This year delivered no shortage of records that we loved, that impressed us, that touched us, and that we'll continue to keep in our rotations long after 2022 comes to a close. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These are the 50 best albums of 2022: cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
These are the 50 best albums of 2022: cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
50. Ozzy Osbourne – Patient Number 9
The Prince of Darkness pushed past adversity and released one of his most successful solo albums to date — all without losing his trademark sense of humor.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The Prince of Darkness pushed past adversity and released one of his most successful solo albums to date — all without losing his trademark sense of humor.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
49. MJ Lendermann – Boat Songs
If this is what countrygaze is, grab us a cowboy hat and a case of effect pedals.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
If this is what countrygaze is, grab us a cowboy hat and a case of effect pedals.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
48. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Unlimited Love
Reunited and it feels so, so good: Red Hot Chili Peppers returned in 2022 with love, playfulness, and John Frusciante back in the lineup.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Reunited and it feels so, so good: Red Hot Chili Peppers returned in 2022 with love, playfulness, and John Frusciante back in the lineup.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
47. Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong
The artist’s intimate, expertly reserved sixth full-length demands the increasingly rare singular listening experience.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The artist’s intimate, expertly reserved sixth full-length demands the increasingly rare singular listening experience.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
46. EARTHGANG – Ghetto Gods
Much like Outkast, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul, the duo talks real-world issues without sounding preachy or sitting on their moral high horses.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Much like Outkast, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul, the duo talks real-world issues without sounding preachy or sitting on their moral high horses.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
45. Momma – Household Name
There’s nothing more boring than debating whether rock ‘n’ roll is dead or alive; Household Name puts that tired discourse to rest. Rock is alive and well, and thank god it sounds a lot like Momma.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
There’s nothing more boring than debating whether rock ‘n’ roll is dead or alive; Household Name puts that tired discourse to rest. Rock is alive and well, and thank god it sounds a lot like Momma.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
44. Tears for Fears – The Tipping Point
The band’s seventh studio album is deeply personal, affected by the passing of co-founder Roland Orzabal’s wife, and that deep well of feeling gives additional weight to the LP's sweeping impact.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The band’s seventh studio album is deeply personal, affected by the passing of co-founder Roland Orzabal’s wife, and that deep well of feeling gives additional weight to the LP's sweeping impact.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
43. Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See Your Future
The album contains no wasted lines or moments, and it’s as close to perfect as a rap performance gets in this year — or any other year.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The album contains no wasted lines or moments, and it’s as close to perfect as a rap performance gets in this year — or any other year.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
42. Black Country, New Road – Ants from up There
Moving away from the more post-punk-influenced tendencies of their debut, the record builds upon the group’s focus on dynamic songwriting and emotionally distraught performances.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Moving away from the more post-punk-influenced tendencies of their debut, the record builds upon the group’s focus on dynamic songwriting and emotionally distraught performances.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
41. Wild Pink – ILYSM
ILYSM taps into an acute sense of the sublime, a mix of life’s most extreme emotions that result in a burst of uncomplicated, undying love.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
ILYSM taps into an acute sense of the sublime, a mix of life’s most extreme emotions that result in a burst of uncomplicated, undying love.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
40. Pool Kids – Pool Kids
For all its sonic knots, Pool Kids remains utterly earnest and plainly fun, welcoming even the most ardent emo denialists to dive in.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
For all its sonic knots, Pool Kids remains utterly earnest and plainly fun, welcoming even the most ardent emo denialists to dive in.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
39. Burna Boy – Love, Damini
One more revolution around the sun makes the Afrobeat star more introspective than usual, but the album never forgets to celebrate his achievements, just like any good birthday party.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
One more revolution around the sun makes the Afrobeat star more introspective than usual, but the album never forgets to celebrate his achievements, just like any good birthday party.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
38. Stray Kids – MAXIDENT
MAXIDENT might see the eight members traversing new territory with a focus on the joys and fears of romance, but it’s still quintessentially Stray Kid: energetic, bold, and an absurd amount of fun.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 #StrayKids
MAXIDENT might see the eight members traversing new territory with a focus on the joys and fears of romance, but it’s still quintessentially Stray Kid: energetic, bold, and an absurd amount of fun.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 #StrayKids
37. Weyes Blood – And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow
Stunningly dramatic without ever feeling too heavy-handed, And in the Darkness turns the notion of extreme emotion into a superpower.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Stunningly dramatic without ever feeling too heavy-handed, And in the Darkness turns the notion of extreme emotion into a superpower.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
36. Jack White – Entering Heaven Alive
It’s albums like Entering Heaven Alive that prove sometimes less truly is more – especially when you’ve been a certified rockstar for 20 years.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
It’s albums like Entering Heaven Alive that prove sometimes less truly is more – especially when you’ve been a certified rockstar for 20 years.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
35. Rico Nasty – Las Ruinas
The album builds a new world of fresh ideas using fragments of punk, electronic, metal, and her own brand of “sugar trap.”
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The album builds a new world of fresh ideas using fragments of punk, electronic, metal, and her own brand of “sugar trap.”
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
34. Spoon – Lucifer on the Sofa
Spoon's 10th album has the feel of a band early in their career, in love with what they’ve discovered about their sound, but is still delivered with a confidence that only comes with years of experience.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Spoon's 10th album has the feel of a band early in their career, in love with what they’ve discovered about their sound, but is still delivered with a confidence that only comes with years of experience.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
33. Julia Jacklin – PREPLEASURE
PREPLEASURE represents an exercise in dynamics, ranging from the stark intimacy of the acoustic ballad “Less of a Stranger” to the steady rocker “Lydia Wears a Cross.”
It’s 38 minutes of bliss.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
PREPLEASURE represents an exercise in dynamics, ranging from the stark intimacy of the acoustic ballad “Less of a Stranger” to the steady rocker “Lydia Wears a Cross.”
It’s 38 minutes of bliss.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
32. Danger Mouse & @blackthought – Cheat Codes
A meeting of hip-hop’s finest minds yields chemistry that should take years to develop in roughly 30 minutes, balancing societal solicitudes with eclectic, sample-fueled production.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
A meeting of hip-hop’s finest minds yields chemistry that should take years to develop in roughly 30 minutes, balancing societal solicitudes with eclectic, sample-fueled production.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
31. Lamb of God – Omens
It’s a 10-track bombardment of thrash-meets-metalcore, anchored by the imitable barks and howls of frontman Randy Blythe.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
It’s a 10-track bombardment of thrash-meets-metalcore, anchored by the imitable barks and howls of frontman Randy Blythe.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
30. Alvvays – Blue Rev
Grounded in a hefty rhythm sections, raging shoegazey guitars, and, of course, Molly Rankin’s pristine vocals, the Canadian band use big sounds to convey the impact of small, irritating occurrences.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Grounded in a hefty rhythm sections, raging shoegazey guitars, and, of course, Molly Rankin’s pristine vocals, the Canadian band use big sounds to convey the impact of small, irritating occurrences.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
29. SASAMI – Squeeze
A pinch of ’90s radio rock, a dash of nu-metal, and heavy sprinkling of Japanese folklore yields an extra spicy 32-minute serving of musical power.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
A pinch of ’90s radio rock, a dash of nu-metal, and heavy sprinkling of Japanese folklore yields an extra spicy 32-minute serving of musical power.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
28. Taylor Swift – Midnights
It blends hallmarks of Swift’s previous eras — Reputation’s attitude, 1989’s unimpeachable hooks, Lover’s heart-on-its-sleeve vulnerability — while firmly moving forward and jumpstarting a new chapter.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
It blends hallmarks of Swift’s previous eras — Reputation’s attitude, 1989’s unimpeachable hooks, Lover’s heart-on-its-sleeve vulnerability — while firmly moving forward and jumpstarting a new chapter.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
27. The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention
Running the gambit from loud and fast to angular and artsy to hauntingly beautiful, this album may be shamelessly Radiohead-esque.
But with songs this good, who really cares?
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Running the gambit from loud and fast to angular and artsy to hauntingly beautiful, this album may be shamelessly Radiohead-esque.
But with songs this good, who really cares?
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
26. Carly Rae Jepsen – The Loneliest Time
The album speaks to the purity of CRJ’s approach, something she’s long used to create some of the most undeniable pop music of her generation — The Loneliest Time is just the latest example.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The album speaks to the purity of CRJ’s approach, something she’s long used to create some of the most undeniable pop music of her generation — The Loneliest Time is just the latest example.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
25. Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
On his fifth and final TDE album, Kendrick closes the book on one era of his celebrated career with a statement double-LP that leaves conclusions about his future up to interpretation.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
On his fifth and final TDE album, Kendrick closes the book on one era of his celebrated career with a statement double-LP that leaves conclusions about his future up to interpretation.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
24. Florence + The Machine – Dance Fever
There’s no one quite like Florence Welch — anyone lucky enough to watch her flit and fly about the stage can confirm as much — and her mystical power was well-communicated in this record.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
There’s no one quite like Florence Welch — anyone lucky enough to watch her flit and fly about the stage can confirm as much — and her mystical power was well-communicated in this record.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
23. @FreddieGibbs – $oul $old $eparately
By sharing the struggle to keep his soul intact, he inadvertently gives the next generation — as Houston legend Scarface puts it in the album’s closing verse — "that shit that they can live by."
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
By sharing the struggle to keep his soul intact, he inadvertently gives the next generation — as Houston legend Scarface puts it in the album’s closing verse — "that shit that they can live by."
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
22. Mitski – Laurel Hell
Through synth pop, power ballads, and a refreshing sense of confidence and determination, Laurel Hell was a rewarding return for Mitski.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Through synth pop, power ballads, and a refreshing sense of confidence and determination, Laurel Hell was a rewarding return for Mitski.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
21. Nova Twins – Supernova
Thirty minutes of righteous political rebellion backed by snarling, genre-skewing hard rock? What’s not to love?
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Thirty minutes of righteous political rebellion backed by snarling, genre-skewing hard rock? What’s not to love?
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
20. Jockstrap – I Love You Jennifer B
The first listen is like walking into a cornfield while on psychedelics: What at first seems random and overwhelming soon melts into a perfectly constructed path.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The first listen is like walking into a cornfield while on psychedelics: What at first seems random and overwhelming soon melts into a perfectly constructed path.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
19. Harry Styles – Harry’s House
The megastar’s third studio solo album is his most personal yet, and the result is a lovely A-frame in which we can spend some time.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 #HarryStyles
The megastar’s third studio solo album is his most personal yet, and the result is a lovely A-frame in which we can spend some time.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 #HarryStyles
18. MUNA – MUNA
There are days where you don’t feel like getting out of bed, let alone dancing.
But certain albums honor those feelings while simultaneously giving you an outlet to grieve, grow, and get back on the right track.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
There are days where you don’t feel like getting out of bed, let alone dancing.
But certain albums honor those feelings while simultaneously giving you an outlet to grieve, grow, and get back on the right track.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
17. Saba – Few Good Things
Few Good Things finds Saba in and out of social circles he only dreamt of years ago, but realizing everything that glitters isn’t all it seems to be. Or, as he puts it, “the bagger that comes with the bag.”
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Few Good Things finds Saba in and out of social circles he only dreamt of years ago, but realizing everything that glitters isn’t all it seems to be. Or, as he puts it, “the bagger that comes with the bag.”
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
16. Rina Sawayama – Hold the Girl
Following the success of her eponymous debut album, Sawayama’s sophomore effort digs deep into her own story.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Following the success of her eponymous debut album, Sawayama’s sophomore effort digs deep into her own story.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
15. PUP – THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND
Every psyche-shattering sound that comes out of this band is juiced with an almost perverse joy. This album is just the latest in the punks’ string of haywire, high-spirited successes.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Every psyche-shattering sound that comes out of this band is juiced with an almost perverse joy. This album is just the latest in the punks’ string of haywire, high-spirited successes.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
14. Alex G – God Save the Animals
The titular “God” on the record might be the Son incarnate or your pet dog who catches you in your most vulnerable day-to-day moments. Either way, it can’t hurt to see yourself through a different lens.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
The titular “God” on the record might be the Son incarnate or your pet dog who catches you in your most vulnerable day-to-day moments. Either way, it can’t hurt to see yourself through a different lens.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
13. JID – The Forever Story
Not only does JID express more vulnerability than ever before, but he also opens up about familial relationships without sacrificing any of the pure rapping mastery that got him here.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Not only does JID express more vulnerability than ever before, but he also opens up about familial relationships without sacrificing any of the pure rapping mastery that got him here.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
12. Bartees Strange – Farm to Table
As its name implies, this LP seems to trace back all the complex influences — sonically and politically — that make Strange one of the best in his class.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
As its name implies, this LP seems to trace back all the complex influences — sonically and politically — that make Strange one of the best in his class.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
11. SZA – S.O.S
Beyond SZA’s emotional range as a songwriter, she’s accepted the vulnerability that is required to share such thoughts with the world.
If that’s not worth saving, then what is?
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Beyond SZA’s emotional range as a songwriter, she’s accepted the vulnerability that is required to share such thoughts with the world.
If that’s not worth saving, then what is?
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
10. Nilüfer Yanya – PAINLESS
PAINLESS is full of smart choices and meticulous details, and it cements Nilüfer Yanya as one of the most exciting songwriters in indie rock.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
PAINLESS is full of smart choices and meticulous details, and it cements Nilüfer Yanya as one of the most exciting songwriters in indie rock.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
09. Rosalía – MOTOMAMI
You’d be hard-pressed to find many other 2022 albums as wide-reaching — and rewarding — as this one.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
You’d be hard-pressed to find many other 2022 albums as wide-reaching — and rewarding — as this one.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
08. Sudan Archives – Natural Brown Prom Queen
As the curtains close on the LP, we’re left in wonder at the work of an intensely uncommon artist.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
As the curtains close on the LP, we’re left in wonder at the work of an intensely uncommon artist.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
07. Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You
It’s an album whose resonance only grows with time, allowing you to wrap yourself inside it and better appreciate its varied gifts.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
It’s an album whose resonance only grows with time, allowing you to wrap yourself inside it and better appreciate its varied gifts.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
06. Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems
Hurtling downhill at a breakneck pace while playing an often chaotic mix of punk rock, post-hardcore, ska, hip-hop, and metal, Soul Glo swing for the fences.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
Hurtling downhill at a breakneck pace while playing an often chaotic mix of punk rock, post-hardcore, ska, hip-hop, and metal, Soul Glo swing for the fences.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
05. Zach Bryan – American Heartbreak
Across two brisk hours and 34 stirring tracks, Zach Bryan has reinvented the American epic.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 @zachlanebryan
Across two brisk hours and 34 stirring tracks, Zach Bryan has reinvented the American epic.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 @zachlanebryan
04. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cool It Down
There’s something comforting about an established band returning with something fresh and present, proof that as the world “goes spinnin’ out of control,” we’re capable of growth and hope.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
There’s something comforting about an established band returning with something fresh and present, proof that as the world “goes spinnin’ out of control,” we’re capable of growth and hope.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
03. Beyoncé – Renaissance
With Renaissance, Beyoncé has achieved a masterwork of dance music that demands you to surrender to the groove.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
With Renaissance, Beyoncé has achieved a masterwork of dance music that demands you to surrender to the groove.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
02. Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti
Bad Bunny is the master of the moment before — the delicious tension before the rhythm hits you like an elbow off the top rope.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 @sanbenito
Bad Bunny is the master of the moment before — the delicious tension before the rhythm hits you like an elbow off the top rope.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022 @sanbenito
01. Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry
It’s Almost Dry paints @PUSHA_T as an emcee truly at his most confident, motivated by the two producers who know him best while their personal competition for best beatmaker plays out over 12 songs.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
It’s Almost Dry paints @PUSHA_T as an emcee truly at his most confident, motivated by the two producers who know him best while their personal competition for best beatmaker plays out over 12 songs.
cos.lv/sY5t50LWlBo #AnnualReport2022
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