The Top 10 Albums of 2022 (So Far)

2022 has been a better year for albums than it has been for songs. I guess this could be due to records aiming for consistency over highlights, along with some great pre-release singles from years prior. The end result is a diverse album list, with unheard-of and A-List albums mingling together.

Honorable Mentions

Everything Everything - Raw Data Feel

Father John Misty - Chloe and the Next 20th Century

Forestella - Beginning: The World Tree

Ohm Bhandari - Dimension: Space Paracosm

Reol - The Sixth Sense

Sexy Zone - The Highlight

Dimash Qudaibergen & Igor Krutoy - Dimash Qudaibergen | Igor Krutoy

It is almost a little unfair to include this album, as it in a way, is already a greatest hits record for one of the greatest vocalist-composer combinations in recent memory. With songs from the album making it into the top 10 of both 2020 of 2021 song-of-the-year lists on this site, there was no way this album would fail. Operatic ballads have rarely sounded as grand as on songs such as Your Love and Stranger.

Epik High - Epik High Is Here

At this point, where does Epik High go? The hip-hop collective has already crossed all challenges expected of groups of their stature and more. They have garnered acclaim and commercial success like few others. These are the questions at the heart of the double album Epik High Is Here, analyzing the loneliness at the top. With some of the greatest lyrics of the decade, highlights such as Tablo's World and Acceptance Speech leave an impact on you.

Harry Styles - Harry's House

Harry Styles looked east for this album, taking inspiration from Harry Hosono and more. The vignette-style narratives merge well with the retro, '70s-inspired production for an album that is part tribute part evolution. There is a reason this album has been so successful. (Full Review)

Hikaru Utada - Bad Mode

Bad Mode's journey starts before you click the "play" button with its fantastic and personal album cover. Utada has had an incredibly successful career, but Bad Mode sees finally break free of her mold with an album that is both emotionally yearning and hopeful. While it does include one remix too many near the tail end, very few songs in recent memory hold the emotional weight of highlights such as One Last Kiss.

JYOCHO - Let's Promise To Be Happy

Let's Promise To Be Happy is exactly what it promises in the title, a look at happiness and joy, and the effects it holds within our lives. Daijiro Nakagawa crafts a fulfilling world, driven by hope and its growth, while also providing rich and diverse compositions. Like the best albums, Let's Promise To Be Happy is best appreciated in full. (Full Review)

MM Keeravani - RRR

SS Rajamouli films always provide the best for MM Keeravani, allowing him to let loose without any limits. RRR is a classic example of this, with just the right blend of contemporary pop and Indian folk elements. From the ceaseless Naatu Naatu to the traditional Raamam Raghavam to the emotional Komma Uyyala, there is a song for everybody in this album. (Full Review)

Sabaton - The War To End All Wars

Sabaton's historical epics are always a delight and their The War To End All Wars, a concept album on World War I, their second on the subject, is one of their best. While its massive moments of grandeur are incredible, it is within the quiet, the human moments, such as Christmas Truce, that the album shines the brightest, capturing one of modern history's greatest tragedies.

Spiritualized - Everything Was Beautiful

Legendary American Space Rock band Spiritualized came back with one of their best records ever. It is hard to capture how incredible Everything Was Beautiful is. From its more abrasive to calmer moments, the album is a journey unlike any other, with loads of heart. Few musical moments this year have had half the euphoria of The Mainline Song's triumphant refrain. (Full Review)

The Weeknd - Dawn FM

Amid rumors that the Blinding Lights star was finally settling down, we got Dawn FM, a concept album of a man finally attempting to settle down and achieve peace. Though the album, musically and lyrically, loses a little bit of steam in the second half, Dawn FM is a The Weeknd's best release so far, and a solid collection of '80s-influenced pop.

TVXQ - Epitaph

Epitaph certainly ranks amongst legendary boy band TVXQ's weaker efforts, but that still means it is a consistent and solid release. From the surging rock of Epitaph to the subtle balladry of Small Talk, there is something in the album for everyone, leading to the fantastic Light My Moon Like THIS to close things off. (Full Review)