TOP 25 ALBUMS OF 2022

25 | BRAKENCE – HYPOCHONDRIAC

This album came out as I was putting this list together, and I have had hard time NOT listening to it since it dropped. If this had been released earlier in the year, I think it’d be much higher on this list, but in the short amount of time I’ve spent with it, I have become obsessed with the unique sound Randy Findell created for his major-label debut.

Confessional lyrics, half-sung/half-rapped, over midwest emo twinkle guitars and blown-out beats round out the sonic palette of hypochondriac. These tracks hit like Flume and Astroworld with the melodic sensibility of American Football (if it sounds crazy, that’s because it is). Other inspirations lie in the spasms of hyper-pop and the glitches of Bjork’s early aughts-output.

You may need to look beyond the cringey lyrics from this 20-year-old to see the brilliance here, but one thing is for sure, Brakence is extremely talented, and I’m very excited to continue to watch his development.

Standout track: “Teeth“

24 | WILD PINK – ILYSM

Wild Pink has continued to evolve from their early recordings of hyper-detailed, Death Cab-tinged indie rock, into full blown War on Drugs-Americana with plenty of pedal-steel bliss. On ILYSM, the group continues to build out their stadium sized sound, now bringing in influence from sludgy stoner rock and Dinosaur Jr. (J. Mascis features on “See You Better Now”).

Ringleader John Ross was diagnosed with cancer while he started writing this record, so understandably mortality serves as a main theme throughout. Ross has always written about heavy themes, but on ILYSM there’s a sense of refreshing optimism and perspective in his songwriting that serves the band well.

This album grooves, rocks out and tugs on the heartstrings, all while maintaining cohesion. Best enjoyed in the early mornings, ILYSM is a powerful listen that taps into the human condition beautifully.

Standout Track: “Abducted at the Grief Retreat“

23 | GOOSE – DRIPFIELD

Goose is the only jam band that could’ve made a record like this. Let’s be clear though, their live recordings are better than the studio versions.

That said, the Connecticut five piece managed to showcase what sets them apart from the rest of the jam band scene. Working with D. James Goodwin as executive producer (Whitney, Kevin Morby, The National), the group dove into their indie touch-points and delivered everything from 90s post-grunge to new-wave.

Singer/guitarist Rick Mitarotonda shines on these recordings, and might be the best singer in jam-band history (bold, I know). The production is crisp and the arrangements are refreshing for the scene.

For real though, just go see Goose live before it becomes impossible to get tickets to their shows. You won’t regret it.

Standout Track: “Slow Ready“

22 | DJO – DECIDE

He may be best known as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, but Joe Keery’s indie-pop-side-hustle, Djo, outshines his acting, in my opinion.

Touching on everything from synth-drenched pop to Talking Heads-esque vocal outbursts, Decide is an enthralling listen from front-to-back. Keery harps on familiar thematics of isolation and growing up, but his delivery brings a fresh approach to the well-worn subject matter.

The production on this record is pristine – gleaming synths, dense vocoders, punchy drums, thick guitars and mouthy bass abound.

While you all are anxiously awaiting the return of Stranger Things, I’ll be spinning DECIDE and waiting patiently for the next output from Djo.

Standout Track: “End of Beginning”

21 | TSHA – CAPRICORN SUN

TSHA makes the kind of dance music you always hope they’ll be playing at the club. It’s bright and airy, with pop hooks and four-on the-floor stomps. Yet, it still feels fresh and creative.

She’s been on the rise this year and her debut album, Capricorn Sun is a perfect entry into what makes her so special as a producer. Blending house, jungle and a lighter take on drum n’ bass, TSHA’s tracks are also elevated by a bevy of collaborates, who lend awesome vocal samples for these beats to thump under.

This is one record that I think everyone can get behind. It’s super inviting, like an outstretched hand asking you to join them on dance floor. Don’t mind if I do…

Standout Track: “Giving Up“

20 | GOLDEN VESSEL – EVERYTHINGEVERYDAYEVERYTHING

There’s a certain vibe to everythingeverydayeverything that makes it feel like a relic from the past, yet firmly rooted in 2022.

Featuring one of my favorite songs of the year, (“pockets full of rocks”), Maxwell Byrne’s third album as Golden Vessel invites you into his laidback world of chilled-out pop. Byrne encourages many of his collaborators to shine over the tracks as he crafts a breezy sound that works on a sunny afternoon or a late night in solitude.

Also notable is the way the vocals are treated across the record. While this style usually favors reverb-drenched crooning, the various vocalists across the album sound crisp and upfront in the mix, which is refreshing for the scene.

You never quite know what Golden Vessel is going to throw at you, from ambient house to slacker pop, but everythingeverydayeverything is a wonderful blend of sounds from the young producer.

Standout Track: “pockets full of rocks“

19 | TOURIST – INSIDE OUT

In a genre that relies on digital construction, Tourist has always managed to make very organic electronica. Inside Out is no different, and he continues to be one of the more exciting IDM artists behind the decks.

There’s a seamless quality to the way William Phillips weaves sounds together as Tourist. The vocal samples, arpeggiated synths, sub bass and house beats all feel like they were cooked up in the same pot, and the outstanding mix on the record makes each sound shine, but feel part of a whole.

Standout Track: “Lark“

18 | FRED AGAIN.. – ACTUAL LIFE 3 (JANUARY 1 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2022)

Fred again.. is the perfect artist for 2022. Maybe he’s crafting his songs in Logic on the tube or in a gondola over London. Perhaps he’s sampling a video clip he took at a local pub, or the hook from his favorite song of the year.

Actual Life 3, like the first two installments, is best taken in as a whole. Fred re-samples sounds from earlier projects and songs, while also beefing up the production from the previous installments.

Fred continues his streak of dropping heartfelt and personal electronic opuses, using the words of others, and has to be considered one of the best samplers in dance music right now.

Standout Track: “Bleu (better with time)“

17 | FRESH PEPPER – FRESH PEPPER

Sometimes, it’s best to write about what you know. For Fresh Pepper, the group of musicians shared a bond through years spent working in kitchens

I was turned onto this project thanks to following Joseph Shabason, saxophonist most known for his work in Destroyer. In his solo work, he experiments with processed recordings and harmonization, but on Fresh Pepper, he remains mostly restrained in his playing (for the better). Dan Bejar, Mr. Destroyer himself, shows up here too for a smooth vocal take on “Seahorse Tranquilizer.”

The sweet crooning of Andre Ethier and the warm blanket of adult contemporary jazz that wraps his voice makes this the perfect record to throw on when making breakfast or dinner. It’s nice to be reminded of the simple joys of fresh garlic roasting in a pan…

Standout Track: “Waiting On”

16 | DESTROYER – LABYRINTHITIS

Make no mistake, Destroyer has always put out groovy music. But, the grooves on this album feel more visceral and a little less buttoned-up then previous efforts. There’s also a newfound dreaminess to the palette here too, thanks to opening song “It’s In Your Heart Now,” which feels more in line with The War on Drugs than off-kilter disco.

There’s also a good amount of experimentation here – with Destroyer modulating his voice and playing with new cadences. Things even get a little wacky on “Tintoretto, It’s For You,” which normally isn’t out of the ordinary for a Destroyer record, but this track really cranks up the weirdness.

While it’s not THE best Destroyer album, it is still a fantastic effort that’ll make you want to dance and say WTF at the same time.

Standout Track: “It Takes a Thief”

15 | BONOBO – FRAGMENTS

After two decades of creating dance-ready and heady thumpers, Simon Green continues to push the limits of what Bonobo can be. Like his contemporaries Four Tet and Caribou, it seems he may be getting better with age.

He continues to collaborate with big-time vocalists (Jamila Woods, Joji, Jordan Rakei), and also takes an opportunity to go back-to-back on the decks with tech-house heavy hitter, O’Flynn.

Green also ups the drama on this project, with lush string arrangements and grand crescendos. Some of these songs would work well in movie scores, and others are perfect for an underground rave. And yet – the project still feels united, which is a special feat.

Standout Track: “Age of Phase“

14 | JID – The Forever Story

JID might just be the best pure rapper out there right now. And he continues to cement that on the brilliant the Forever Story, his long-awaited second album.

Taking you through stories of his childhood and relationships with his family over absolutely wild beats, JID shows why he’s such a compelling storyteller. His wordplay is next-level, and there’s always a cheekiness to his bars. What makes him so great is that it’s really FUN to listen to him rip a flow.

It’s been exciting to see this project amplify JIDs visibility, and hopefully more folks buy into the hype.

Standout Track: “Raydar”

13 | ANIMAL COLLECTIVE – TIME SKIFFS

It’s really cool to hear Animal Collective break into bonafide grooves (“Prester John”) and put a beautiful slow burn (“Royal and Desire”).

The fore-bearers of experimental indie are now entering their jam band era it seems, with Panda Bear firmly placed behind a FULL drum set, and the boys putting together some of the best harmonies in their discog. The Beach Boy comparisons are also well-earned on this one.

A lot of what made ANCO great has felt lost since Centipede Hz, but it seems like they’re coming back into their own on Time Skiffs. Apparently, they have another album’s worth of material in the vault, so look out for more from the Collective soon.

Standout Track: “Cherokee“

12 | BIG THIEF – DRAGON NEW WARM MOUNTAIN I BELIEVE IN YOU

If you’re gonna make a double-album, it better be as good front-to-back as this one. Adrienne Lenker is by far and away the best songwriter in indie folk, and rest of the band continues to impress on Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You.

It’s great to hear an album in 2022 that really feels like four people in a room capturing jams. You’ll hear the gnarliest guitar tones on one track, the most gentle acoustic strums on the next, and then they’ll round it all out with some mouth harp for dramatic effect. Talk about versatility.

Big Thief once again creates a very warm and enjoyable listen that you can play for days on end.

Standout Track: “Little Things“

11 | TORO Y MOI – MAHAL

Mahal is Toro’s best psych-rock album. This is what he tried to do on 2015’s What For?, but that album attempted to capture straight-up rock nature of the genre, this one capitalizes on both grooviness and experimentation to make fun psychedelia.

And boy does Chaz knows how to drop a funky bass line. It’s great to see his old friends, the Mattson 2, show up on “Millennium” and lend their tasty playing to Toro’s kaleidoscope backdrop.

Toro has an incredible knack for making the laid-back sound so casual, but tight at the same time. It’s slacker rock for the workaholic.

Standout Track: “Magazines“

10 | EARL SWEATSHIRT – SICK!

I won’t make the obvious reference to how sick this album is, but it is definitely the best work from Earl Sweatshirt thus far. Combining the stoner prophecies from Some Rap Songs with new waves of production that get the blood flowing, Earl shines front-to-back on this project.

He doubles down on the flows and entendres he learned hanging out with MIKE and Navy Blue, while also tapping back into a more hi-fidelity sound than his last two projects. It feels like a full realization of Earl.

His writing has sharpened, delivering deep bars that may only reveal themselves after a few listens. It’s a record you want to play on repeat all day, which is exactly what I did for many days this year.

Standout Track: “2010“

9 | RICHARD HOUGHTEN – QUANTUM FLOW

Not many 50 song albums could actually grab my attention. But Quantum flow was one of my most-listened to projects of the year. Houghton’s guitar loops and boom bap beats make the perfect backdrop for just about any activity, from crushing beers on a sunny day to cleaning the house on a rainy one.

It’s great for the morning, afternoon or late night sesh. Your dad would probably dig it. Maybe your mom would too. Play it for your pets and their ears might perk up. Play it at the office and your co-workers will be like “damn, this is chill as hell.”

It’s easy listening in the Spotify era, and I mean that as a high compliment.

Standout Track: “Spring Rain“

8 | NILUFER YANYA – PAINLESS

Yanya has been one of the most excited guitar-based acts in recent years. It’s refreshing to see a dedicated approach to the six-string from her, with her Drop D riffs providing the backdrops for haunting love songs or upbeat bangers.

The Radiohead influence is there, and so is Nirvana, but make no mistake, Yanya is in a class of her own. Painless delivers a packed punch of rock jams, and the tenderness is her british-accented delivery has never sounded better.

Standout Track: “the dealer“

7 | THE SMILE – A LIGHT FOR ATTRACTING ATTENTION

It’d be unfair to put this album up against the Radiohead canon, but you kind of have to given the personnel. It’s safe to say this is the best work to come from a Radiohead side-project. It’s exciting to hear Thom and Jonny in a new environment and tapping into their rock roots that go back as far as the Bends. At the same time, they continue to move past the detailed work of A Moon Shaped Pool with tracks like “Skirting on the Surface” and “Speech Bubbles.”

And can we talk about how damn good these Thom York basslines are? No offense Colin, but this shit GOES. The bass playing on “The Smoke” especially stands out, as Yorke takes a pretty technical pattern and just glides smoothly along.

It’s also been wonderful to see these guys just kinda having fun up there on stage. Without the weight of the title “Radiohead”, Thom and Jonny seem to be playing freely. Tom Skinner’s drumming compliments the knotty interplay of Greenwood and Yorke perfectly.

The Smile prove they are far more than just a side project on their debut album. Looking forward to hearing more from this trio.

Standout Track: “Thin Thing“

6 | KENDRICK LAMAR – MR. MORALE & THE BIG STEPPERS

In a conversation with my good friends, Darien and Jesse Henshaw, this weekend, it became clear to us that 2022 was kind of the year of great records from our favorite artists, but not the best ones… I think that’s the case with Mr. Morale. It’s an outstanding record, and explores new themes and sounds, but it’s hard to put it above his high watermark in To Pimp a Butterfly (same goes with Alex G, Destroyer, etc.).

But this is a 2022 list. And in a vacuum, this is a grand achievement from the best hip hop artist that we may ever see. From it’s unexpected cast of collaborators, to its the tap dancing interludes and screaming matches, Mr. Morale is a journey is through the makeup of Kendrick.

But this does feel more self-reflective and personal than his last few efforts. And for that, it’s awesome to see an artist on this scale admitting he needs to process some of the thing that he’s’ gone through on his rise to the top. It’s less a victory lap and more of a therapy session, which is refreshing in the scene.

Standout Track: “Silent Hill“

5 | SKULLCRUSHER – QUIET THE ROOM

This record raises the hair on the back of your neck. It’s indie-folk ASMR. It’s ghostly, but not in a spooky way.

There are some wonderful contributions from Runnner, her songwriting and romantic partner, on the production end. Whether a banjo riff or production glitches, his contributions are crucial to the grandiose journey of Quiet the Room.

You can tell how meticulously crafted each sound was here. Helen Ballentine’s angelic voice floats over the densely layered guitars and ethereal textures that fill out the record. There’s hints of early Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers, but Ballentine creates a vibe all her own on her debut album.

Standout Track: “Whatever Fits Together“

4 | ALTOPALO – FRENEMY

The Ableton-pop quartet has produced some of my favorite music over the last couple of years. On Frenemy, they dialed in their sound to craft their most fully-realized record to date.

Rahm Silverglade has a knack for unconventional ear-worm melodies and dramatic deliveries. Drummer Dillon Treacy steps into the forefront on this record, and grooves in the pocket. Mike Haldeman and Jesse Bielenberg process and mangle their instruments to where they can barely be recognized.

It’s genre-bending at its finest. It’s always been hard to pin down exactly what Altopalo makes, and that’s part of the beauty. On Frenemy, they refine those experimentations and lean into their strengths, making for their best album to date.

Standout track: “Altopalo“

3 | JENNY HVAL – CLASSIC OBJECTS

The world that Jenny Hval creates on Classic Objects is one of juxtaposition and prestige. Setting scenes of rainy wedding days and delivery rooms atop layered production and airy synths, Hval’s voice is crystalline and weightless. It’s actually awe-inspiring how great her vocals sound on this album.

The songs build slowly around her unique writing, which is highly detailed and self aware. As she ponders on her fine arts degree and UTIs, the backing band fills in the empty spaces that surround her voice, and bring tracks to steady, sublime climaxes.

This record reminds me a lot of two of my favorite albums in recent memory, Freedom by Amen Dunes and Ignorance by The Weather Station, in that these songs buck the verse-chorus-verse structure for more of a perpetual groove. And it makes for a great listening experience.

Standout Track: “American Coffee”

2 | WARPAINT – RADIATE LIKE THIS

What’s so great about this record is that is basically just straight up indie rock. No frills, no special tricks or anything. Your standard guitar, synths, bass, drum sonic palette. But what makes it so outstanding is what Warpaint do within this palette.

Dummer Stella Mozgawa is about as underrated as any player in the scene. Her playing is a highlight over many of the tracks. The songwriting and vocals of Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman shine throughout. The warm and lush production that surrounds them is precise and dramatic.

These are just really great songs. It reminds me of In Rainbows in that way – where a band gets to a point where they said, let’s just make some jams.

The accompanying Live from the Basement set is a must-watch . These girls rock, and I would get stuck on this record for weeks on end because it’s just awesome to listen to.

Straight up a good time.

Standout Track: “Hard to Tell You“

1 | ALEX G – GOD SAVE THE ANIMALS

Maybe I’m a sucker. In 2017 and 2019, I also declared Alex G albums to be my favorites in those respective years. I actually fought myself this time around. Did I really love God Save the Animals? Or was I just falling prey to my own bias?

At the end of the day, there’s a reason that Alex has been one of my favorite artists over the last half decade. With each release, he continues to expand on his ever-increasing strangeness, while also maintaining pop sensibilities.

The album rollout started with the creepy, nu-grunge of “Blessing”. He then followed up with the 90s alt bop of “Runner” and the warbly “Cross the Sea“.

If you though that’d be the full spectrum of sound for the album, think again. Alex G dabbles in everything from hyper-pop to gospel folk, and it all slaps. I just can’t get enough of this dude. Alex G forever.

Standout Track: “Cross the Sea“