WZLY’s Top Albums of 2022

Before parting ways for winter break, members of WZLY’s MD Committee took some time to talk about their picks for 2022’s Album of the Year

As we enter 2023 and begin looking forward to new music, MD Committee has compiled their top releases from the past year. Keep reading for big hits, hidden gems, and the best of the best—and be sure to keep an eye out for reviews of even more new music on the ZLY blog!

Dawn FM by The Weeknd (Republic Records, Jan 6)

Building off of the synth-pop theme of The Weeknd's After Hours album, Dawn FM continues with a great album filled with more synth production with a contemporary flare. “Less Than Zero,” “Out of Time,” “Sacrifice,” “Gasoline,” “Take My Breath,” “I Heard You're Married,” and “How Do I Make You Love Me?” are my personal favorites! Listen to the album in order to get the full "radio" experience this album has, and songs seamlessly flow from one to the other! -Erika Guo ‘23

LP3 by Hippo Campus (Grand Jury Music, Feb 4)

In a year full of good music, this album also came at just the right time for me this year. I had somewhat of a tumultuous spring, and, for better or worse, LP3’s existential and experimental view of young adulthood really connected with me. Since, Hippo Campus has become a part of the small overlap in all my closest friends’ music taste, and the tour for this album holds a special place in my heart because of that.

On a craft level, I loved the development into this album from the adult-adolescence of EP Good Dog, Bad Dream of the previous year. Especially a bold departure and evolution from melodic indie pop of Landmark, LP3 is incredibly effective in both its sonic interest and ideas. -Ali Kyrouz ‘25

Laurel Hell by Mitski (Dead Oceans, Feb 4)

While all of MD talked about this album previously, I can't help but talk about Laurel Hell again! It feels like a lifetime since it was released but it's still hits so hard. The music moves between dark and jaded to explosive and deeply emotional. Like damn she really keeps doing that while remaining distinctive with her sound. If you want introspective hours this is a good album for you. -Laila Brustin ‘25

Ants From Up There by Black Country, New Roads (Ninja Tune, Feb 4)

Ants From Up There is such a beautiful, cohesive, and moving album. The opening "Intro" into "Chaos Space Marine" is gorgeous. My other favorite tracks include "The Place Where He Inserted the Blade" and "Mark's Theme." I think I'm obsessed with the horns section because of how cathartic it is. This is only Black Country, New Roads’ second album so I'm excited to see what they do from here. -Laila Brustin ‘25

The Long Road North by Cult of Luna (Metal Blade Records, Feb 11)

This album is really important for the trajectory of Cult of Luna. It shows they've really progressed their sound and vision for their work. It's a deeply complex album with several great songs. Some stand out, but overall there's nothing that seems lacking which is why I ended up choosing it over any other album this year. It also came out fairly early so I've gotten the chance to familiarize myself with the work. I'm looking forward to how Cult of Luna continues to advance their career and I'm very happy that this year brought so much great new music, including this album. -Charlotte Adams ‘25

Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar (Interscope Records, May 11)

How could this not be one of my top album picks for the year oh my goodness!! Between a ridiculous deep dive into this album and seeing Kendrick perform in person, it would be hard not to become obsessed. The core of this album is that Kendrick Lamar is putting himself first moving forward. It's inspiring to see him come to grips with where he has been wrong and made mistakes. The songs are deeply personal to him, there's something for everyone in it, the album is one for the books. -Laila Brustin ‘25

Meet the Moonlight by Jack Johnson (Jack Johnson, June 24)

To put it plainly, Jack Johnson’s music is awesome. There has never been a time in my life where I have not been in the mood to listen to his music. Because of this, it is no surprise that this album is phenomenal. Each of his albums has its own alternative flair, this one’s being a bit more percussion heavy at times than some of his other music. However, it is still very much music by Jack Johnson with its both funky and calming acoustic guitar and relaxing lyrics. Listening to his music makes me feel like I’m back in the car with my dad on the way to a morning surf session. I miss those times dearly, and this album felt like a bit of home. I would highly recommend listening to this album if you’re feeling a little down in the dumps or stressed. I would also recommend listening to this if you’re in any other emotional state. It’s just a really good album. -Bronnie Bailey ‘26

Hellfire by black midi (Rough Trade Records, July 15)

I first encountered this album after my friends attended a black midi concert in Austin, and ever since I’ve been hooked. The album is fun, energetic, and experimental with very specific lyrics that play into the bands play-acting during performances. Favorite song is definitely “Welcome To Hell,” had it on repeat for most of October. -Eliana ‘26

Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy (L-M Records, July 15)

it is a work of art from beginning to end, taking you through literally so many emotions you never thought existed on the range of human emotion, just to have (what i believe) is a full circle moment. -Linh ‘26

RENAISSANCE by Beyoncé (Columbia Records, July 29)

Unskippable. Undefinable. Characteristically gorgeous and so well done. -Jacq Roderick ‘23

The Hardest Part by Noah Cyrus (Columbia Records, Sept 16)

Noah Cyrus' debut studio album sees her expanding her songwriting prowess as she navigates adulthood. As always, Cyrus' voice stands out, as does her musicality. This album feels like a continuation of 70's country mixed with avant-garde pop, leading to an overall fresh and unique sound. In less pretentious language, this album has BOPS. It's been the musical guide to my quarter-life crisis (the math works out because, let's be real, I'm much more likely to reach 80 than 100), and I'd highly recommend giving it a listen. -Penelope Johnson ‘25

The Loneliest Time by Carly Rae Jepsen (Interscope, Oct 21)

Carly Rae Jepsen is the pop star we need in 2022. The Loneliest Time eschews today's patterns of catering to TikTok and other short-form videos and remains true to CRJ's past work! (The title track became a TikTok song, but it was the bridge, which is very unusual!) This album is incredibly cohesive, incredibly fun, and I firmly believe it has no skips. -Ann Zhao ‘24

Redcar les adorables étoiles (prologue) by Christine and the Queens (Because Music, Nov 11)

I love this album. The album explores Redcar transition and gender exploration. The album is an avant-garde operetta that takes you into a journey of freedom, love and loss. The accompanying visuals in music videos and in the album promotion increase the theatricality of the album. Even if there is a performative element through the production of the music, the lyrics are extremely personal. The lyrics helps us connect to the artist on a deeper level through empathy of common experiences. -Regina Gallardo ‘23