2022 wasn't necessarily as deep as 2020 or 2021 were, but it arguably more versatile and eclectic. A number of artists returned from lenghty hiatuses (some COVID related, others not) while others maintained a steady pace. There was a fun mix of old stalwarts, artists in their prime, and promising debuts.
In short, it seems like we're knee-deep in a particular era of popular music, but I can't pinpoint a name or dominant genre. (Then again, I don't think there's been an underwhelming year for music since 2013 or '14.) That also means a ridiculous, bountiful variety of interesting sounds. There doesn't seem to be a consensus best album from the critics, either. It's best to just ignore the arguments, take these suggestions, and plug in your headphones.
BEST POP/ROCK ALBUMS
1. Renaissance, Beyonce. The first of a reported trilogy, Queen Bey's first proper solo album since Lemonade could have suffered from too many cooks. ("Alien Superstar" has 26 credited writers and producers. Not a typo.) Fortunately for the Beyhive and casual music fans alike, this is an effortably danceable album, both retro and looking forward, exquisitely arranged like a DJ mix.
2. Blue Rev, Alvvays. A Lazarus act if there ever was one, this Canadian collective weathered five years of stolen demos, personnel changes, *and* a flooded basement that ruined their gear to release their strongest work to date. They didn't alter their sound either, retaining their usual insistent, hooky rush with a slight glow-up. Old school shoegaze and 90s jangle-pop fans won't feel lost here.
3. And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow, Weyes Blood. In another artist's hands, this follow-up to 2019's lush Titanic Rising would've sank under the weight of its own self-seriousness. Both sequel and ambitious companion piece, Natalie Mering's steady, mellow, double-tracked vocals continue and build upon Titanic's gorgeous arrangements and intricate songwriting.
4. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar
5. Ants From Up There, Black Country, New Road
6. A Light for Attracting Attention, The Smile
7. Skinty Fia, Fontaines DC
8. Gemini Rights, Steve Lacy
9. Once Twice Melody, Beach House
10. Big Time, Angel Olsen
11. Pompeii, Cate Le Bon
12. Aethiopes, Billy Woods
13. WE, Arcade Fire
14. Preacher's Daughter, Ethel Cain
15. Melt My Eyez See Your Future, Denzel Curry
16. Caprisongs, FKA Twigs
17. Laurel Hell, Mitski
18. Fossora, Bjork
19. Versions of Modern Performance, Horsegirl
20. Ugly Season, Perfume Genius
BEST JAZZ ALBUMS
1. Ghost Song, Cécile McLorin Salvant. I dislike hyperbole almost as much I disdain repeating myself, but I'm reiterating this for emphasis: Cécile is the best vocalist in music right now. Not the best in jazz, not the top BIPOC singer, the best full stop. On this latest work her gift is her weapon, and we've never heard it so relentless or tormented. The sparse arrangement, led by guitarist Marvin Sewell, matches her energy as she throttles from love to loss, from life to death. Opening with a Kate Bush cover was ballsy, but she justifies it and then some.
2. Trio: Ocean, Charles Lloyd
3. World Construct, Matthew Shipp Trio
4. Origin, Joey Alexander
5. The Lights Are Always On, Lynne Arriale Trio
Honorable Mention: Every Note Is True, Ethan Iverson.
Best Jazz Album of 2021 I Didn't Hear Until Early '22: Dear Love, Jazzmeia Horn & Her Noble Force
BEST SINGLES (in no order)
"Prester John," Animal Collective
"Eight Years Old With An iPhone," Joshua Epithet
"Unnecessary Drama," Belle and Sebastian
"Paddle to the Stars," The Dip
"Bad Love," Dehd
"Love Brand New," Bob Moses
"Mistakes," Sharon Van Etten
"Angelica," Wet Leg
"Under Control," MJ Lenderman
"Perm Act," Osees
"Make a Picture," Andrew Bird
"Seventeen Going Under," Sam Fender
"Trash Mental," Sinaive
"New Body Rhumba," LCD Soundsystem
"Selfish Soul," Sudan Archives
"Billie Toppy," Men I Trust
"Get Inspired," Genesis Owusu
"Expert in a Dying Field," Beths
"Shotgun," Soccer Mommy
"Lullaby," Grace Ives
Best Lionel Richie Imitation: Bruce Springsteen's cover of "Nightshift"
Best Radiohead Side Project Named After Something Thom Yorke Never Does: The Smile
BEST VIDEOS
1. "We Cry Together," Kendrick Lamar feat. Taylour Paige. A rare pick that is Oscar-eligible, this clip is a too-honest take on toxic relationships and the horribly vicious fights (and apologies) that keep them going.
2. "Out of Time," The Weeknd. Karaoke, anyone?
3. "Shinigami Eyes," Grimes feat. Jennie. On a personal level, 2022 was a challenging year for Canada's freakiest polymath artist. It didn't deter her from this slick, technical marvel of a video, a robotic acid trip that grips your subconscious.
4. "Ur Mum," Wet Leg. As a former 20-year-old myself, I can assure you 20-year-old guys are annoying.
5. "Free," Florence + The Machine. An absolute bop about mental health, personified by a grounded Bill Nighy.
Honorable Mentions: "Purple Zone," Soft Cell & Pet Shop Boys; "What I Want," MUNA; "New Beginning," Automatic.
WORST MUSIC VIDEO: "From the D 2 the LBC," Eminem and Snoop Dogg. If you believe both rappers have delved into self-parody at this point, here's your Exhibit A. Four minutes of NFG infatuation, aged like milk, intended to promote Slim Shady's second (and mostly unnecessary) greatest hits disc.
Your thoughts?
(705)
