2022 was not the most exciting year, especially considering the recent years preceding it. Despite the utter boringness of this year, that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t hella bomb music that dropped. There have been some promising new talented artists that have arisen, and some veterans in the game that followed through with some banger new albums. Here is the definitive, undebatable, final, correct, perfect list of the best musical material to come out in 2022.
*F.Y.I. This list has no flaws*
Best Albums
Honorable Mention: Drake-Her Loss
This album had a few really good ones: Spin Bout U, Privileged rappers, Rich Flex, Major Distribution etc. Problem is, it lacked consistency, the whole tracklist didn’t come together, didn’t follow through but nonetheless great overall album.
5. Brent Faiyaz-Wasteland
Brent Faiyaz’s Wasteland was definitely overlooked in my opinion. I think almost every song on this album has got something unique and interesting about it, and Brent’s flawless vocals definitely elevated the project. I feel like I could listen to this album on repeat for hours and never get bored, it’s so consistent, and it has a few songs that are S tier for sure. DEAD MAN WALKING, although not new by any means, is a standout for sure. ALL MINE, JACKIE BROWN, and GHETTO GATSBY are all the other good ones I would highly recommend.
4. Bad Bunny-Un Verano Sin Ti
Bad Bunny is an icon. Although I do love this album, it’s mostly on here because of the insane numbers it produced. This album is very, very fun though. Even though I can’t speak Spanish at all, it still really hit home for me. W (Winning) Latin music for sure.
3. Kendrick Lamar-Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers
Kung-fu Kenny, the legend, made his return, and he didn’t miss (as usual). Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers was a deep, complex, and rich album just like all of his previous works. Kendrick is notorious for making music that has multiple levels to it, and he showed it in Mr. Morale once again. Kendrick also expressed deep messages through his lyricism as he always does; Auntie Diaries told a conflicting story about his family member’s gender transition, and on other tracks like N95 and Crown he explores societal issues related to cancel culture and the inauthenticity of American society. The listeners also get a look into his personal life, and his wish to break a generational curse of struggle and despair for his children in “Mother I Sober”. The only thing holding this album back in my opinion is how it aged, I think it got old, and I definitely feel it’s not as timeless as his other music.
2. Vince Staples-Ramona Park Broke My Heart
This is honestly one of the most underrated albums I have ever heard, it clicked with me from the start which I honestly don’t feel a lot. Vince Staples tells a story of his stolen childhood and his struggles with gang culture, accompanied by some of the best beats I’ve heard in a while. The production is phenomenal, and although most of the songs have the same general tone and melody, they are all different enough to sound unique and stand on their own as great tracks. His monotone, deadpan voice flows perfectly on every song, and he really set the bar high for this year’s rap albums.
1. Steve Lacy-Gemini Rights
Steve is literally the G.O.AT. From producing perfect beats on his phone in Steve Lacy’s Demo to The Lofis, to Apollo XXI, to this, Steve has come a long way and is nowhere near being done with his already illustrious musical career. Not many people have adapted this genre of alternative funk rock R&B and made it into their own original style as well as Steve has. Gemini Rights is one of my personal favorites: it’s less experimental than his previous albums, but his indie vocals go well with his story about the struggles with love and breakups told in this album perfectly. What carried the album to me were the god-tier guitar riffs and the flawless production. “Bad Habit” is probably the only overplayed song that I still love listening to every time, and it doesn’t stop there. Every song on Gemini Rights hits different, Steve is literally the goat. No cap.
Best Songs
Honorable Mention: Ice Spice-Munch (Feelin U)
Even though this is indisputably the best song ever to be made, I honestly think it’s just too good to be in the top 5. It kind of goes without saying that it’s the best song made this year, so I’m just going to let these other amateur artists get their shine.
5. Vince Staples- WHEN SPARKS FLY
The sample and production are amazing on this song, and the flow is immaculate. Honestly, most of the songs on this album are interchangeable for this 5 spot, but I chose this one.
4. Bad Bunny-Titi Me Pregunto
TITI ME PREGUNTO IS A BOP. The beginning of the song is weirdly addictive, and the bass is groovy.
3. Sza-Shirt
SZA had an overall amazing showing this year, and I think Shirt is her best highlight. The bassline paired with the silky voice is addicting: SZA is gas.
2. Denzel Curry-Walkin
This song is a masterpiece, the angelic background voice with the trap beat makes for a phenomenal intro and a smooth transition halfway through the song. It starts slower and smoother, and later in the song the classic aggressive rapping style of Denzel shows out, and the beat evolves perfectly and layers flawlessly. This song is a masterpiece there is no argument about it.
1. Steve Lacy-Sunshine
The guitar riff in this song is literally transcendent, Steve and Foushee’s high notes are borderline orgasmic. The drum in the background is literally *chef’s kiss*.
Best Artists
Honorable Mentions: Ice Spice
Ice spice is a generational talent, I honestly don’t think we will ever see an artist as original, innovative, and impactful as her. Wow.
5. Drake
Honestly, Drake didn’t even have one of his best years at all, but its Drake.
4. SZA
SZA is topping the charts at the end of the year here with her new album SOS and is continuing to produce high-quality music with her original, coined angelic style. You gotta respect it.
3. Kendrick Lamar
If Kendrick Makes music, he is top 5.
2. Bad Bunny
Bad Bunn has been on top of the world for almost three years now, and he is showing no signs of stopping. Almost every song on his new album has hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify and it is absurd.
1. Harry Styles
Harry Styles is one of the most original, iconic, and talented artists of our generation. His fashion sense is really good, and everyone loves him. He has one of the most likable, diverse fanbases we have ever seen. He is super lyrical and quirky….
…SIKE. That’s a lie.
1. Steve Lacy
I’ve said enough about the GOAT so far in this article, he took an existing style of music, and he built on it, he’s been doing this, and if he continues, he will be an all-time great, mark my words. He made some insane songs on a little iPhone, to begin with, and he keeps on following through and being consistent, he will go far.
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