My Favorite Albums of 2022

Best Albums of 2022 Featured Image

Author: Ella Rustin

Thousands of new album rollouts throughout 2022, proving that the music industry is back and booming following the slump of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year was full of astounding new projects from musicians across the board; here are a few of my favorites!

1. Ants From Up There by Black Country, New Road

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second full-length album from London post-rock band Black Country, New Road has been regarded by many as “a modern classic”, also receiving 5/5 stars from NME following its release. Released roughly one year after the band’s debut album, Ants From Up There is composed of two flawless instrumental tracks, upbeat tracks full of witty lyricism, melancholic and heart-wrenching moments, and a striking, cinematic 12-minute finale. Prior to the release of the album, lead singer and guitarist Isaac Wood announced his departure from the band, which makes each lyric and message throughout the album even more relevant and authentic.

There are many highlights on this album, but “Haldern” and “Basketball Shoes” stand out the most. “Haldern” came about during Black Country, New Road’s live performance at the Haldern Music festival in 2020. Bassist Tyler Hyde explained “We did two performances there, and the second one was a live stream, and we weren’t allowed to play songs that weren’t released. At the time, that left us with not very much that we weren’t already bored with, so we decided to do some improv. It was a very lucky day when we were all very in sync with one another. So “Haldern” was totally from improv, which is not how we write ever” (via Apple Music). When listening to the song, it is unbelievable to think that a group of people could improvise such a masterpiece.

“Basketball Shoes”, the final track on Ants From Up There, is 12 minutes long and feels like the end score of a movie. As the song progresses from verse to verse, there are small instrumental breaks that build up to its dramatic ending, which leaves me at a loss for words every single time.

Following the initial release of the album, Black Country, New Road one-upped themselves by giving fans a deluxe version of the LP, including recordings, live from Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The live rendition of “Basketball Shoes” is even more captivating than the studio version.

Personally, I think that this is the best album to come out of 2022. Every time I delve into this album (which is a lot) it feels like I am listening to it for the first time again. Each track is so meticulously made that there is something new to point out after every listen.

2. I Love You Jennifer B by Jockstrap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jockstrap, the duo between Black Country, New Road’s Georgia Ellery, and genre-bending producer Taylor Skye, released their debut album I Love You Jennifer B in early September. The album seamlessly ties together many of the styles the duo experimented with in their previous EPs. Following the release of their EP Wicked City under Warp Records, it was clear that Jockstrap could cover many different areas of music within their work, and I Love You Jennifer B takes it a step further. Ranging from glitchy electronic tracks to pop ballads, Jockstrap keeps their audience guessing by proving that it is not necessary to stick to one theme. I Love You Jennifer B is one of the most impressive debut albums I have had the pleasure of listening to, and it is exciting to think about what their future may have in store.

3. Hellfire by black midi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hellfire is the third studio album from the experimental post-punk group. With every new release, black midi’s work becomes more exciting and erratic than the previous. Their debut album Schlagenheim emphasizes a heavier sound, and Cavalcade incorporates their signature jams with more melodic elements as well. After the release of their second album Cavalcade, black midi continued working in isolation to create Hellfire, which combined elements of their past two releases while also bringing new things to the table. Lead singer Geordie Greep explained, “If Cavalcade was a drama, Hellfire is like an epic action film” (Rough Trade). Incorporating fictional characters, tasteful irony, and technical, advanced instrumentation, Hellfire is an imposing and unique album that takes the listener by surprise during every single listen.

4. God’s Country by Chat Pile

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formed in 2019, Chat Pile tastefully blends sludge and death metal with noise rock. Their debut album God’s Country discusses the morbid parts of existence, and the neglect of many issues within our society. Chat Pile explained that the rhetoric within the album shows the “sick irony to how a country that extols rhetoric of individual freedom, in the same gasp, has no problem commodifying human life as if it were meat to feed the insatiable hunger of capitalism.” With subjects like inaccessibility, the homeless crisis, and the negative impacts of different industries, the album is unsettling and at times terrifying, which is what makes it so effective rhetorically. God’s Country is a great listen for any metal enthusiast.

5. Crest by Bladee & Ecco2k

 

 

 

 

 

 

The newest collaboration from Drain Gang members Bladee and Ecco2k moves away from their general practices and opens up a whole new realm of musical genius. The album plays with existential ideas surrounding heaven, angels, and the spiritual world, combining elements of hyper-pop and rap to create a dreamy landscape that the listener follows throughout the project.

This was one of my favorite releases of the year, as I yearned for more Drain Gang content adjacent to “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”, which was released as a single in 2020. I remember listening to the song in early quarantine and being absolutely mesmerized. Bladee and Ecco2k took that track and expanded it into an album that is fun and refreshing front-to-back.

Honorable Mentions:

Skinty Fia by Fontaines D.C.

A Light for Attracting Attention by The Smile

Stardust by Yung Lean

Stumpwork by Dry Cleaning

What’s Wrong by Elliott Fullam

i’ll be okay by sign crushes motorist

Once Twice Melody by Beach House

Looking back at the many monumental album releases of 2022, the year is still not over with multiple projected releases during December. Just to name a few: a highly anticipated project from SZA, and a new collaboration from rappers $uicideboy$ and Germ.

2022 has been huge for music, with promising new acts showcasing their potential, as well as classic cult-followed artists adding new works to their discographies. As the year comes to a close, it is exhilarating to think about what a new year for music has in store.

 

 

Ella Rustin | Here comes that feeling, you should never let it go | KXSU Promotions & Music Director and Music Reporter |

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