Albums of 2022
The records from 2022 that made our lists.
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1The CarArctic Monkeys
The Car
A lush, orchestral continuation of their crooner phase. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A mature record.
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2RenaissanceBeyoncé
Renaissance
A euphoric, house-and-disco dance record celebrating Black queer club culture. Bold and acclaimed. A late peak.
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3Ants from Up ThereBlack Country, New Road
Ants from Up There
A sprawling, emotional post-rock-chamber peak. Ambitious and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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4Where I'm Meant to BeEzra Collective
Where I'm Meant to Be
A joyful, danceable UK-jazz peak that won the Mercury Prize. Warm and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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5Chloe and the Next 20th CenturyFather John Misty
Chloe and the Next 20th Century
A lush, old-Hollywood-tinged song-cycle. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A creative high.
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6Skinty FiaFontaines D.C.
Skinty Fia
A darker, atmospheric peak of brooding post-punk. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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7Harry's HouseHarry Styles
Harry's House
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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8The Forever StoryJID
The Forever Story
An ambitious, lyrical peak of narrative Southern rap. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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9Mr. Morale & the Big SteppersKendrick Lamar
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
A dense, therapeutic double album of self-examination. Ambitious and acclaimed. A bold statement.
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10GiftedKoffee
Gifted
A bright, accomplished modern-reggae debut album. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.
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11It's Almost DryPusha T
It's Almost Dry
A sharp, luxurious coke-rap peak split between Kanye and Pharrell. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.
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12SOSSZA
SOS
A sprawling, genre-blending blockbuster of candid modern R&B. Bold and huge. A commercial and critical peak.
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13Gemini RightsSteve Lacy
Gemini Rights
A breezy, funky bedroom-R&B peak, home to 'Bad Habit'. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakout.
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14MidnightsTaylor Swift
Midnights
A sleek, synth-pop return to confessional pop. Polished and enormous. A commercial peak.
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15Dawn FMThe Weeknd
Dawn FM
A sleek, 80s-tinged concept album of synth-pop-soul. Polished and acclaimed. A creative high.
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16Wet LegWet Leg
Wet Leg
A witty, deadpan post-punk debut, home to 'Chaise Longue'. Fun and acclaimed. A breakout.
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17And in the Darkness, Hearts AglowWeyes Blood
And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow
A lush, orchestral companion to Titanic Rising. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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18American HeartbreakZach Bryan
American Heartbreak
A sprawling, raw heartland-country breakthrough. Honest and huge. A high point.