Bad Wreck Team

2022 was an incredible year for new music—from impressive debuts to stellar comebacks we had so much music to dive into. With so many amazing albums released this year, it was difficult to narrow it down, but we picked our top 22 records of the year. 

Check out the top picks we highlighted!

LP3 by Hippo Campus

Among an exploration of self-identity, sexuality, and long-distance relationships found in Hippo Campus’ third studio album LP3, the band proves their capacity for ongoing growth and creativity. Still true to their identifiable sound, the record experiments with effective melodies and lyrics making it a comforting, yet fresh space for listeners.

Caprisongs by FKA twigs

Caprisongs is a work of art pop that sonically juxtaposes the melancholy feeling of her previous projects by utilizing upbeat Afrobeats—creating a lightness to the angelically performed lyrics. The mixtape’s lyrics float from playful banter to raw honesty on the “piscy-veen” waves of twigs’ vision. From well-crafted interludes sprinkled amongst the seamlessly fitting artist features, this mixtape takes the listener with twigs on an open and free artistic terrain.

Asha’s Awakening by Raveena

The highly dynamic and spiritual artist Raveena dropped her second studio album early this year with a specific purpose. Asha's Awakening is from the point of view of a Punjabi space princess called Asha. The entirety of the concept album is captivating—fitting the sweet spot of experimental, soul, and R&B.

AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS by MICHELLE

This record passes the scary sophomore slump and brings the listener to the world of carefree straightforward realness. AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS is filled with influences of the 90s/00s R&B alongside dream pop tones. The album is about moving forward to something new while being grateful to find it without a rush.

 CRASH by Charli XCX

Charli has put in the work cementing her place as a pop icon with her previous experimental, hyper-pop projects. CRASH is 33 minutes of pop perfection and with undeniable bops like “Yuck” and “Lightning,” it’s impossible to pick a favorite song. Each track carries its weight, making you want to keep the album on repeat.

Uncanny Valley by COIN

COIN welcomes us to the Uncanny Valley with their fourth album. A longtime favorite, COIN never fails to make an album that not only showcases the band’s songwriting but also their creativity. The concept of a virtual, surreal world that is woven through the album’s seamless transitions and the accompanying visuals delivers a mesmerizing experience.

Wet Leg by Wet Leg

An impressive debut for the UK duo, earning them a Best New Artist Grammy nom, Wet Leg is an instant classic. The eclectic lyrics and eccentric melodies on their self-titled project capture our attention and give us something fresh to be immersed in.

Harry's House by Harry Styles

Harry invites us in with his third studio album Harry’s House comprised of pop-funk hits, melodic folk, and timeless synth. The tracklist balances the expression of candid human pleasure, shifts in society, familial relations, and the emotional toll created by loving another individual—a collective experience.

Janky Star by Grace Ives

Grace Ives or New York’s newest little pop songwriter is filled with warped, buzzy hymns specifically throughout Janky Star. The range of sounds found on the album makes it perfect for any scene—a brisk stroll, an intimate dinner party, or just being alone in your bedroom. The unique energy of the ten-track project pulls together flawlessly with a light of a truly bright, maybe janky star.

MUNA by MUNA

Catapulted by the catchy lead single, “Silk Chiffon” featuring Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA by MUNA is a stunning collection of songs exploring queer relationships and self-discovery. With their latest album, MUNA has proven they're a pop force to be reckoned with.

Beatopia by beabadoobee

Beabadoobee brings us into her world in Beatopia. The young artist grows on her second studio album, blossoming into a more mature sound. Exploring young love and the nostalgia of bittersweet memories is a soft escape.

Surrender by Maggie Rogers

Rogers continues to captivate her listeners with her lyric-driven indie-rock album Surrender. Even though this is only her second studio album she has solidified her sound and her persona as an artist. Her music should be enjoyed in many of the facets of life because it yields open vulnerability and finding stillness in the chaos. Her voice is crafted for anthems.

Shadowglow by Filpturn

Filpturn’s anticipated debut album was delivered with dreamy indie-rock tunes and a mixture of psychedelic rock guitar. The album is filled with ethereal vocals produced by lead singer Dillon Bassed. After hearing this album live it was completely transformed into something bigger and more memorable.

PRE PLEASURE by Julia Jacklin

Melbourne’s Julia Jackin proves her ability to encapsulate listeners with direct lyrics and themes ultimately delving deep into intimate scenes with a playful touch. Found in Jacklin’s third studio album, the singer-songwriter digs for a balance of thinking and living life. The project unwinds specific, somewhat uncanny ideas all while forming a warm spirit about oneself.

Decide by Djo

The spacey sophomore studio album Decide by Djo (a.k.a Joe Keery) was highly anticipated by fans. The album is a soundtrack for cinema and leans heavily into retro synth to accompany the subject matter of change, life’s cycles, and transitions. Touching on personal revelations and observations of world events surrounding. Decide is an introspective journey from beginning to end.

People In Motion by Dayglow

Best known as the founder and lead of the indie pop musical project Dayglow, Sloan Struble has gifted us with yet another melodic record. In tune with the singer’s beloved style, People In Motion offers a set of upbeat, joyous themes. This third studio album upholds Dayglow’s flourishing sound from start to finish.

Blue Rev by Alvvays   

After 5 years the Toronto indie pop band returned with their third album. This album is more abstract and a mixture of shoegaze with dream pop elements. The collective of songs is familiar to the band's older songs with a mixture of reinventing of their style.

Dirt Femme by Tove Lo

A late addition to the list, having been released in October, Dirt Femme should be on your rotation. Tove Lo crafts addicting pop tracks with lyrics touching on the concept of femininity. The brilliant collaborations with SG Lewis, First Aid Kit, and Channel Tres are the cherry on top.

Being Funny In A Foreign Language by The 1975

After being a band for more than 10 years The 1975 has proved to us their relevance with this album. Being Funny In A Foreign Language is a pop-focused album full of clichés but with meaningful messages and straight to the point with no hidden metaphors like the previous album. The band proves that they are in fact at their very best with the album.

Crazy Life by Anna of the North  

Anna Of The North returns with her third album Crazy Life with alternative pop, jazz-influenced excellence. The collection of songs consists of confessing her love to someone through the album letting them know how she feels. After her third album, Anna still manages to switch up but still maintains that familiar sound.