This year, like every one before, includes a list of stand-out, cross-genre albums of electronica, hip-hop, indie and post-rock, and below, we’ve done a quick round-up of some of our faves.
Lonelady – Former Things
Manchester legend, Julie Campbell, also known as Lonelady encompasses everything enigmatic about the city in her third album, Former Things. Electronica led with heavy Prince-esque licks, the album explores themes of loneliness, childhood and fear, with stand out single ‘There is no Logic’ making its way into many a Spotify unwrapped top song playlist this year.
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might be Introvert
Sometimes I Might be Introvert is the second album from London-based artist, Little Simz. It’s hard to put into words how this album makes you feel, especially with an opening track like ‘Introvert’, but aside from the cinematic score-like music that stops you in your tracks, the lyrics dig deep, too. Songs such as ‘Woman’, a love song to women worldwide and ‘I Love You I Hate You’, where Simz lyrically recites a letter to her father are outstanding. Sometimes I Might be Introvert is an essential 2022 listen, deserving of all the success it gets.
Dry Cleaning – New Long Leg
Dry Cleaning’s debut is another must-listen. Vocalist Florence Shaw’s narration sits spookily over the post-punk noise produced by the band, creating an outstanding nod to Britishness in its delivery. Singles such as ‘Scratchcard Lanyard’ paint a surreal picture of Shaw’s mind, with lyrics such as ‘I’ve come to hand-weave my own bunkbed ladder in a few short sessions’ spliced into the tracks.
Black Country, New Road – For the First Time
Another debut from London’s Black Country, New Road, this album is a mere six-tracks long, but when each one is a jazz-infused post-punk anthem, there’s no complaining. Led by vocalist Isaac Wood’s haunting vocals the album is an exploration of prog-rock drum solos, orchestral violins and tumbling keys.
Arlo Parks – Collapsed in Sunbeams
2021’s Mercury Prize winner presents her stunning debut album ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’, an honest and open account of the emotional processes faced throughout life, giving voice to a previously unheard generation. The 21 year old pieces together perfect pop and lo-fi beats with a blanket of soulful lyrics vocals. The album automatically takes you to a place where you feel most comfortable, like a warm, reassuring hug.
Other albums that made the round up include; W.H. Lung’s Vanities, Squid’s Bright Green Fields and Amyl and the Sniffers’ Comfort to Me. You can find the full list by following the link below.
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