the coldest and toughest rap songs of the year.

13  Kendrick Lamar  Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Kind of an awkward album flow, but this album consistently shows off Kendrick's knack for intriguing songwriting and quality bars. 

12  Weyes Blood  And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

A step back from the grandiose approach on the classic Titanic Rising, Natalie Mering's songs remain elegant and true to the most humble corners of the heart.

11  Makaya McCraven  In These Times

An undeniably beautiful cycle of jazz pieces that balances creative ideas with dope shit.

10  Beyoncé  RENAISSANCE 

Respectively the type of music I'd play if I ever stripped naked to ride an electric horse.

9  Rachika Nayar  Heaven Come Crashing

True to its celestial title, this is easily one of the most ethereal listens of the year.

8  Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul  Topical Dancer

Electropop that takes influence from all over the world, with some help behind the soundboard from quirky DJ veterans Soulwax.

7  Chat Pile  God's Country

I love the hell out of this thing, and you probably won't, but this whole thing just reminds me of the type of discomforting noise rock Steve Albini would get behind.

6  Soul Glo  Diaspora Problems

I don't know everything about the punk genre, but I don't think you have to be the "punk police" to recognize just how electrifying and coked-up this band's sound is.

5  Leikeli47  Shape Up

The most inventive instrumentals and catchiest hooks of the year appear on this album that sounds like Missy Elliott reincarnated into the cloud rap world.

4  billy woods  Aethiopes

Billy Woods successfully wrestles through concepts of race, mental health, history, and power on this absolute Rubik's Cube of a rap album. 

3  Big Thief  Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

Basically Big Thief's greatest hits, as they actually sound like a full band for once and try to attack every angle of the warmest folk rock imaginable.

2  Sudan Archives  Natural Brown Prom Queen

This album has only been growing on me, as its show of artistic prowess and explosive sounds just get better with every listen.

1  Black Country, New Road  Ants From Up There

The best indie rock album I've heard in years not only carries a heartbreaking emotional weight, but holds a distinctive musical aesthetic that nerds with guitars can only dream of.