Albums of 2022

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1. 1
   The CarArctic Monkeys

   The Car

   Arctic Monkeys · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

   A lush, orchestral continuation of their crooner phase. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A mature record.

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2. 2
   RenaissanceBeyoncé

   Renaissance

   Beyoncé · 2022 · Pop

   A euphoric, house-and-disco dance record celebrating Black queer club culture. Bold and acclaimed. A late peak.

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3. 3
   Ants from Up ThereBlack Country, New Road

   Ants from Up There

   Black Country, New Road · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

   A sprawling, emotional post-rock-chamber peak. Ambitious and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

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4. 4
   Where I'm Meant to BeEzra Collective

   Where I'm Meant to Be

   Ezra Collective · 2022 · Jazz

   A joyful, danceable UK-jazz peak that won the Mercury Prize. Warm and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

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5. 5
   Chloe and the Next 20th CenturyFather John Misty

   Chloe and the Next 20th Century

   Father John Misty · 2022 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A lush, old-Hollywood-tinged song-cycle. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A creative high.

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6. 6
   Skinty FiaFontaines D.C.

   Skinty Fia

   Fontaines D.C. · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

   A darker, atmospheric peak of brooding post-punk. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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7. 7
   Harry's HouseHarry Styles

   Harry's House

   Harry Styles · 2022 · Pop

   An intimate, funk-tinged pop record of domestic warmth, home to 'As It Was'. Polished and beloved. An award-sweeping peak.

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8. 8
   The Forever StoryJID

   The Forever Story

   JID · 2022 · Hip-Hop

   An ambitious, lyrical peak of narrative Southern rap. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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9. 9
   Mr. Morale & the Big SteppersKendrick Lamar

   Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

   Kendrick Lamar · 2022 · Hip-Hop

   A dense, therapeutic double album of self-examination. Ambitious and acclaimed. A bold statement.

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10. 10
    GiftedKoffee

    Gifted

    Koffee · 2022 · Reggae & Dub

    A bright, accomplished modern-reggae debut album. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.

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11. 11
    It's Almost DryPusha T

    It's Almost Dry

    Pusha T · 2022 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, luxurious coke-rap peak split between Kanye and Pharrell. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.

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12. 12
    SOSSZA

    SOS

    SZA · 2022 · Soul & R&B

    A sprawling, genre-blending blockbuster of candid modern R&B. Bold and huge. A commercial and critical peak.

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13. 13
    Gemini RightsSteve Lacy

    Gemini Rights

    Steve Lacy · 2022 · Soul & R&B

    A breezy, funky bedroom-R&B peak, home to 'Bad Habit'. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakout.

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14. 14
    MidnightsTaylor Swift

    Midnights

    Taylor Swift · 2022 · Pop

    A sleek, synth-pop return to confessional pop. Polished and enormous. A commercial peak.

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15. 15
    Dawn FMThe Weeknd

    Dawn FM

    The Weeknd · 2022 · Soul & R&B

    A sleek, 80s-tinged concept album of synth-pop-soul. Polished and acclaimed. A creative high.

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16. 16
    Wet LegWet Leg

    Wet Leg

    Wet Leg · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

    A witty, deadpan post-punk debut, home to 'Chaise Longue'. Fun and acclaimed. A breakout.

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17. 17
    And in the Darkness, Hearts AglowWeyes Blood

    And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

    Weyes Blood · 2022 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A lush, orchestral companion to Titanic Rising. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.

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18. 18
    American HeartbreakZach Bryan

    American Heartbreak

    Zach Bryan · 2022 · Country & Americana

    A sprawling, raw heartland-country breakthrough. Honest and huge. A high point.

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