2022 Album Ranking

Edit (24/05/25) - Since the end of 2022, I have listened to more albums released that year, and can confirm that there are certain albums that didn't originally feature in the list that would now. For example, Ants From Up There by Black Country, New Road would make the top three easily.

I didn't listen to as many brand new albums this year, as not only was I a little burnt out after reviewing and ranking 30 albums from last year, but also because I've spent a lot of time diving into the discographies of older and more established artists (Nick Cave, Tom Waits etc.). Certain releases I've had one or two listens through and not felt justified to give a review (but if you Swifties must know, my reaction to Midnights was "eh"). I knew from the start that I wouldn't seek out quite as many new albums to review, but of course there are gems among those I did take to the time to listen to and review, so many gems in fact that it was rather difficult to rank a lot of these albums (placements 9-14 especially). This list is my opinion on the last day of 2022, and as always, I'm sure it will change.

But first, as always, here are my favourite EPs of the year, in no particular order:

Myriam Adams - Mum & Dad, I'm A Big Boy Now

Harrison Powers - Life's Now

Shanghai Baby - EP01

Stay At Home And Die - Feels Like A Dream

Big Special - Black Country Gothic

Asian Glow, Weatherday - Weatherglow

Paranoul, Asian Glow - Paraglow

Ginger Root - Nisemono

Bad Sounds - Escaping From A Violent Time vol. 2

Finn - Close Comfort

15) As It Is - I Went To Hell And Back

A real shame. After their grand and great pop punk post hardcore concept album The Great Depression (2018), As It Is display why the scene they’ve been prominent in for so long is dying a slow and painful death. I used to really take time for this band but there’s only so much electronic infused deep pop punk I can take. It is bloated at 40 minutes long, and the lyrics feel like a staler version of those featured on The Great Depression. Idk this record just reminds me of why I’ve fallen out of love with so many bands like them; it just gets boring after a while. ALSO THE VOCAL MIXING DRIVES ME INSANE!!!! Luckily, this is the only one this year that I've really disliked.

Favourites: I Lie To Me, I'm Gone.

Least Favourite: Pretty much every other song - I just don't want to have to listen to it ever again.

14) Arctic Monkeys - The Car

Straight away I’ll say I’m not one of the people claiming this is the greatest thing ever made, nor the worst thing. I can enjoy The Car, but only to a certain degree. There’s a couple of pretty great tracks but for me, as a whole the album doesn’t manage to get too far beyond pleasant and well made background music. It’s all well written and well produced but other than the odd guitar lick or synth passage, not much grabs my attention. For Arctic Monkeys lounge music I think I’ll stick to the more interesting, more vibrant Tranquillity Base Hotel And Casino.

Favourites: There'd Better Be A Mirror Ball, Jet Skis On The Moat, Body Paint.

Least Favourite: Big Ideas.

13) BLACKSTARKIDS - CYBERKISS*

Take all you know about BLACKSTARKIDS, crank it up to eleven, and dip the whole thing in Y2K aesthetics - welcome to CYBERKISS*. Their notorious arcade sounds take on a new narrative here, with themes of the digital takeover we currently find ourselves in. This, along with the classic BSK radio station interludes and more and more self-confident, strut your stuff-type lyrics come together nicely, although at times it can feel a little long winded, clocking in at 45 minutes spread over 17 songs. It’s still great fun though, and I can guarantee that you’re doing summer wrong if you don’t listen to these guys on its sunny days!

Favourites: JOY, CYBERKISS 2 U*, NUYORK V2*, KEEP ME AROUND, CARDIGAN.

Least Favourite: SEX APPEAL.

12) Rina Sawayama - Hold The Girl

Initially I was disappointed, but Hold The Girl has grown on me. It’s a smoother sounding effort with less emphasis on genre fusion (a reason why I prefer her debut), but it still encompasses the impressive attitude of Rina. She’s just a bit of a queen isn’t she? She can’t help but kick ass with hits like This Hell and Frankenstein, and then drag you back to earth for heartfelt moments like Catch Me In The Air and Send My Love To John. I was lucky enough to see Rina on tour and it was one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen, although I must say that this album in a live context is far superior to the studio version, which has sadly resulted in this being this far down on the list.

Favourites: This Hell, Imagining, Frankenstein, Catch Me In The Air.

Least Favourite: Forgiveness.

11) Little Simz - NO THANK YOU

I’ve not been able to spend as much time with this one as I would like to due to how abrupt and late it came out in the year, but what I will say is that, as per usual, Simz is at the top of her game. Actually scrap that, Simz is at the top of THE game!

Favourites: Angel, Broken, Gorilla, Control.

Least Favourite: No Merci.

10) Pinegrove - 11:11

Pinegrove stick to their guns to deliver more bright alt country emo, and once again, it’s pretty good. While definitely not their best album, 11:11 is a fresh and introspective enough listen that will put your mind to driving down the freeway in your brightly coloured clothes.

Favourites: Habitat, Cyclone, 11th Hour, So What.

Least Favourite: Flora.

9) FKA Twigs - Caprisongs

I’ve never been much of a mixtape person, and even though I haven’t come back to this one all too often, I think it’s fair to say that Twigs and her output will always be pretty fucking cool. There’s a blissful looseness to Caprisongs that really suggests this was a project with an enjoyable creative process, which is always something to aim for. While some of the little skits and interludes can feel slightly absurd, the music remains of a consistent good standard. It is the vocals though that really capture me in a spell; the different falsettos and melodies soar above the minimal instrumentals and production. Overall it’s a great listen, and I for one can’t wait for the next chapter in Twigs’ story.

Favourites: Ride The Dragon, Meta Angel, Tears In The Club, Which Way, Minds Of Men.

Least Favourite: Honda.

8) Harry Styles - Harry's House

While still yet to deliver a full length that completely lives up to the hype, Harry Styles comes closest on Harry’s House. It may be a little A Side heavy in quality but for the most part, the ex One Directioner’s third outing is packed with good pop music. Catchy instrumental hooks, fruity brass sections, and a good balance of low key and hyperactive vocals make for a summertime essential of a record. My only remaining criticism would be that at times the production is still a little thin for my liking.

Favourites: Music For A Sushi Restaurant, Grapejuice, Daylight, Satellite, Little Freak.

Least Favourites: Cinema, Keep Driving.

7) R. John Webb - Dandy The Vandal

A new take on Ziggy Stardust? Yes please! Though clearly wearing his influences on his sleeve, Webb crafts new takes on everyone’s favourite sounds and styles of the seventies. Drawing from the likes of T.Rex, Talking Heads, and of course David Bowie, as well as some funk and more classic rock n roll sounds, this record is a call to arms for all the passionate outcasts out there, so much so that it was itself outcasted, being banned by the Tory government!

Favourites: The Moment You Love Me, We Are The Subterraneans, We Belong To Her (Maman Makka Sramana La), Feel The Madness.

Least Favourites: Do Juan Don.

6) Danger Mouse & Black Thought - Cheat Codes

A late addition to the list but my god does it deserve its place! Back to back fresh flows, funky bass lines, and sometimes smooth sometimes rich and clunky drum rhythms - the production is luscious too. The whole project drifts by without ever feeling excessive or too long. Not much else to say really; this is just cool, like really fucking cool!

Favourites: Cheat Codes, Aquamarine, Saltwater, Violas And Lupitas, The Darkest Part.

Least Favourites: N/A.

5) Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B

This one was tough to review. Basically, it’s bloody brilliant. Jockstrap display their wild, frantic, disjointed, electronic approach to art pop and singer songwriter-type music. It can and does go from zero to a hundred very quickly on a number of occasions but (I think) that’s a good thing! Georgia Ellery’s vocals are airy yet intimate, making it feel like you could vibe to these songs in a huge warehouse or a tiny basement. The quality of the production and song crafting is some of the best of the year too, so shoutout to Taylor Skye. Like I say, it’s not an easy one to review without going into massive detail about every track. The whole thing works so well as a whole body of work, so I guess you’ll just have to go and listen to it in full for yourself. All I can say is that when I first listened to I Love You Jennifer B in full, I was pretty taken aback, not far off mind-blown.

Favourites: Greatest Hits, Angst, Glasgow, Neon.

Least Favourites: N/A.

4) Beabadoobee - Beatopia

Beatopia sees fantastic progression in the songwriting and musicianship of Beabadoobee. In the past, her differing styles have clashed a little, but here, the explosive alt rock cuts (Talk, 10:36, Don’t Get The Deal) pair nicely with the more developed versions of Bea’s slow, stripped back acoustic roots (See You Soon, Sunny Day, Pictures Of Us), all the while leaving room for some new on the scene bouncy energetic punches (Tinkerbell Is Overrated, Fairy Song) and some super delicate tracks (Lovesong, Broken CD, Ripples). This is the best culmination of Beabadoobee’s various endeavours so far in her career that we could have asked for, and is definitely her best full length album, and most mature work to date!

Favourites: See You Soon, Pictures Of Us, Fairy Song, Broken CD, Don't Get The Deal.

Least Favourites: Very tough to pick one but at the moment, it's probably The Perfect Pair just because it is all over the internet at the moment.

3) The 1975 - Being Funny In A Foreign Language

I love this band; they’ve been one of my absolute favourites since hearing Chocolate on the radio for the first time back in 2013. Now they’re back with a more succinct, action-packed fifth album. Being Funny… is half 80s pop bangers (Happiness, Oh Caroline) and half witty folk pop (Part Of The Band, Wintering, When We Are Together), all culminating into a classic, yet progressive, 1975 culture clash. No matter how many times he refers to his own penis, Matty Healy does manage to make his presence feel meaningful and noteworthy, at times doing so through some of the most simplistic themes to ever grace the band’s discography. Sometimes you’ve just got to let out all of those simple feelings (I’m In Love With You, All I Need To Hear, About You). Of course, it’s not at all mundane though, with post-modernism and political commentary creeping in at the corners. Despite being their most straight forward release, there is no doubt that this is one of their most, if not their most, enjoyable full-length to date. Whenever it’s on, I’ll be singing along, that you can be sure of!

Favourites: The 1975, Looking For Somebody (To Love), Part Of The Band, I'm In Love With You, Wintering.

Least Favourites: Human Too.

2) Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You

I thought the double album was going to become a laughing stock thanks to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers but thankfully I am wrong. Big Thief have managed to transcend all previous assumptions of what a band could be on this masterpiece (excuse the pun)! This is by far their best album so far, and I’ve not stopped listening it! Whether it’s quiet, acoustic folk songs; all out country jams; atmospheric, shoegazey rock cuts; Big Thief just don’t miss on this one. Every time Adrianne Lenker opens her mouth to sing you’ll get butterflies in your stomach - it’s just that beautiful. The vulnerability that comes through is on another level. Even at times when the writing and execution is a little more basic (Wake Me Up To Drive comes to mind), everything being put into these songs feels earnest and honest and necessary. If there was an award for the band who truly meant every word they sang and every note they played, it would go to Big Thief, and for that, I cannot commend them enough. The feeling I get when listening to this band is indescribable, and only in good ways. I can’t wait to see them live in 2023!

Favourites: Certainty, Sparrow, Little Thing, Flower Of Blood, No Reason, Wake Me Up To Drive. - I single these out but every song is a highlight and deserves its place.

Least Favourites: N/A.

1) Elkyn - Holy Spirit Social Club

In March 2022, I was lucky enough to support Elkyn (Joey Donnelly) on his co-headline tour with S.T. Manville. He’s such a lovely man, and listening to his solo acoustic versions of these songs brought me to tears. But let’s talk about the actual album, which to be honest has also brought me to tears. He describes his music as "lonely folk for lonely folk", but while the songs do touch on such themes, there is an aura about them that says ‘You’re not alone, I'm here, I’m struggling too’. Everything on this record glimmers, like gently falling snow - there’s a cold comfort present throughout. The delicate vocals, especially on tracks like I Was Never In It, Found The Back Of The Tv Remote, and I Don’t Know The Way From Here are like a candle in the dark, guiding you through the rocky waters of self-esteem, motivation, letting go, and the mundane yet overwhelming complexities of simply being. With lavish production, Elkyn takes us on a journey through an abyss of self-reflection, which at times may feel like it will never end, but by the time the last note plays on closing track It Figures, you’ll find yourself at an opening, a new era where you come to accept yourself and work towards being kinder to yourself.

Joey, now I speak directly to you: thank you. Thank you for Holy Spirit Social Club. It has soundtracked so many of the best and worst times of 2022 for me. May you ever continue to find yourself through your music and writing, helping yourself as well as people like me. I hope our paths cross again soon my friend. With love, Tom.

P.S. shout out to the Everything Looks Darker Now for being the best song of the year to have a bit of a moment to while walking home in the dark.

Favourites: Every single one of them.

Least Favourites: You must be joking, as if - N/A!