The 25 best albums of 2022 (so far)
From Angel Olsen and FKA Twigs to The Weeknd and Wet Leg, here's our favorite offerings during the first half of this year
Music Lists Albums
Bottom left: FKA Twigs, top left: Ethel Cain, middle: Wet Leg, top right: Angel Olsen, bottom right: Denzel Curry. Screenshot: FKA Twigs/Youtube, Wet Leg/Youtube, Denzel Curry/Youtube, Photo: Helen Kirbo, Angela Ricciardi Graphic: Libby McGuire
As we continue to ease out of the years-long pandemic—which all but stalled the music industry—2022 has proved thus far that musicians spent all their forced downtime crafting works that were built to last. From some of the biggest names in pop to those who are just getting started, the year has offered a plentiful slate of compelling works which traverse the spectrum of human emotion and provide a much-needed dose of infectious fervor. In fact, if these first six months are any indication, 2022 could wind up as one of the best years we’ve seen in some time for music. Here’s our look at the 2022 albums that have given us a new zest for life.
78 Comments
The SPR3 haven’t announced a 2022 album… yet. But they did release a NEW music video yesterday!
For me, the Horsegirl album is the clear front runner for the year so far.My honorable mentions would be:- Warpaint, Radiate Like This.- Sharon Van Etten, We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong- Kurt Vile, (watch my moves)- Raum, Daughter (everyone should give this a listen and read the story of the album, it’s all beautiful)
I was hoping someone would mention the Sharon Van Etten Album, I’ve been listening to “I’ll Try” on repeat
I love the screaming histrionics of the new Jack White album – even when he repeats himself a bit, he finds new sounds and new song structures.
Jack White tears himself away from pretending he’s a sharecropper to put out an album…
These lists are hilarious efforts by the author attempting to show off their musical palette. Similar to how someone else over at AV Club will put up a “Best of” list consisting of of 75% indie and arthouse films no one has actually seen. I have only ever heard of 4 or 5 of the artists on this list. Calling these the 25 best albums of the year is an extreme reach. It’s laughable.
My highlights so far are new albums from Soul Glo, Yard Act, Bob Vylan, Father John Misty, The Loyal Seas, PUP, Black Dresses, Black Country New Road, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, King Hannah, Boulevards, The Jazz Bitcher, and Zeal & Ardor.There’s quite a bit more that I think are really good, but I already have 13 albums vying for my top ten and it’s not yet July!
Spoon is a must obviously, and (pleasantly) shocked to see Papercuts on here. One of my personal faves for over a decade, had no idea AVclub even knew of their existence. Nice!
I find your lack of Goose disturbing:
Agreed. SO good and hoping to see them tho I seem to have missed all shows within distance. Hope they tour in the fall/winter!!!
I’ve seen them at Fred, Goosemas ‘21(the one that was rescheduled for Feb) and the 2 nights at the Fillmore Philly so far, they were all excellent shows! Hope you can catch them later this year they’re awesome live!
The Voltarol Years by Half Man Half Biscuit is better than all of these. And I say that confidently despite having heard none of them.
Could someone explain to me the appeal of Wet Leg? It seems like some weird form of mass hysteria at this point.
That’s what I was afraid of too, but it actually turned out to be a pretty decent album on the whole. Not sure I’d put it in this list, but it’s enjoyable.
I’ve listened to it, it’s not that great.
Who wouldn’t be into a group that alternates between dressing like Little Red Riding Hood and a couple of Blanche Devereaux’s? Sorry…Blanche’s Devereaux.
And they’re buzzy! Wait, is that good?
Yeah, I watched one of their videos on youtube, and in the comments there were a lot of people claiming to be boomers and that Wet Leg was the best thing since The Beatles.
Whenever someone asks “what’s the appeal of Wet Leg” I just imagine an absolute joyless person sitting on the otherside of the internet staring blankly at their screen.Ok, you don’t like them, that’s cool, but their appeal is really apparent.
I am one of those who doesn’t get it. I cannot get into artists without…well…vocal talent. I don’t hear any when I listed to either Wet Leg or Horsegirl. It’s the same reason I can’t stand Bob Dylan. I’ll take Teddy Swim or another artist with pipes over any of this dogshit.
But what is that appeal that’s so apparent you didn’t mention it?With the record company making them delete their Soundcloud and all the music they had online when Chaise Lounge was released it just feels like manufactured hype for sale.There are so many better better and more joyful bands out there lol
My takeaways from this thread are:1. You stumbled upon an indie band’s output on SoundCloud back when the band was relatively obscure. 2. You thought said band’s music was meh.3. Said band got signed to a label.4. Said label hyped up said band.5. Said band blew up and have a single that millions of people, including Iggy Pop, himself, find infectiously fun, but you don’t.6. You popped into this comments section seriously asking for people to explain why they like what they like.**Speaking to item #6, this Pitchfork review was tailored-made for you from the very first line (“If you don’t already love Wet Leg, chances are their swift rise and self-deprecation induce a particular kind of cynicism”):https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/wet-leg-wet-leg/
Way better than my response which was going to be “they’re fucking fun.”
Thank you for reminding me of clause 54 of my Hipster Contract: “Must like all the same things as Iggy Pop.” This really cleared things up.Later, gotta go shoot some heroin.
Pitchfork notoriously revise their own history, they’re as fair and balanced as Fox lol.I’m sorry I don’t like the things you do, I just don’t see the appeal, it’s bland britpop.
I’ll never understand people who ask these questions. “Why do people not have the exact same tastes as me???” What kind of answer are they expecting?
Just the other day on here someone had the same issue with Spider-Man and phrased it in the same way. Fucking annoying.
Haven’t you heard? They’re the new Gay Dad!
They come across as a poppier version of Dry Cleaning to me, though I definitely like Dry Cleaning more.
There are a million pop rock bands out there. And they all sound the same. About one in a million has a certain something that sets them apart and above. Wet Leg have it. I can’t explain it. Try listening to Angelica instead of Chaise Lounge. And make sure you aren’t looking for any deep hidden meanings. It’s supposed to be mostly fun.
Not to be that person, but I’d already heard them before their record company made them delete their Soundcloud to prop up this fake “this is their only single” nonsense.I’ve listened to the album, I’m not going to have an opinion on something I’ve not listened to all the way through a couple of times – it’s just bland pop with faux hype behind it.
the album is fun, a lot of the songs are very catchy and they show a lot of potential. still, I wouldn’t put in my list. only time will tell if there’s something there or they are the next ting tings.
What is it about this band that sends middle-aged straight white men into a rage?
Oh honey I’m so gay I was beaten for it in the 90s. And we have very, very different ideas of what “rage” is don’t we lol.
Based on the embedded track, I really couldn’t tell you.It’s downright annoying. I do see the “Is your muffin buttered? Would you like us to put someone in charge of buttering your muffin?” section making a lot of TikToks happen though.
I can try: While the lyrics are daft, the vocals still feel sexy-dangerous, but more importantly are absolutely in the pocket (of the beat, duh.) That adds punch and stability to the rhythm section, allowing an oddly skronky and occasionally psychedelic guitar to roam around. That’s not to say you need to like it, but that’s (sort of) why I do. Well, that, and I’m a stupid sheeple who loves to follow the hype.
Yeah, barking up the wrong tree if you think I’d find it sexy lol.Rhythm section? You’d be forgiven for thinking there was no band the way they’re marketed, surely there isn’t another guitarist, a bassist, and a drummer – it’s just those two!I just don’t find it compelling, which is odd because a song with lyrics about a Vincent Gallo movie with Yorgos Lanthimos thrown in really should.I don’t think you’re wrong for liking it – everyone likes what they like, it would be boring if we all liked the same thing; I’d just pick something like Baby Queen, with a similar sound but what feels like far more authenticity (well, less bullshit behind the hype).
I’ll give a specific example (at least for me):
Wet Leg – Angelica (Official Video) – YouTube
“Angelica” opens with a mega-earworm of a verse and some superficial but catchy lyrics about a party girl. Can easily be dismissed as well-crafted pop. But the songs got some pathos (it’s from the point of view of the wallflower friend). And just as the track gets going at :50, they eschew a standard chorus (or pre-chorus), and drop out into psychedelia.
Cool enough, but then that minor chord at 1:12 takes the whole track in a darker direction, matching the lyrics (“good times, all the time”, but not from the point of view of the singer). It’s Dorian mode (so not a major or minor key), and classic move from the 60s, and shoegaze, which is telegraphed a bit with that Interpol-homage guitar intro), and pretty gutsy and mature to upend would could have been a standard catchy pop track.
I know – music-geeky shit. But I’ve been a song-writer / producer for years (nothing pro, but as a semi-serious hobby), and that element of surprise in a track, when it works, is quality sh*t – even if it’s not your vibe. I think that’s why the band appeals to wider range of the population than one would expect.
I’m sorry but the use of a minor chord is not musical geekery, it’s lesson 2 for anyone who ever had a music lesson in their life – its use is ubiquitous with “joke/comedian” musicians because of the overuse in attempting to change the emotion of a song at a point.It’s as surprising as the sun rising in the morning, only less exciting.I too have been playing musical instruments for 32 + years (from brass, to percussion, to string and piano – mind you I’m nothing special and would never pretend to, but I have studied musical theory), so forgive me if I think that type of musical flourish simplistic and trite, (if we want to talk about it on a technical level, which honestly, I think instantly ruins a critique of music, it’s like explaining a joke).I guess I just lost faith in the band the moment they started pretending they only had one song, I get you need to market yourself to make it, but Jesus scrubbing an entire SC of music and ignoring a back catalogue you’d been performing live for over a year is seriously industry hype nonsense. People are free to enjoy them I don’t I just don’t get the hype.
“I’m sorry but the use of a minor chord is not musical geekery, it’s lesson 2 for anyone who ever had a music lesson in their life – its use is ubiquitous with “joke/comedian” musicians because of the overuse in attempting to change the emotion of a song at a point.”
It’s where and when that counts. As a blatant attempt to change the tone of a track to “generic sad/scary”, yes. Here, its use is more subtle and unexpected.
To me of course – we all have different subjective responses obviously. But at a time when half the bands are still writing I–V–vi–IV songs, I think it’s somewhat original even though it’s a throwback to a lot of 90s (and 60s) tracks, in a place I didn’t expect it.
It can’t be original and a throwback, that’s just “unoriginal”….when half the bands are still writing I–V–vi–IV songs, I think it’s somewhat originalWell, like someone said – it’s where and when that counts. They’ll be a one album band, and that’s fine, the record company managed to market the hell out of them and make some bank before people got bored of them.
The new album from Sabrina Claudio …
For me the top album of the year so far is Hikaru Utada’s Bad Mode. Honourable mentions to Sachiko Aoyama, Haru Nemuri, Placebo, and Porcupine Tree.
Orville Peck’s Bronco is probably my favorite album so far this year.I’m also still enjoying Envy of None, The Linda Lindas, and Fickle Friends.
I have tickets to see Peck in Toronto in August and I can’t wait.
That’s awesome! He was in Phoenix a couple months ago, but the tix were already sold out by the time I found out about the show. I was realllly bummed.
Yes! Thank you. I’m surprised I’m not seeing him on everyone’s mid year lists.
Preacher’s Daughter is my favourite of the year, it’s so brilliant!
I’ll put in plugs for the new Craig Finn, Soccer Mommy, Tomberlin and fanclubwallet albums.
*stares in Ghost*
You’re forgetting two really really good ones:Ghost, ImperaTears for Fears, The Tipping Point
Oh is that Tears for Fears album good? I may have to give it a spin.
It’s not good, it’s GREAT.
Yeah it is pretty good!
It’s the best thing they’ve done since the ‘80s (and actually they’ve done quite a lot of good stuff since the ‘80s).
I ended up listening to it yesterday afternoon: I realized that I had heard the title track when the album came out and liked it but then kinda forgot to check out the rest of the disc. I like it!
It’s a lower bar to clear, but the latest Band of Horses is easily their best record since their second record.
The new Midnight Oil, I’ve been enjoying a lot this year.
man, this list is crazy. The bad bunny and Big thief albums being only honorable mentions is pretty insane considering what made the cut, those are both great albums (I would also go to bat for the Sault and Aldous harding albums, but those are more understandable omissions since they’re both pretty weird). The complete omission of The Smile (so good and it’s basically a radiohead album, AV club loves radiohead!), Ghost and Perfume Genius are pretty surprising.
I have tried to listen to many of the different albums mentioned in the comments. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Do none of you like, you know, vocals?
It’s been a solid year of music so far. My favorites are:SOUL GLO – Diaspora ProblemsKing Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Omnium GatherumFather John Misty – Chloë and the Next 20th CenturyYard Act – The OverloadPUP – THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBANDBlack Dresses – Forget Your Own FaceBob Vylan – Bob Vylan Presents the Price of LifeKing Hannah – I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being MeBlack Country, New Road – Ants From Up ThereZeal & Ardor – Zeal & ArdorThe Jazz Butcher – The Highest in the LandThe Loyal Seas – Strange Mornings in the GardenBoulevards – Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud
I love Black Dresses so much. I’m glad they were able to put everything behind them and get back together.
I had never heard of them before until this year, but they remind me a lot of Deli Girls, another newish discovery that I love.
I just recommended Yard Act before I read your list. I think they are special.
No Perfume Genius : Ugly Season delegitimizes the list. Agree about the Beach House album though.
I’m disappointed that Farm to Table by Bartees Strange is nowhere to be found here. But Rammstein somehow gets a slot? Baffling.
“the patriarchal institution of marriage”lol…
So far, my favorite album of 2022 has been “Covers” by Cat Power.
Beth Gibbons, not Gibson.
astonishing to exclude animal collective’s time skiffs
this has been a very loaded year. i love a lot of the records on your list and yet mine is almost completely different. my list so far: 1. big thief – dragon new warm mountain i believe in you2. black country new road – ants from up there3. string machine – hallelujah hell yeah4. tomberlin – i don’t know who needs to hear this5. porridge radio – waterslide, diving board, ladder to the sky6. overo – waiting for the end to begin7. yawners – duplo8. deer scout – woodpecker9. rosalia – motomami10. soul glo – diaspora problems11. drug church – hygiene12. mj lenderman – boat songs 13. hatchie – giving the world away14. fontaines dc – skinty fia15. gridiron – no good at goodbyes16. spoon – lucifer on the sofa17. pusha t – it’s almost dry18. hemlock – talk soon19. thanks for coming – rachel jr. 20. billy woods – aethiopes
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I’ve heard of 19 of these bands!
why you ignore the smile album? this list is crap
I wish more people were familiar with Automatic. They give me cozy, nostalgic post-punk vibes.
Strongly recommend The Overload by Yard Act.
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Where’s “American Heartbreak” by Zach Bryan? That album is epic, about the best thing I’ve heard recently. Happy to see “Lucifer on the Sofa” in the list as well – Spoon always kills it.
Missing Chat Pile, God’s Country