BEST ALBUMS OF 2022 (SO FAR)
We are officially at the halfway mark of the year and here are our staff picks from some of the best albums of the year so far.
Melt My Eyez See Your Future - Denzel Curry
I could write endless praises about Denzel’s performances and how he weaves his stories and experiences so deeply into his art. What stands out the most to me is how every album art that accompanies the record is so reflective of the sonic tone. The iridescent colors and motion blur on the side profile shot reflect the bright, saturated, ethereal sound palette of Melt My Eyez. - Caleb Couri
You Can’t Kill Me - 070 Shake
070 Shake’s follow up to her first LP, Modus Vivendi is nothing but an improvement. Shake’s sound has become far more refined in her sophomore album, opening up the listener into her emotions all while creating an atmospheric, intrinsic, and unorthodox record. You Can’t Kill Me is a live performance to behold as well, as Shake brings her all to really plunge the listener into the album, even performing the whole album before it was officially released. The Mike Dean production is evident all over the record, thanks to her partnership with G.O.O.D. Music. It’s clear that she will be a mainstay in the industry and that her projects are certainly worth the wait.. - Curt Giventer
VOYD Vol. II - Svdden Death
VOYD Vol. II is a perfect addition to Svdden Death's multivolume release of VOYD. In all aspects it expertly and creatively accepts it's preceding releases as its baseline in ways that keep it cohesive, but still perfectly strong on its own legs. Svdden Death's left-hook approach to sound design and songwriting have reached a new peak with this release. - John Haring
Harry’s House - Harry Styles
The best pop artist in the world released another banger of an album. Another no-skip collection of songs from Harold, exploring both his dance pop/pop-funk/whatever-the-fucking-godliness you call “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” and his soft acoustic sides. Only thing missing was a power ballad, 9/10. Top track was “Satellite”. - Dan Britto - Watkins
Parting Shot - No Momentum
We know this one isn’t technically an album but it’s too good not to include. The bummer punk band is back with this four tracked EP filled with fast - paced songs, hard edged melodies and dirty vocals that’ll make you want to scream too. - Katie Dudek
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe You - Big Thief
There is so much to say about this double LP. The experimenting with various sounds, meshing all the bells and whistles for this is kinda irresistible. With songs that move you such as “Sparrow” or “Change”, you cant help but overcome with emotion. There’s also songs that just make you want to dance and be silly. Song like “simulation swarm” or “spud infinity”. This album moved me in ways that I haven’t felt for a record in a very long time, four months after the release and I can’t stop listening. - Noelle Janasiewicz
Roller Fink - The Surfrajettes
The Surfrajettes’ first full-length record, Roller Fink is their best material yet. Having released only a few singles and EPs, their sound was clear - surfy, vintage, reverb-dripping, and straight out of mid-century America, but with a twist. They’re entirely female-fronted, and they certainly have shown their talent with this LP. With the addition of new drummer Sam Maloney, their sound has been retained, but taken to the next level. Themed around a roller rink and entirely instrumental, the album is extremely cohesive and there’s not a single skip.- Curt Giventer
Self Titled - Wet Leg
I kinda think this one was needed in a way. Just two women showcasing their rage in a slow evolution throughout the record is pretty bad ass honestly. It’s unapologetic and has beautiful moments and ballads throughout. It makes you feel empowered. - Noelle Janasiewicz
sore thumb - Oso Oso
This is one of my all time favorite bands, sore thumb really puts the pop into the emo-indie-pop genre bending band’s discography. The lead single, “pensacola” starts and ends with an ear worm of a piano riff, with a really catchy chorus. “computer exploder” is my top track. - Dan Britto Watkins
Live Your Truth Shred Some Gnar - NOBRO
NOBRO released their debut album Live Your Truth Shred Some Gnar earlier this year, and the record’s title holds just as true as their name. NOBRO is an all-female punk band from Canada that made their name known touring with FIDLAR a couple years back. Harnessing their energy into contained explosive bursts, each song on the LP shows off their raucous and wild sound. Complete with a track entirely sung in French as well as sweet acoustic jam at the end to showcase their softer side, NOBRO’s first LP is a great representation of their sound.- Curt Giventer
777 - Latto
A star on the rise, truly hitting the jackpot with her sophomore album. Latto is certainly not only bringing “Big Energy” to the game but she’s bringing us a little “Sunshine” too. The album is stacked with top notch features from established icons Childish Gambino, 21 Savage, Lil Wayne and more. It’s a record that you keep on repeat - Noelle Janasiewicz
The Woods Will End You - Brotality
One of the best thrash metal bands from the last 5 years, Brotality is exploding right now. They released an album with 11 tracks of straight bangers. Added this to my gym mix and suddenly I can bench 300, seriously makes you feel like you could go ten rounds with the Hulk and win. Top tracks were “Sludgehammer” and “Glow”, because I couldn’t pick just one.- Dan Britto Watkins
