Well, here we are yet again at the close of another year. It is just me, or does this feel like this happens way too fast lately?
2022 was a fantastic year for music and if it’s all that got you through, we’re right there with you!
We chose our top 5 favorite albums this year from a long list of suitable contenders, which, as always, is extremely hard, which is why our honorable mentions list is pretty long this year; just wanted to make sure everyone gets a proper shout out for their work.
I can’t thank you all enough for continuing to stick by us. Thank you for reading, sharing, and submitting your music to us. Your support means the world and we cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store!
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#5 Michelle Branch – The Trouble With Fever
Released: September 16, 2022
Michelle Branch made her triumphant return this year with The Trouble With Fever, five years after the release of her Hopeless Romantic album. Criminally underrated, The Trouble With Fever is a hazy, telling journey into stories of love, loss, relationship mishaps and empowerment. Branch may make us wait a while for new material but damn, she sure knows how to make the wait worth it!
Spotlight Tracks: “Not My Lover” | “When That Somebody Is You” | “I’m a Man”
#4 Sasha Alex Sloan – I Blame The World
Released: May 13, 2022
One thing we have always known: Sasha Alex Sloan is a kindred. She may be blaming the world on her sophomore record, I Blame The World, but the world definitely needed this album. A giant f-you to all of the bullshit of daily life, Sloan poignantly shares her stories of depression, fear, anxiety and all of the little things that connect us in big ways.
Spotlight Tracks: “I Blame The World” | “WTF” | “Live Laugh Love”
#3 Carly Rae Jepsen – The Loneliest Time
Released: October 21, 2022
There is a reason why she’s called Carly Slay Jepsen. This girl has never put out a bad album and The Loneliest Time just might be her best yet, and most experimental. With moments of pure pop joy and those that are more subdued and folky, The Loneliest Time hits all the senses in all the right places and then some. Slay on, Carly Rae!
Spotlight Tracks: “Western Wind” | “Go Find Yourself or Whatever” | “Keep Away” – Bonus Track
#2 Kelsea Ballerini – Subject To Change
Released: September 23, 2022
Kelsea Ballerini has been such a light this year and her fourth release, Subject To Change, is as lovely as she is. Delving deep into self-discovery, loss, drama, and the kind of love you search your whole life for, Subject To Change is that album you can always go back to when you need to stay grounded while being reminded that doing your best and showing up for you is all that matters. It’s all subject to change and changing our minds is key to moving forward.
Spotlight Tracks: “Heartfirst” | “Weather” | “Muscle Memory”
#1 flor – Future Shine
Released: May 6, 2022
We knew once flor released their third album, Future Shine, that it would be our favorite this year. These boys never disappoint and Future Shine has only elevated their sound to new heights. Diving deep into matters of the heart, the planet and our fears of the future, flor proves that together, we can make it all shine by being mindful and staying fully present.
Spotlight Tracks: “Big Shot” | “Clouds” | “Future Shine”
Honorable Mentions – In order of release
Bad Suns – Apocalypse Whenever
Heavenward – Staircase Music EP
Tears For Fears – The Tipping Point
Daytime TV – Nothing’s On But Everyone’s Watching
Wallows – Tell Me That It’s Over
Cannons – Fever Dream
COIN – Uncanny Valley
LIGHTS – PEP
Banks – Serpentina
Camila Cabello – Familia
Hatchie – Giving The World Away
Tate McRae – i used to think i could fly
Monaco – The Daydream EP
Olivver The Kid – Puke Blue EP
Em Beihold – Egg In The Backseat EP
Maggie Rogers – Surrender
Pale Waves – Unwanted
Juliana Madrid – Juliana Madrid EP
Honestly – Dancing After Dark EP
Oliver Sim – Hideous Bastard
St. Lucia – Utopia
The 1975 – Being Funny In a Foreign Language
Taylor Swift – Midnights
pure xtc – shed my skin
Lostboycrow – Indie Pop
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