My Top 25 Albums of 2022

I have been dreaming of this moment for a long time.

Though I didn’t keep track, I’m fairly sure that 2022 has been my most productive year, music-wise. I have listened to so many albums from different artists from all over the world; not to mention my collaborations with up-and-coming artists with just a couple tracks to their name.

So I was really looking forward to finding out what my end-of-the-year list would look like. And here we are.

I’ve talked more in-depth about some of these records on my blog before, so I will limit myself to a one-liner for each to save time–and also because, let’s be honest, it’s the end of the year and we’re all exhausted, including and especially myself.

However, before signing off, don’t forget to share your favorite albums of 2022 down below!

25. Multitude, Stromae

After 9 endless years of silence, Belgian singer-songwriter Stromae returned with an album inspired by African folk music. Read my review here.

24. Jefa, Cazzu

The Argentinian singer and rapper presented an album inspired by the many music genres now trending in her country, with her own personal touch.

23. rising, mxmtoon

Playful, cute and innocent–the album version of a coming-of-age move–mxmtoon is going for a Lily Allen-inspired sound in rising. Read my review here.

22. IO NON HO PAURA, Ernia

Very coherent with previous projects released by the Italian rapper, Io Non Ho Paura plays with the themes of darkness, fear and nightmares.

21. RENAISSANCE, Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s Renaissance is a buffet of 80s dancefloor anthems and powerful vocals.

20. AMERICAN GURL, Kilo Kish

Stuck in the 80s but highly futuristic, Kilo Kish reflects on her identity and the state of her country in AMERICAN GURL. Read my review here.

19. Cristal, Shirel

Delicate and aggressive at the same time, Shirel’s vocals and lyrics in Cristal are not something to sleep on.

18. The Gods We Can Touch, AURORA

AURORA is back and she’s more in tune with nature than ever. With enchanting vocals and powerful instrumentals, The Gods We Can Touch is truly addictive. Read my review here.

17. PLAYGIRL, Lolo Zouaï

Reflecting on the persona of the “Internet Girl,” Lolo Zouaï’s PLAYGIRL is a fun and entertaining digital Odyssey.

16. (Un)Commentary, Alec Benjamin

Giving true “songwriter” vibes, Alec Benjamin makes a full display of his writing skills in the ironic lyrics featured in (Un)Commentary. Read my review here.

15. Spirituals, Santigold

Santigold’s high-pitched vocals in Spirituals will haunt you while in profound prayer. Read my review here.

14. Serpentina, BANKS

Sensual and mysterious, BANKS truly delivered in the electronic Serpentina.

13. IOTA, Lous and The Yakuza

The simple melodies and arrangements are not to distract you from the tenderness of Lous and The Yakuza’s interpretations throughout IOTA.

12. Spell 31, Ibeyi

Giving out tribal ritual vibes, Ibeyi seem to be in a state of ecstasy in their trilingual project Spell 31. Read my review here.

11. Monstruos, Bruses

Brutally honest and amusingly optimistic, Bruses is a modern-day rocker with a cynical attitude toward life. Read my review here.

10. Shape Up, Leikeli47

Fun, catchy and playful, Shape Up shows the full range of what Leikeli47 is capable of.

9. demon time, Mura Masa

Mura Masa’s demon time is an electronic bomb exploding with each song. Read my review here.

8. Marvelous, Yung Gravy

Yung Gravy’s crooner voice, cheesy lyrics and grand instrumentals absolutely blend together in Marvelous.

7. SUPERPOP, Belén Aguilera

Apparently very playful but otherwise mature in nature, Belén Aguilera’s pop repertoire comes to life in SUPERPOP.

6. MATA, M.I.A.

M.I.A.’s unexpected latest album MATA is the perfect middle ground between Easter and Western influences.

5. Web, 070 Shake

In Web, 070 Shake’s heavily autotuned voice perfectly matches the dystopic and mysterious atmosphere her instrumentals create.

4. Nymph, Shygirl

Sexy and mysterious, Shygirl absolutely delivered a masterpiece of an album after releasing EPs and singles for years. Read my review here.

3. CL34N, LUNA KI

Barcelona-born artist LUNA KI brings to life her character and vision in their first album CL34N. Read my review here.

2. Marchita, Silvana Estrada

Silvana Estrada honors the traditional music of her native country of Mexico while exploring the theme of heartbreak. Read my review here.

1. MOTOMAMI, ROSALÍA

Bold, loud and experimental, Rosalía’s MotoMaMi is a multimedia immersive experience from start to finish. Read my review here.