2022 was the first “normal” year in terms of touring and releasing music since the pandemic started, and the music released this year did not disappoint. As someone who listens to a lot of music, I’ve compiled a list of my top 3 EPs and my top 5 albums (LPs) of 2022.
3. What On Gods Green Earth by Normy – EP
What On Gods Green Earth by Normy is a short little burst of pure punk riffs and angry lyrics. Normy has sounds reminiscent of American Idiot by Green Day, if Green Day was more hardcore. My favorite song is “Fencewalker”. “Fencewalker” focuses on people being disrespectful and rude, seeing through their games, and refusing to give people the benefit of the doubt anymore. What On Gods Green Earth is a perfect workout EP to have on repeat.
2. Theresa by The Front Bottoms – EP
Theresa by The Front Bottoms yields a trifecta of Grandma EPs from The Front Bottoms, joining Rose and Ann. Ann is my favorite EP of all time, but Theresa hangs tough with her. Theresa brings back The Front Bottoms self titled and Talon of the Hawk era The Front Bottoms, a flip back to their roots from their last two albums. My favorite tracks off Theresa are “More Than It Hurts You” and “The Supply of Power”. “More Than It Hurts You” is the essence of The Front Bottoms: bizarre lyrics paired with upbeat instrumentation. The song is broadly about becoming someone new and knowing you need more than the people around you can provide. “The Supply of Power” touches on everyone having invisible struggles and just trying to find something to get you through, but not always getting to have it.
1. MOTEL CALIFORNIA by Jonny West – EP
MOTEL CALIFORNIA by Jonny West is my personal EP of the year. His voice is forever flawless and West combines the elegance of slow alternative music with the upbeat groove of r&b and hip hop. My favorite tracks off this EP are “motel california” and “reaching”. “reaching” talks about how much easier and simpler life would have been if you had never met that specific someone. “motel california” touches on rekindling an old flame after you’re both new versions of yourself, in a motel room. If you want to feel absolute heartache, take a listen to “avalanche”. As much as this is a heartbreak EP, it’s perfect for smooth dancing around your apartment.
5. Cowboy Tears by Oliver Tree – LP
Cowboy Tears by Oliver Tree is a curious hodgepodge of sounds that work together incredibly well. This emo-country-pop album ties in the unmistakable sound of Oliver Tree with his real life experiences in every song. My top tracks are “Cigarettes” and “Cowboy Tears”. “Cigarettes” is about exactly what it sounds like: cigarettes. The song is about being addicted to cigarettes and the struggle that comes with trying to quit addiction. “Cowboy Tears” addresses what it’s like to feel alone and suicidal, but aims to let people know they are absolutely not alone. Tree brings comfort to anyone and everyone feeling anything at all through this unique album.
4. Traumazine by Megan Thee Stallion – LP
Traumazine by Megan Thee Stallion is the perfect album from 2022 to remember what you’re worth. Megan Thee Stallion brings her classic confidence with a newfound vulnerability as she touches on heavy subjects. My personal favorites are “Anxiety” and “Plan B”. “Anxiety” talks about the hardships of mental health and how hard it can be to have a bad day as someone that’s viewed as being so confident. “Plan B” is a top tier self confidence and self love song. She talks about being independent, putting yourself first, and knowing well exactly what you bring to the table. If any ladies are feeling low, this album will help fix it.
3. Being Funny In a Foreign Language by The 1975 – LP
Being Funny In a Foreign Language by The 1975 could be the soundtrack to a coming of age film. There are notes of iconic The 1975 synth pop sounds mixed with new The 1975 sound. My favorite tracks off Being Funny In a Foreign Language are “About You” and “Human Too”. “About You” touches on finding someone, losing them, but being unable to forget them. “Human Too” talks about acknowledging humanity and all the flaws that come with being a person. Every 20-something should be living their life with The 1975 as the soundtrack.
2. Apocalypse Whenever by Bad Suns – LP
Apocalypse Whenever by Bad Suns was my feel good album of the spring and summer this year, despite its January release. Apocalypse Whenever makes the world feel so big and the possibilities feel endless while centering around love of both others and yourself. My favorite songs from this album are “Summer Lightning” and “Life Was Easier When I Only Cared About Me”. “Summer Lightning” is a musical montage about that summer love that’s not necessarily good for you but it’s fun and comes and goes in a flash. “Life Was Easier When I Only Cared About Me” touches on meeting someone that flips your life upside down, but they make your life a bit harder. It’s an independence anthem that has a softer edge.
1. Sweet Tooth by Mom Jeans. – LP
Sweet Tooth by Mom Jeans. is my top album of 2022. Sweeth Tooth touches on the best parts of love and friendships and the ugliest sides of heartbreak and mental health. My personal favorite tracks are “What’s Up?”, “Ten Minutes”, and “Hippo In The Water”. “What’s Up?” is about being at your lowest despite the fact that you know you should love everything around you. “Ten Minutes” is a true breakup song about losing someone you never imagined living without and, naturally, crying about it in your car. “Hippo In The Water” is an upbeat song about love, even if it’s just playing pretend to feel less alone. I had a feeling this would be my album of the year before it was released, and Mom Jeans. did not disappoint.
All the deep cutting, emotional new releases of 2022 have taken these artists to new levels in their careers. With so many albums I loved this year that I didn’t have space to talk about, it makes me beyond excited for what 2023 has in store in the world of music.