From the return of Kendrick Lamar to Taylor Swift, 2022 has been one of the best years for music that we have seen in a while. A lot of good music came out this year, and I believe I have crafted a list of the best of the best with opinions I will firmly stand on. This is the (objective) list of the best albums of 2022. Debate a wall.

10) Gemini Rights – Steve Lacy 

Steve Lacy, over the course of months, became an R&B artist finding his footing as a household name. Gemini Rights not only showcases his development but also his potential as a 24-year-old artist. He did all this while sticking to his signature sound, combining indie with R&B.

Best Song: “Buttons”

9) Dawn FM – The Weeknd

Dawn FM was able to make fans sing and dance to 80s retro music. Its production shines as it managed to make the music sound vintage, yet also grand and futuristic. The Weeknd is still as creative as he was ten years ago. The narration from Jim Carrey and radio-style interludes make this album a journey.

Best Song: “Out of Time”

8) SOS – SZA

SZA’s long-awaited sophomore album debuts five years after CTRL, but was still worth the wait. SOS proves SZA isn’t a one-hit-wonder as she explored new sounds and experimented with a longer format in this album.

Best Song: “Ghost in the Machine”

7) HEROES & VILLAINS – Metro Boomin

Imagine having The Weeknd, Future, 21 Savage, Don Toliver, and more legendary artists all on the same album. However, Metro’s collaborators aren’t what makes his discography so good. It’s these artists’ collaboration of style, ideas, and production that makes HEROES & VILLAINS one of the best albums of 2022. 

Best Song: “Feel the Fiyaaaah”

6) Luv 4 Rent – Smino

Smino is the musical equivalent of an acquired taste. His flow is so unique that once your ears are akin to it, the music’s euphoria will be undeniably noticeable. Luv 4 Rent is the epitome of Smino’s overall style and also includes themes of family and stardom.

Best Song: “Pro Freak”

5) Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers – Kendrick Lamar 

After Kendrick Lamar’s five-year struggle with writer’s block, the Pulitzer Prize winner decides to discuss everything on Mr. Morale. This album is very introspective and topical and gives fans insight into Kendrick’s mindset after therapy. This makes the album crude at times but seems intentional as it can also be very beautiful and open. 

Best Song: “Mother I Sober”

4) Marigold – Alex Isley and Jack Dine

Marigold is as smooth as silk. On Marigold, Alex Isely, the daughter of one of the Isley Brothers, brags that soul just runs through the family tree. It is second nature to her, and Dine’s production only improves the project even more. I would recommend starting Sunday Mornings with Alex Isley.

Best Song: “Under The Moon”

3) The Forever Story – J.I.D.

J.I.D. wasn’t an artist I liked all that much, but that may have changed with The Forever Story. This album is unapologetically J.I.D. Everything delivered is personal and honest. Even if you aren’t a fan of his style, you can still feel his emotions in the lyrics.
Best Song: “Sistanem”

2) WASTELAND – Brent Faiyaz

WASTELAND’s production and subject matter are haunting. Even though the album finds its way to being smooth or light-hearted at times, Brent effectively crafts the environment of a wasteland. Brent battling through the toxic allegations made this album my personal favorite of 2022.

Best Song: “ANGEL”

1) RENAISSANCE – Beyoncé

It’s undeniable that Beyoncé crafted the most enjoyable album of the year. Beyoncé was able to return after almost half a decade and step out of the box with house music – which she had never done before. Beyoncé is still one of the greatest musicians and deserves her face on a hypothetical musical Mount Rushmore.

Best Song: “VIRGO’S GROOVE”