2022

The year we got what we asked for

It really feels like we've done all the things. We've heard everything and tried everything and now we're at the point where only extremes are worth our time. But it begs the question, now that we got everything we wanted, are we happy?

(no)

10

SOS

SZA

Remember when Ciara said, "sometimes I wish I could act like a boy"? This is what happens when someone stops wishing.

SZA comes out swinging.

9

HYPNOS

Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn's had the whisper funk genre on lock for some years now. Spice is one of my all-time favorite songs, so I don't mind her staying in this lane, but I do wish she would change speeds a little more often. I'd love an album where her voice does a little more heavy lifting. Regardless, the tanginess of her voice is unmistakable and solid R&B is always worth your time.

8

Beatopia

beabadoobee

Admittedly, I hadn't heard of beabadoobee until her recent Tiny Desk concert. I like to dip my toes in the cute punk pool, but I don't swim there all the time. The genre's starting to get a little crowded, but Beatrice's softer take is a welcome addition. She feels more like a descendent of Gwen Stefani than a cousin of Olivia Rodrigo.

7

The Forever Story

JID

The complement to his debut album (The Never Story), The Forever Story zooms out a bit and looks at JID as part of a lineage, rather than a singular entity. JID's a true story teller, the production takes worthy risks, and the meshing of those 2 is well-sorted.

And that's nice and all, but what you really need to know is that the boy raps. The boy really raps.

6

Broken Hearts Club

Syd

On the other side of the coin, if you know any of the names I just listed in the Steve Lacy blurb, you know Syd. The lead singer of the Internet turned solo artist, she is the face to the body mostly composed by Steve. Her airy voice floats over the top of most sounds, but to me, this album does the best job yet of exploring that breadth, while staying true to her vibe.

5

Gemini Rights

Steve Lacy

You've probably heard Steve Lacy, you just didn't know it. His guitar and background vocals have been all over albums from folks in the Odd Future camp, The Internet, J. Cole, Kendrick, and a bunch of others. While this isn't his debut LP, it sure feels like a coming out party. If you like both Stevie Wonder and Frank Ocean, this album will sit well with you.

4

Motomami

Rosalía

Be careful.

3

Thee Sacred Souls

The Sacred Souls

About 2 years ago, "Can I Call You Rose" was the opening song of a Soulection radio show, and ever since that moment, Thee Sacred Souls have been on rotation. Your kids can listen to it, your parents will shyly ask "Who's this?", and you, my friend, will be transported. It is timeless R&B and I can't recommended this eponymous debut album enough.

2

Working On My Karma

dvsn

Hear me out. On its face, this album is a gas-lit tale overcompensating for poor communication between the sexes. But I'm telling you, there's more to it. If you can stomach an open ear, there's a lot of beauty in this work. Also, Anthony's production choices are nearing Confessions-level masterful.

1

NOT TiGHT

DOMi & JD BECK

DOMi & JD were both child prodigies, so they've contributed plenty individually, but the duo, under the guidance of Anderson .Paak's label, might have invented a new sub-genre of jazz.

If you're new to this new jazz, start with something live - it really drives the talent home.

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