Best of 2022
By Steve May
For me, 2022 was a pretty solid year in terms of new music. Several of my favorite artists released solid new material, so that made making my Top 10 a pretty easy task. Without further ado, here’s my list:
Ghost – Impera
(Loma Vista – March 2022)
My album of the year. It took me a while to get fully on the Ghost train, but this album sealed the deal for me. I can’t really put my finger on it, but there is something sonically with them that grabs me. This album is pure arena rock with a nice mix of keyboards mixed in. The band is known more for their theatrics and “satanic” image, but band leader Tobias Forge is an excellent lyricist and composer.
Standout tracks include “Call Me Little Sunshine”, “Spillways” and “Twenties.”
Bowling For Soup – Pop Drunk Snot Bread
(Brando Records – April 2022)
A return to form for my friends in BFS. Their last studio album “Drunk Dynasty” was released in 2016, so it had been a while since the band released any new original material. PDSB sees new bassist Rob Felicetti join the band and he adds a nice pop with his playing and background vocals. Linus of Hollywood once again helped produce this one and you can tell he and Jaret Reddick enjoy writing songs together. I wouldn’t mind, however, if Casey Di Iorio were to show up again down the road on some future albums. I always enjoyed his collaborations with Jaret and the rest of the band.
Standout tracks include “Hello Anxiety”, “The Best We Can” and “June Carter Cash.”
Blue October – Spinning The Truth Around (Part I)
(Up/Down-Brando Records – October 2022)
Blue October’s leader Justin Furstenfeld has become quite prolific in recent years. Spinning the Truth Around is the fifth new album since 2013. The band has moved away from a heavy guitar sound on the past few releases and are now leaning a bit more on keyboards. You could say this album is The Cure meets EDM, which isn’t a bad thing at all. As always, Justin wears his heart on his sleeve in his lyrics. I think some relationship struggles the past couple of years definitely influenced most of the songs on this new release.
Standout tracks include “How Can You Love Me…”, “Where Did You Go…”, and “The Shape of Your Heart.”
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
(Domino -April 2022 )
After a year long tease of releasing singles from the debut album, we finally got the full album in 2022 and it did not disappoint. Definitely one of the most refreshing acts to emerge over the past couple of years. Subtle humor and sexiness make this a fun listen all the way through. This is one worth checking out if you’re looking for a brand new band to get into. Standout tracks include “Chaise Longue”, “Wet Dream” and “Convincing.”
Rush – Moving Pictures (40th Anniversary)
(Anthem Entertainment – April 2022)
One of the greatest rock albums of all time hit its’ 40th anniversary in 2021, but due to some production issues this 40th Anniversary Box Set didn’t get released until 2022. The 5.1 surround sound mix is simply incredible. The five LPs are all cut at half-speed on 180 gram vinyl. Also included is a previously unreleased concert from 1981 recorded in Toronto. It was pricey, but well worth the cost for any hardcore Rush fan.
Standout tracks include all of Side 1 and all of Side 2.
The Jazz Butcher – The Highest In The Land
(Tapete Records – February 2022)
Lots of emotions around this album, especially for the rest of the 4CF crew. Pat Fish sadly passed away in October of 2021, so this highly anticipated album will unfortunately be his last. It is a beautiful mix of pop, rock and jazz – all of the things that made The Jazz Butcher so wonderful. This album is a perfect bookend to the amazing life and musical career of Mr. Fish.
Standout tracks include “Time”, “Never Give Up”, “Sea Madness” and “Running On Fumes.”
Cory Branan – When I Go I Ghost
(Bluélan Records – October 2022)
A new find for me this year. Branan’s first release came in 2002, but just popped up on my radar when this new release showed up on a randomly generated streaming playlist. “When I Go I Ghost” is Branan’s 6th album. Born in Memphis, raised in Mississippi, one could argue that Cory is simply a country artist as you definitely hear that influence on most of his songs. But a deeper dive and listen into his songs show a more classic rock edge even adding in some synth bass and synthesizer pads on several songs. I would describe his sound as Bruce Springsteen meets Dave Hause with a touch of Johnny Cash thrown in.
I love every song on this new release, but my favorites are “When In Rome, When In Memphis”, “That Look I Lost”, and “When I Leave Here.”
Jaret Ray Reddick – Just Woke Up
(Brando Records – 2022)
A Texas country album from a pop punk singer? The cynics will say it’s predictable and boring. Knowing Jaret as a friend for almost 25 years, I know this album has been in the works for years and is a true labor of love for him. Raised in Wichita Falls, TX by parents who loved country music, this album is more along his musical roots than what Jaret produces with his band Bowling For Soup. If you love Texas country or just enjoy songs that you can sing along to and make you feel good, I would encourage you to check this album out.
Standout tracks include “One of the Good Ones”, “Royal Family” and “Back In 83.”
Shout Out Louds – House
(Bud Fox Recordings – May 2022)
The 6th full length release from this Stockholm band and their first since 2017 was well worth the wait. I personally enjoyed it much better than their last album “Ease My Mind.” Frontman Adam Olenius’ vocals are strong and the songwriting is much more true to their earlier works like 2010’s “Work” and the 2007 release “Our Ill Wills.” If you’re not that familiar with the band, “House” is certainly a good jumping on point and then you can work your way back through the discography.
Choice cuts are “High As a Kite”, “My Companion” and “June.”
Bona Roba – Speed Of Sound
(Self Released – June 2022)
This three piece band from Queens, NY has been around since 2000, but have only released three albums during that time. I’m not that familiar with their full history or why they went 15 years between their first album in 2005 to their second in 2020, but this new release is outstanding. There really isn’t much information available about the band online. This is another example of one of their songs showing up on a random playlist and it instantly caught my ear. Their sound is a straightforward rock trio sound with guitar, bass and drums. Nothing really fancy, but strong lyrics and catchy hooks.
Check out “Karma Blues”, “Come Back To Me” and “Speed of Sound.”
Honorable Mentions
- Guided By Voices – Tremblers and Goggles By Rank
- Spoon – Lucifer On the Sofa
- Def Leppard – Diamond Star Halo
- Dropkick Murphys – This Machine Still Kills Fascists
- Automatic – Excess
