Favorite Albums of 2022
The music this year was nothing short of great, with so many well-rounded albums. Here are Coffee and Groove’s favorites that really stood out from artists like Suki Waterhouse, Taylor Swift and The 1975.
Listen to the Coffee and Grooves Top Albums of 2022 playlist on Spotify HERE.
10.
Wet Leg, ‘Wet Leg’
The British duo Wet Leg is a breath of fresh air in the indie rock scene, and the same can be said for their self-titled album ‘Wet Leg.’ The debut work showcases their witty humor and catchy riffs that has caught the ears of so many new listeners. The spoken lyrics in “Chaise Lounge” brings to mind singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, while other songs point to musical influences from bands like The Stokes and the White Stripes.
9.
Miranda Lambert, ‘Palomino’
‘Palomino’ follows Miranda Lambert’s collaborative album ‘The Marfa Tapes,’ both of which give you a taste of country roots and the singer’s earlier work. Opening track “Actin’ Up” gives you an indication of the playful tone for some of the album. Produced by Lambert herself, along with co-writers Luke Dick and John Randall, the record has hints of rock influences along with stripped-down songwriting forward tracks. This might just be her best work in a while.
8.
Charlie Puth, ‘CHARLIE’
The long awaited Charlie Puth album did not disappoint. The singer-songwriter teased the record trough out the year while also bringing the listener along on the songwriting process, giving them a glimpse into the journey of a song. ‘Charlie’ showcases his ability as a producer and highlights his imaginative ideas, creating a song from the simple sounds of something a light switch. Charlie Puth is definitely an artist that will never run out of ideas.
7.
Caroline Spence, ‘True North’
Caroline Spence continues to write beautiful yet sometimes heartbreaking songs that showcase her poetic ability. The singer-songwriter’s fourth album ‘True North’ might be her most honest one yet with so much lyrical depth. Accompanied with Spence’s warm vocals and soft melodies, the album is overall inviting. For those listeners who really felt the emotions in her previous albums, prepare to feel it even more.
6.
MUNA, ‘MUNA’
You can’t not feel happy when listening to the new Muna record. From the dance-style music of “Silk Chiffon” and “Anything But Me” to the emotional and vulnerable lyrics of “Kind Of Girl,” this album is incredibly well rounded.
5.
First Aid Kit, ‘Palomino’
‘Palomino’ has a little more liveliness than First Aid Kit’s previous albums, with songs like “Out of My Head” and title track “Palomino.” It continues to highlight the sister’s perfect blend of vocals and story-telling lyrics.
4.
The Lumineers, ‘BRIGHTSIDE’
The American folk band The Lumineers truly delivered with their new album that dropped earlier this year. Following up their 2019 ‘III’ record, ‘BRIGHTSIDE’ carries their unique sound, but also shows their evolution in songwriting. Songs like “ROLLERCOASTER” will literally have you “holding on for dear life” with it’s melancholy lyrics and emotionally haunting music. But, you won’t be left down for long with songs like BRIGHTSIDE” and “WHERE WE ARE,” which have a more hopeful tone.
3.
Suki Waterhouse, ‘I Can’t Let Go’
‘I Can’t Let Go’ is Suki Waterhouse’s first full-length album and has already caught much success. The British singer-songwriter has managed to develop her own unique sound over the years, with influences of rock and artists like Lana Del Rey. This album gives you the full picture of Waterhouse’s storytelling lyrics and soft melodies, but does not lack up-beat songs like her single “Moves.”
2.
Taylor Swift, ‘Midnights’
Breaking records left and right, Taylor Swift’s latest album is living up to the hype. The album follows the singer-songwriters’ 13 sleepless nights and focuses on more personal experiences. As a songwriter, Swift always knows how to say things in a new way, yet capture the exact feelings you have. This is evident in her single “Anti-Hero” with themes of insecurities and and situations that so many people can relate to. As a Taylor Swift fan, ‘Midnights’ is like coming home. The track list feels like a mix of her previous albums with the pop-synth sounds of ‘1989’ and lyrical driven folk vibes of ‘Folklore.’ Overall, the album is a masterpiece and some of Taylor’s strongest work.
The 1975, ‘Being Funny In A Foreign Language’
And finally, the top album on the list; ‘Being Funny In A Foreign Language’ by The 1975. Don’t expect to skip any songs on this record. Even though it is different from their previous albums, exploring a side of the band that we haven’t seen, it just makes sense. You get a little bit of everything from this album - Humor in “Wintering",” heartbreak in “About You,” and hopefulness in “I’m In Love With You.” You really experience the raw emotions from songwriter and frontman Matty Healy. With help from producer Jack Antanoff, the album also dives into new sounds. It references 80s guitars and playful saxophone solos that they have used in the past, but are more evident in this album. As they put it during their live shows, it is The 1975 At Their Very Best.
Don’t forget to listen to the playlist HERE.