Smino keeps his eccentricity and innovation alive in his long-awaited 3rd album.
Now incorporating samples, his unique usage of tone and harmony is revitalized,
especially with the most distinguished voices in rap and R&B to play around with.
The growth in collaboration is significant due to the central theme of self-love,
which is not just restricted to himself, but includes helping friends' pursuits of it.
This newfound intention is an important development for Smino going forward.

A jazzy and vulnerable examination of love with respect to its multidimensionality.
Laufey provides one of the most inspired debut albums I've ever listened to,
even finding great commercial success with the viral lead single of Valentine.
Her singing is the rightful highlight, but the arrangements alone are swoon-worthy,
especially the string sections that leave a great impression from as early as Fragile.

A decade after his debut album, 1999, self-reflection is Joey's main mission.
The New York native continues to leave his mark on the city and its culture,
with East Coast hip-hop at the core, and Brooklyn references left and right.
His presence and consciousness have always been his best artistic traits,
and this time its supported by an all-star team of producers and features*.
Serves more as a capstone for a strong decade, but the ambition is clear.

The charming pop-rock band returns with a deeper bag of instrumental tricks.
Widening range, from the high-octane Silence Is Golden to the melancholic 2am,
Stokes' vocals are becoming reminiscent of The Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan.
Even in composition and arrangement, The Beths pay homage to New Zealand,
in the same respect that The Cranberries would for their homeland of Ireland.
Growing into the prowess of those rock legends is a great step for the young band.

Representing a dark and elusive change of pace from today's R&B and hip-hop,
this album marks the technical and creative apex of Brent's career thus far.
The album is presented like a soundtrack, but with significant, tasteful features.
The popular singles of GRAVITY and WASTING TIME are catchy and well-placed,
with appropriate guest producers to enhance both melodic and rhythmic assets.
It truly hurts so good, as his smooth vocals narrate his self-destructive habits.

Surpassing all other '90s rap legends, Nas makes a testament for his longevity.
The trilogy's producer, Hit-Boy, provides quicker tempo, sample-based beats,
allowing Nas to unleash his superior technique, but with newfound purpose.
Thematically, he reflects on social policy, existentialism, and survivor's guilt.
Secure with his legacy and relevancy, his lyrics read as guidance for the young.
His passion for hip hop is felt throughout, truly proving that its in his blood.

After years of global, viral domination, Megan takes a moment to decompress.
Megan's perfect flow is supported by some of her best production and lyricism,
allowing a fluid, candid "stream of consciousness", as many have characterized.
As dark and angsty as it can get, she still delivers the fun, beloved club hits.
Accompanied by some of hip hop's best, there's something for every occassion,
making it her most well-rounded project in her ever- developing discography.

From the bright strings of Up Granville, you can sense growth in the indie quartet.
They refine their "chewed bubblegum pop" sound with commanding dynamics,
and allow their staple, soothing vocals and riffs to flourish over 11 tracks.
Lead singer, Neil Smith, continues to illustrate their Vancouver upbringing,
with a fondness that is reminiscent of a feel-good, summer break movie.
Their most consistent album yet, with Vickie standing out as a major highlight.

Since 2015's Ultimate, Denzel's energy and persona has elevated his notoriety,
but he decided to start a new chapter with a more self-reflective album.
Fortunately for all, he does not hold back on his aforementioned strengths.
Instead, he infuses them with elements from jazz, traditional R&B, and rock,
while raising the bar for lyricism and production within the rap community.

A culmination of the 5 years of artistic success that SZA's had since her last album,
the 23 tracks showcase her versatility and consistency in the music industry.
Kill Bill exudes an infectious mania, while Good Days unwinds like a revelation.
The expressive capabilities that SZA has are matched by no other singer.
She pushes herself to be vulnerable, experimental, and a fanatic of all genres.
Despite dealing with large expectations and delays, she undoubtedly delivered.

Five years after his debut album, The Never Story, JID dives deep into retrospection.
However, he doesn't do it alone, with 11 features and an assortment of producers.
This all-star ensemble fits into the origin story concept that the album acts as.
The cover art depicts JID amongst the many realities of Black people in America,
and the variety of voices, perspectives, and styles are intended to reflect them.
JID & co. provide a rap masterclass in storytelling, technique, and humility.

In her second album, Ari brings a fresh flair to a more traditional R&B aesthetic.
On tracks like POF and Hoodie, she demonstrates stronger vocal presence than ever,
as the producers strip back the instrumental layers in favor of a bassier foundation.
In tracks like Pressure and Outside, harmonies are contrasted with sharp deliveries,
allowing for a dynamic engagement that compliments their upbeat neo-soul charm.
The cherry on top is the flirtatious duet with Lucky Daye, succinctly named Boy Bye.

Despite the album being effortlessly cohesive, it's hard to label it as any one genre.
Psychedelic rock seems to be right, but bedroom pop might be more relevant.
In fact, it's a lot easier to describe the soundscape, which is spacey and ethereal.
The fantastical nature of the album is rooted in the recurring theme of loneliness,
as though she is providing a soundtrack for her daydreams, isolated from reality.
Drifting over each section with dreamy vocals, Luna Li finds comfort within herself.

A concept album centered around sacrifice, guilt, and material wealth.
Freddie's transparency and flow combine for great storytelling.
The album also enlisted the help of some of rap's greatest producers,
including DJ Dahi, Madlib, Boi-1da, James Blake, The Alchemist, and Jake One.
The vast production team bridges a myriad of regional sounds and styles,
yet still manages to maintain cohesion, supported by narrative postludes.

Steve Lacy continues to surpass the notion of merely being a session guitarist.
Right out the gate, he sings over a bright piano and a droning bass,
keeping the guitar at bay as he flexes his multi-instrumental foundation.
Through the next three tracks he delicately pursues branches of psychedelia,
then pushes the gas pedal on the viral single, Bad Habit, putting it all together.
Ultimately, it was the glorious duet on Sunshine that moves the needle for me.

Within months of releasing his eponymous album, one of my favorites of last year,
Vince unveils a deeper well of catchy hooks and personal revelations.
This time, featuring even bigger names in Lil Baby and Ty Dolla $ign,
but most importantly, delivering more reflections of his beloved hometown.
With plenty of scars to uncover, he proceeds with maturity and grace.

I'm thankful for having followed up on Dave Grohl's emphatic endorsement,
as they're one of my favorite new rock artists in a long, long time.
Riddled with raunchy lyricism and vivacious riffs, the band is rich in charm.
What might be the most compelling is the dynamic between the two vocalists.
While Rhian takes lead most often, Hester offers much more than harmonious backing.
Channeling a synergy reminiscent of rock legends, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks.

This psych-funk trio embarks on a tranquil 11-track quest for melodic nirvana.
It includes singles like Queen that never fails to get you on your feet,
but deeper tracks like Hangunder are best experienced laying down.
However you like to be entranced, it succeeds consistently, without skips.
Within these feel-good tunes contain mature and profound sentiments,
as they are united by a common desire for self-love and empathy.

Potentially the most anticipated album of 2022, and it did not disappoint (me).
Kendrick takes big swings in production, as he did to mixed reception in DAMN.
Lyrical and thematic depth returns to the success of To Pimp A Butterfly.
Ultimately, he challenges the hip hop status quo as he did with good kid, m.A.A.d city.
You can argue that it ranks in the later half of his discography, but I think he puts it all together. 

A respectable band for decades, reaching new heights on their 10th album.
The pandemic interrupted production, but the extra time and care did wonders.
Britt Daniel leads with strong, charismatic vocal performances, as heard On The Radio.
The piano / key arrangements are highlights in every composition, particularly My Babe.
Ultimately, the guitars are the king of consistency,  shining through in the Wild.
A hidden gem in terms of popularity, but garnered enough critical acclaim for a Grammy nod.

The first time I heard this was on shitty car speakers with the bass blown out.
In spite of this, I fell in love with the vocal layering, pacing, and GROOVE.
Captivating through all 62 minutes, thanks in part to the seamless beatmatching.
The technical execution perfectly fuses her artistry with dance, house, disco, etc.
Lyrically, Beyoncé reckons with her own stardom and emanates confidence.
The critics have chosen to celebrate this, naming it the consensus album of the year.