LOS ALAMITOS, CA — 2022 was an incredible year for music. We received albums from artists for the first time in years, like Kendrick Lamar and Alvvays, as well as albums from prolific artists like the Weeknd. With rap, rock, pop, dance, indie, and more, here is a list of the best albums of the year.

15. Nas “King’s Disease III” – “KDT” is yet another incredible album from one of the best and most celebrated rappers of all time. On top of production from Hit-Boy, Nas raps about his longevity, new rappers, and community on his 16th studio album. Nas shows why he is considered one of the greatest lyricists; the song “Beef” is a highlight in this field. “KDT” shows that age is not a factor when it comes to making great music.

14. Willow Smith “<COPINGMECHANISM>” – Willow Smith’s fifth studio album is a love letter to rock music. At 11 songs, just over 29 minutes, the track list is focused and draws from several styles of rock. The album is steeped in heartache and rage as Smith lets out screams across rocking guitars. It may not be groundbreaking, but the faithful and creative recreations of these sounds solidify Willow as one of rock’s most promising young voices.

13. Ari Lennox “age/sex/location” – On her second LP, Ari Lennox delivers the best R&B album of the year. With themes of love and lust throughout, Lennox serenades the listener with gorgeous vocals while singing about frustrations and pleasures with men in her life. With incredibly smooth production and writing as well as solid features, Ari Lennox proves with “age/sex/location” that she is one of the best R&B artists of modern times.

12. Kendrick Lamar “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” – “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” is one of the densest albums I’ve ever listened to. Lamar tackles so much in this album: generational trauma, men’s mental health, black men growing up fatherless, LGBTQ+, and more with varying degrees of success. His rapping is also noteworthy, with different flows, inflections, and perspectives coming together to form Lamar’s most introspective album so far. It’s not an album you will find yourself revisiting very often, but every listen will leave a massive impact.

11. JOJI “SMITHEREENS” – On his latest album, singer JOJI, AKA George Miller, delivers a concise album of heartbreak. Being broken into two parts of post-breakup, wanting your partner back, and coming to terms with the loss, JOJI delivers his best album to date. The first half, which includes the smash hit “Glimpse of Us,” is full of heartache and regret while the second half is about Miller trying to get over the breakup. The short tracklist ensures that all of the nine songs are quality and hit hard.

10. Alvvays “Blue Rev” – The Canadian indie pop band Alvvays’ third album is full of fun and sunny tracks that are sure to be enjoyable to everyone. Vocals reminisce of summer and the beach as the band has fun and delivers one of the best pop records of the year, with a sound unlike a lot of mainstream pop. The instrumentation is fine-tuned and full of character. “Blue Rev” is one of the most fun and easygoing albums of the year and is sure to have something for everyone.

9. Big Thief “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You” – An album unlike anything on this list, Big Thief’s fifth studio album is a double album full of folk rock that provides one of the nicest listening experiences of the year. With 20 songs stretching over 80 minutes, it is incredible that there isn’t a single song that is worth skipping. The songs don’t connect to any theme, allowing the listener to play any song in the album without the fear of having to stop and lose the connection. While it may not be for everybody, this is an album that, if it connects with you, will easily become a favorite.

8. Pusha T “It’s Almost Dry” – Legendary rapper Pusha T’s latest album strips away all of the extra bits, leaving behind an incredibly consistent project. With production from Kanye West and Pharell Williams, this album features some of the most creative and fun production of the year. Pusha T’s delivery serves justice to his cutthroat lyrics for support. With some great features, Jay Z being an obvious standout, “It’s Always Dry” is another showing of why Pusha T is one of the greatest rappers of all time.

7. The Weeknd “Dawn FM” – The Weeknd’s “Dawn FM” is a massive love letter to 80’s synth-pop, even more than his 2020 album “After Hours.” With cinematic presentation and Jim Carry serving as the narrator, this is The Weeknd’s most ambitious album to date. The 80’s flare influence is very ingrained in the album, especially in songs like “Gasoline.” The funk and pop bliss provide one of the most danceable albums of the year.

6. Beyoncé “RENAISSANCE” – Beyoncé once again proves why she is one of the most celebrated artists of all time. On “RENAISSANCE” she explores the world of dance and house music. The product is one of the most electrifying and fun albums of the year. Overflowing with confidence, Beyoncé experiments and shines through production designed for the dance floor. This is a timeless album that will be a club favorite for years.

5. Denzel Curry “Melt My Eyes See Your Future” – Denzel Curry’s fourth album is his most conscious to date with references to society and the life of black men in America throughout. Curry’s rapping is in top form, delivering some of his most nuanced bars in his whole career. The album also features more straightforward bangers like the posse cut “Ain’t No Way.” Curry’s most ambitious album to date is yet another reason why he is one of the best rappers of today.

4. Viagra Boys “Cave World” – Swedish rock band Viagra Boys delivers the most electrifying rock album of 2022 with “Cave World.” The album is themed after people that don’t believe in science and want society to return to primitive times. The result is an album that not only is expertly crafted but also funny in some spots. The band’s punk rock sound is something that very few bands can reach today, and “Cave World” is an excellent window into that domain.

3. JID “The Forever Story” – JID, AKA Destin Route, delivers the best rapping of the year on his third studio album. The Atlanta rapper has been improving since his last project in 2018, with so many flows and inflections being utilized on this album. Not only that, but JID’s singing has also improved drastically. These skills allow JID to tell stories about his past, family, wealth, and fame in a way that truly captivates. With features from peers like 21 Savage and Earthgang as well as from legends like Lil Wayne and Yasiin Bey, The Forever Story is easily the best traditional rap album of 2022.

2. Quadeca “I Didn’t Mean to Haunt You” – This album truly is an experience. YouTuber Quadeca, AKA Benjamin Lasky, surpasses expectations and brings an album full of sorrow and existentialism that is sure to leave an impact. The orchestration and production are full of emotion with some of the most mesmerizing sounds this year has to offer. Lyrics about death and the effect it has on the people left behind are haunting yet beautiful at the same time. With excellent performances from Lasky as well as features from the likes of Danny Brown, The Sunday Service Choir, and percussionist Thor Harris, this album will stick with you for a long time.

1. Black Country, New Road “Ants From Up There” – The London-based band Black Country, New Road delivers one of the most ambitious breakup albums ever with their second album. Filled with unique characteristics, the band delivers a post-rock project filled with a jazz influence. So many songs are filled with emotion that certainly will impact the listener. Incredibly unique vocals from singer Issac Wood, tight playing from the rest of the band, and emotional lyrics, “Ants From Up There” is one of the most ambitious and gratifying albums of the past few years.

Music is an incredible thing. It has the power to bring people together, invoke emotion, and spark discussion. 2022 had plenty of great albums that accomplished all three of these. With the year coming to a close, it is nice to look to the past and celebrate the music that moved us over the year. Happy Holidays, and look forward to the new sounds of 2023.