2022 was a great year for an avid music listener. From indie pop to indie country and established rap to established pop, there were big releases seemingly every week throughout the year. Given this, it was quite difficult to choose a top five. 2022 saw Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” shatter Spotify records and Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House” dominate the mainstream throughout the summer. Though neither of those records makes an appearance on this list, the year saw some absolutely brilliant releases from newcomers, pop and everything in between. Without further delay, here are my picks for the five best albums of 2022.
“American Heartbreak” - Zach Bryan
2022 will forever go down as the year of Zach Bryan. Bryan released three albums in the year, the first being “American Heartbreak.” Coming in at a mammoth 34 songs, “American Heartbreak” feels like Bryan’s magnum opus. This long, sprawling album takes you on a journey full of love and loss. Bryan is one of today’s most prolific songwriters and it shows throughout the album. His smash hit, “Something in the Orange,” is an excellent example of this. The truly cinematic album captures the American experience perfectly. Bryan expands his horizons on this album as well. His first two independently-produced records focused much more on loss and generally have a very somber tone. However, “American Heartbreak” blends the light and dark moments of life extremely well. There are much-needed moments of levity here that complement the sad, poignant songs brilliantly.
2. "Stick Season” - Noah Kahan
If 2022 was Zach Bryan’s year in the country genre, 2022 was Noah Kahan’s year in the alternative genre. Kahan, much like Bryan, delivers some jaw-dropping songwriting moments throughout the album. Being propelled by the success of the title track, “Stick Season” on social media, Kahan has quickly become a star in the alternative genre. The album is a brilliantly written and produced record that pulls you right into Kahan’s home in Vermont. This album has such a distinct sound that demonstrates Kahan’s self-proclaimed “Northern Attitude” as performed in the album’s opener. It’s a very acoustic-heavy alternative album that blurs the line between folk, alternative and pop in the best way possible. Kahan opens up about anxiety, addiction and depression throughout “Stick Season.” Its balance of heavy themes with some lighter is reminiscent of Bryan’s “American Heartbreak.”
3. “Palomino” - Miranda Lambert
I reviewed “Palomino” at the very end of the spring semester last year and fell head over heels for it. Lambert has always been a prolific figure in the country scene. However, “Palomino” feels like the best parts of every one of her albums rolled into one. Her sense of humor, wandering spirit and sense of longing are all on full display throughout the record. It’s very rare to see an album nowadays that feels extremely cohesive and focused on a singular theme. “Palomino’s” is travel. Nearly every single one of the 15 tracks evokes a strong sense of travel and movement. Lambert and her co-writers put heavy emphasis on small details throughout, and it pays dividends. The closing track, “Carousel,” is one of the best country songs of the past few years, depicting the love and separation of two circus performers. The world-building and storytelling present in the four-and-a-half-minute song are simply breathtaking.
4. “Single and in Love” - Brendan Abernathy
Abernathy is easily the most unknown artist on this list. However, “Single and in Love” was one of the most impressive albums I listened to in 2022. Abernathy, a completely independent artist from Georgia, delivers an extremely heartfelt and personal debut album here. Abernathy’s songwriting style is very distinct. He presents very specific details about his quirky personality while simultaneously keeping the overall themes of songs extremely relatable. His approach to songwriting reminds me of Taylor Swift, especially when he lets his personality shine through. It’s very distinct, funny and relatable while also being brutally honest and sad at times. The production choices throughout the album are also very nice; it’s a very acoustic, stripped-back approach to pop. It is lovely and fits the tone and personal nature of the songs. Coming in at only eight tracks, “Single and in Love” leaves you wanting more in the best way possible.
5. “MAYBE SOMEDAY IT’LL ALL BE OKAY” - Clinton Kane
Though Kane has been on many’s radars since the release of “CHICKEN TENDIES” in 2021, “MAYBE SOMEDAY IT’LL ALL BE OKAY” is Kane’s debut full-length album. Many of these songs were previously released as singles, however, as a collection, this album works extremely well. Kane’s vocal prowess is on full display throughout the record. He flexes his impressive range, showing off his gorgeous falsetto throughout the record. Ignoring the technical brilliance of his voice, Kane’s raw, emotional performances of these tracks elevate these already well-written and produced songs. Kane, known mostly for his slow, “sadboy” ballads about breakups and broken relationships, expands his limited catalog with “GO TO HELL.” This alternative rock-esque song serves as a sparkplug in an otherwise very slow, somber album.
Honorable Mentions: “WHO CARES?” - Rex Orange County, “Lindeville” - Ashley McBryde, “Her Loss” - Drake & 21 Savage
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