1.  “CAPRISONGS” by FKA Twigs

Elysian. Ambrosial. Heavenly. Experimental pop musician FKA Twigs is the It-girl, and on this album she proves it. Hip-hop meshes with hyperpop, drill, club music, littered with voice memos that make the album that much more personal. What really more can I say than only the strong survive—Honda, baby! 

2. “SAP” by Okay Kaya

While I would like to say that I’m not biased here, I absolutely am. I love this album, with all of its complexities and soundscapes, and it’s not just because I was in Okay Kaya’s top 0.005% this Spotify Wrapped. The soft and sticky melodies? Ethereal. Okay Kaya’s voice? Angelic. This album? Celestial. 

3. “Preacher’s Daughter” by Ethel Cain

Lana Del Rey meets shoegaze in this beautiful yet haunting album swirling around religious trauma. The ambient elements of this album really make the swells sound as glorious as they do. With long, woeful tracks and seamless production that makes this album feel larger than life, this is one of the most beautiful albums I’ve heard not just this 2022, but in general. 

4. “Gemini Rights” by Steve Lacy

You may know of Steve Lacy’s new album via some of the viral TikTok audios, but this album goes so much farther than just the 10-second clip most people have heard. It’s a genre-bending, heart-rendering, and genuinely compelling piece of art, escaping most genre labels.

5. “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You” by Big Thief

Back in February, I wrote that “this masterpiece of a record could very well end up being one of the best records of 2022.” in February album favorites, ranked. Evidently, I was right. The warm and sprawling tones of this album and the stunning lyricism from Adrienne Lenker and the gang make the long runtime worth it. 

6. “This is What I Mean” by Stormzy

UK rapper Stormzy has figured out a way to break free of the confines of drill music, and create an entirely new and different sound. The album is an emotional experience from start to finish; Stormzy finds himself falling into R&B territory to cope with heartbreak, with his incredible flow on top of that. It’s as sad as it is hopeful, and one of the most surprisingly excellent releases there’s been this year.

7. “sore thumb” by Oso Oso

I’ve made my love for midwestern emo no secret in this column, so it shouldn’t be surprising that “sore thumb” by Oso Oso made my end-of-year list. It’s a bit of a downer, but in a much more low-key way than you’d expect. It’s an album about goofing off with your friends, but also what happens after they leave- a soundtrack to clean up after the party. It’s still a fun and exciting album to rock out to, and one that fully deserves a listen. 

8. “SPIRAL” by Frost Children

This album is a jarring and mercilessly fun journey into the world of glitch-pop. It’s abrasive in the best ways, merging harsh industrial noises and even hints of drone here and there to create the silliest end result possible. Hands down, this is totally the goofiest release of 2022. 

9. “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” by Kendrick Lamar

I may be just adding to the already-loud choir, but “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” deserves all of the praise it receives. On this album, listeners see a more mature and introspective side of Lamar looking at his life and family. It’s one of the most sincere albums I’ve listened to this year, and the themes mix with the smooth production and neat beats almost effortlessly. 

10. “TM” by BROCKHAMPTON

Described as “Wee-oh music” by our esteemed managing editor Isabel Costa, hip-hop boy band BROCKHAMPTON has been around for a while. “TM” was the surprise release from the band. It dropped last November and is the last and final album we’ll see from the band. It’s an interesting LP to listen to, as it feels somber yet energetic, where the band looks back on the fame and success they’ve had. All in all, it’s a catchy project, with more experimental undertones that don’t completely alienate the listener. Rest in peace, BROCKHAMPTON, the Lasso will remember you. 

11. “God’s Country” by Chat Pile

“God’s Country” by Chat Pile is a deep cut. Stylistically, it may not be up the same alley as some of the other albums here, but I think it’s as deserving as can be. The metal band doesn’t take itself too seriously, as at the end of the album, listeners see the narrator being driven to insanity by the McDonald’s mascot Grimace. If this sounds like a stupid idea, it is. The band mocks everyone and everything, yet instead of seeming entirely shallow, I found that the music was rather post-ironically heartfelt. 

12. “Multitudes” by Stromae

I had to be persuaded into giving this album a chance—I’ve had a rocky experience with Stromae’s music over the years, but he blew past my expectations with this one. Even though it’s in French, non-French speakers can definitely still hear and feel the themes on display. The hints of afrobeat on top of his catchy electronic hooks make Stromae’s sound far more interesting than the standard listening. 

Notable mentions: Rosalia’s MOTOMAMI, “Ugly Season” by Perfume Genius, Beyonce’s “Renaissance,” Field Medic’s new album, “Fossora” by Bjork, “SOS” by SZA, and “Inserphobia” by How To Be Dead.