My Top 10 Albums Of The Year 2022

 Something a bit different here. Below I've ranked my favourite albums that were released in 2022. It's just a bit of fun and of course everyone will have their own opinion. Drop me a message with your thoughts or if I've missed something BIG! I'm always on the look out for new music. My top 10 movies of 2022 will be uploaded tomorrow. HNY!

10) KASABIAN - THE ALCHEMIST'S EUPHORIA

It took me a while to vibe with the new look Kasabain. Gone are the indie band we once knew and if I'm being honest theis feels so much like a Serge solo record  I don't know why it isn't. With lots of dance tracks I think these new tunes would be amazing live and my favourite on the record was The Wall

9) HARRY STYLES - HARRY'S HOUSE

I like music that's interesting and I feel that Harry Styles is putting out music that is just that. Gone are the manufactured One Direction days and here we have a album where no song is similar. I'm not a masisve fan of pop music but when it's done right with interesting production records like this become feel good. Music For a Sushi Restaurant is the stand out track on this album

8) MAYA HAWKE - MOSS

Again this is really a album I didn't expect to like. To be honest I didn't even know the girl out of Stranger Things and daughter of the legendary Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke was a singer but Moss is her second studio album. This is a very chilled out laid back album which at times over the course of this year has hit me in the right places. Think rainy Sunday afternoon as you decompress after a heavy week. Opening track Backup Plan is my favourite.

7) THE SKINNER BROTHERS - SOUL BOY II

This album blew my head of when I first listened towards the back end of this year. It's gritty and snarly and reminds me very much of a early 00's indie album.  The guys are meant to be amazing live and their gigs are well known for getting a bit out of control which I can understand as this record is packed with energy. Culture Non-Stop is a stone cold banger. 

6) FRED AGAIN - ACTUAL LIFE 3

It's been a long time since I've connected with a dance music record like I have this one. I spent many a night of my late teens in small dark rooms somewhere in London listening to this kind of stuff and to be honest I grew tired of those nights and this genre pretty quickly after the initial impact had worn off.  I have zero knowlege of Fred Again but I'm told his live stuff on YouTube is worth a watch and if you need a pick me up/ work out album then I highly recomend this. Clara (the night is dark) is my standout. 

5) RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - UNLIMITED LOVE

Frusciante is back and to be honest that was all I needed to know about this record to get me pumped for it's release. First single Black Summer didn't really grab me and as a whole the album is a lot more chilled then I'd like from the Chili Peppers but when these four get together they're 100% the best incarnation of the band and always produce solid albums. I don't think we will ever see a BSSM record again from these guys where we have ultimate funk and classy ballards because they just arent in that place anymore but as long as they keep making music I'll keep listening. Whatchu Thinkin is my top song on this album

4) RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - RETURN OF THE DREAM CANTEEN

We were treated to two RHCP records in the space of six months and although similar in style ROTDC was my favourite by a smidge because it's a bit heavier in places. John's solo at the end of Eddie is electric and would sound awesome live. All in all could they of released one album with the best songs from both albums combined? Yes, but this is the RHCP and they do what they want  to do. Peace and Love is my most listened to song from this record. 

3) YARD ACT - THE OVERLOAD

After LOVING their Dark Days EP I couldn't wait to give this a listen and I wasn't dissapointed. They're such a unique band with their witty, punky lyrics and indie sound and that was recognised this year with a Mercury nomination. Album two is due to start recording this year I believe which is something I'm massivley looking forward to. 100% Endurance is the best tune from this record.

2) ARCTIC MONKEYS - THE CAR

Lets face it, Tranquilty Base didn't go down too well did it? Arctic Monkeys follow up to AM a concept album set in outer space which really spilt the fan base. Personally I was on board as I believe they're a good enough band to take their music in any direction they want and I also respect them for doing so. The Car is again another step away from the leather jackets and rock n roll quiffs but different doesn't always mean bad. For me the opening five tracks on this record are their best work in years and Sculptures Of Anything Goes (my favourite) is movie score quality.

1) FONTAINES DC - SKINTY FIA

My favourite album of 2022 is Fontaines DC - Skinty Fia!

This is the record that has put Fontatines DC on the map as rightly so. With only ten tracks there's no room for error and there isn't with all ten songs being great. This is a band that isn't afraid to push boundries with their music and the no nonsense lyrical punkness that they've surved up from album one is still evident here in bundles. Title track Skinty Fia is a world away from the stuff on Dogrel but it works and works really well. My favourite is I Love You but it really could of been any of them. This album is so so good that I'm completely intrigued as to what will come next. Get your ears around it now!

AB