Akini's Top 25 Albums of 2022: [#1]

[punchkano1]

20. Arctic Monkeys - The Car

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Jet Skis on the Moat [#6]; Hello You [#15]

This is my most favorite album of the year. I love its EVERY track, especially the title track.

[king_oxymoron]

I like the top three! Also great to see Ella and Demi represented, really didn't click with either Panic or especially Arctics though, both a big shame for me

[JSparksFan]

Yay Carly and Rina. Carrie has had better days - for me.

If at her best Carrie's a 10/10, 'Denim & Rhinestones' was a solid 8/10 for me.

Ah, very possible! Would you say that most of After Hours is significantly weaker than BL, or is BL just as overrated as the whole album?

Absolutely that most of 'After Hours' is significantly weaker than BL. I actually think it's Abel's weakest album of his career and by a clear margin, too.

Still not sure if I'd consider Night Call quite on-par with Y&Y's output as a trio, but the fact that I actually need to seriously ponder that question means the album definitely exceeded my initial expectations/fears when Olly first announced the group's downsizing. We don't see eye-to-eye on the standout songs, but that's a pretty common 2022 theme for us (several of the same top albums, just not the same Top 5 tracks from them)

Better than nothing.

Hmmm...I agree that Midnights doesn't offer 100% consistent quality (especially once it segues into the 3AM Edition), but I don't think the "lesser" tracks are bad enough to drag down my impression of the whole album. Its "bloatedness" does deter me from playing through the album from start-to-finish very often, though, so maybe I share your sentiments more than I realize

Yeah, I only played through the full album twice and that's the obligatory two times - the initial spin, then the 'ranking' spin.

Such a stellar Top 3 (all of which rank among my Top 5 most-played LPs of 2022). You saw/appreciated how much TLT had to offer before I did (granted, I partially blame my initial lack of enthusiasm on the crowdedness of those couple weeks with Tove, Tay, and M-Train too). Although I still prefer SAWAYAMA overall/I'd sooner play through it in its entirety, Hold The Girl holds stronger standouts (and is still a really impressive product, considering Rina's debut set SUCH a high bar). RENAISSANCE feels like a remarkably ambitious labor of love: so many decades of history, sub-genres, homages/references, collaborators, all packed into one album (without feeling like a jumbled mess in the slightest). I do roll my eyes at this abrupt "no videos, let the music speak for itself" approach coming from an artist SO known for her visuals, but I still had the album in HEAVY rotation without them, so it is what it is

I totes missed out on Tove this year and you're preaching to the choir regarding Renaissance's visuals, or lack thereof.

What a great top 3 and there was only one album that could be crowned of course! I also liked Pink Champagne from Carrie this year.

Ah, happy to hear you liked "Pink Champagne".

24 - Harry's House was a definite highlight for me, but I agree that there were some tracks that didn't do it for me. I really thought Matilda might get a promo push, but I'm glad it went to Sushi instead. As It Was was a real energizer bunny on the top ten for the bulk of the year (and I imagine will be back once the holidays end)

The new "Blinding Lights".

22 - Holy f - I didn't think Orville would rate enough to make your list, so I'm really pleased he made the cut, and ahead of Harry yet! He's definitely someone who cemented 2022 as a year for some good music for me. My play of tracks was more scattered for him than for most albums, which is usually a mark of a cohesive work.

Yeah, I think we have different Orville faves, but many thanks for sharing him with me.

21 - Oh wow, you're really spoiling me with these first few albums. There are four tracks on that album that got a bit of play from me. Mi Casa Su Casa is so good. I also liked his All That She Wants track, and Coast Side. I'm worried all my faves will be out before the top ten now, but I'm pleased to even see them represented.

18 - Interesting. By contractual obligation, do they mean trying to finish out the contract?

Yeah, some folks have speculated that since she has such a crap relationship with her label, she's trying to get out of it as quickly as possible by releasing the minimum number of albums as stipulated by the contract and bouncing.

17 - The way I thought at one point Charli was going to be one of your artists of the year. Or maybe I was posting in your thread more around that time? idk but at one point I thought Lightning might be one o your top ten songs. I really wanted to like Charli's album, but I don't think the hyperpop sound is for me. I did like Lightning, but it took some time for me to get there.

Yeah, I think it's just that you were more present around the time Charli was doing well. I like her, but she's definitely not in the grade A tier of artists for me...not yet anway.

16 - Dawn FM was fantastic tho; I'm not sure if people are burned out on him after he dominated the COVID years or if they truly felt this was an underperformance on his part. I really enjoyed the tracks tho; I could do without Jim Carrey tho. Also, did Best Friends hit #1 as the solo version or the duo?

It was only the remix with Summer that hit no. 1.

14 Ari was a FORCE this year. Especially having just come off Boy Bye and POF on your other countdown. I should have given this album more focus.

There's never enough time to focus on all the good stuff, is there? I feel this way about Lizzo and "Coldplay" in particular.

9 Have to admit the albums following ASL with Ari I'm not so familiar with, but I'm very familiar with Night Call. I am not so crazy about Y&Y being a solo act, though I know Olly has been the attraction there. But I do feel the quality did not suffer nearly as much as I thought it would. I don't think anything approached my obsession with Sanctify, but it wasn't disappointing.

I think Paul feels the exact way.

8 Lizzo ended up continuing her success and I think this was a smart direction for her to go. I feel like she's moved away from Truth Hurts in an evolved way and I'm here for it.

I didn't get a "Juice" equivalent from her this era, though.

7 Never would have guessed Taylor would be higher on my album list than yours! But I hear you; I'm a big fan of shorter albums myself. I just think artists of Taylor's caliber have nothing to lose by overstuffing their releases since that's the payday they receive anymore. Honestly, thirteen might be a little generous, but for the tracks I love, they are brilliant.

I still can't believe how massive the album's sales are.

6 Another match in our top ten - for me it was mostly propelled by the two most known songs (Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen Surface Pressure come on up your top 100 - I feel like it has to be there?) Agree Sebastian is hot - come to think of it, why wasn't he Mariano instead of Maluma? Did Maluma even sing in this movie? So many questions you've elicited.

I do think Maluma edges Sebastian in the hottest category, but that comes down to personal taste, I suppose.

5 Hmmm well considering their showing on your top 100, I guess I'm not as shocked as if I had jumped in blind, but I feel like PATD completely passed me by this year.

They crashed in like a wrecking ball in Q4 for me.

4 Wow, I guess I wasn't paying attention to all the Carrie-ness - I feel like I remember you not being all that into Ghost Story when I charted it, so her album being this high is a bit of a surprise.

"Ghost Story" was a crap lead. It's the second-weakest song on the 12-track album for me.

Ugh, what a difficult question. And the answer can change every day. But as of right now, it's my third most favorite albums by Taylor, with Evermore and Folklore being #1 and #2!

I think besides her self-titled debut, it's really what's the most present from her that makes it to the top, because every album of hers has enough elements to be my favorite at some point. [/QUOTE]

Got it. Still impressive that her last three albums are top three for us. That's a good sign that she's only getting better. I will say that I played her way more from 'Folklore' to now than I ever did before. Granted, a lot of that comes down to "August" alone, but still.

Didn't know Viva Las Vengeance made such an impact on you, but as I'm typing this, I realize how many times he appeared on your daily chart when I looked through them this year, so guess it's actually NOT too surprising Good album, the first I've heard by Panic! and definitely not the last!

Same.

Carrie's album is strong, finally her going back to her strength.

Yeah, the story songs are her sweet spot!

Carly, but even more so Rina were two of the main reasons why 2022 was a great year in Pop music. As you say, the expectations going into Hold The Girl were huge, and Rina surely didn't disappoint. What a clever Pop release and here's hope she can come back even stronger, as she also *finally* deserves so much more mainstream love.

If Rina goes three for three in 2024, I'll be truly impressed!

Fantastic #1. Finally THE album I've been waiting for by Beyoncé, finally got my Fan card for her through this. It owns so many bops.

Beyoncé continues to shatter expectations for me. I just can't with her. QUEEN!

Great countdown as always, so many fantastic albums!

Thanks for following, Tansike!

Well, having seen your other countdown I can't saw I'm surprised to see Carly in the top three, but I absolutely adore the top two. Rina was such a break-out for me this year - from mid-year to this month, Rina stayed on my chart with three songs. What a glorious album it was.

But I am hugely, hugely pleased with your #1 album. Agree that the album is a floor-to-floor pleaser, which has made it hard for her to get a toehold in my own chart because she just has too much damn pleasure that any album should deign to have.

Good to know 'Renaissance' is your album of the year as well!

[cheapthrills]

Well, having seen your other countdown I can't saw I'm surprised to see Carly in the top three, but I absolutely adore the top two. Rina was such a break-out for me this year - from mid-year to this month, Rina stayed on my chart with three songs. What a glorious album it was.

But I am hugely, hugely pleased with your #1 album. Agree that the album is a floor-to-floor pleaser, which has made it hard for her to get a toehold in my own chart because she just has too much damn pleasure that any album should deign to have.

[Tansike]

Where would you rank 'Midnights' among Taylor's albums?

Ugh, what a difficult question. And the answer can change every day. But as of right now, it's my third most favorite albums by Taylor, with Evermore and Folklore being #1 and #2!

I think besides her self-titled debut, it's really what's the most present from her that makes it to the top, because every album of hers has enough elements to be my favorite at some point.

05. Panic! at the Disco - Viva Las Vengeance
04. Carrie Underwood - Denim & Rhinestones
03. Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time
02. Rina Sawayama - Hold the Girl
01. Beyoncé - Renaissance

Didn't know Viva Las Vengeance made such an impact on you, but as I'm typing this, I realize how many times he appeared on your daily chart when I looked through them this year, so guess it's actually NOT too surprising Good album, the first I've heard by Panic! and definitely not the last!

Carrie's album is strong, finally her going back to her strength.

Carly, but even more so Rina were two of the main reasons why 2022 was a great year in Pop music. As you say, the expectations going into Hold The Girl were huge, and Rina surely didn't disappoint. What a clever Pop release and here's hope she can come back even stronger, as she also *finally* deserves so much more mainstream love.

Fantastic #1. Finally THE album I've been waiting for by Beyoncé, finally got my Fan card for her through this. It owns so many bops.

Great countdown as always, so many fantastic albums!

[cheapthrills]

9 Have to admit the albums following ASL with Ari I'm not so familiar with, but I'm very familiar with Night Call. I am not so crazy about Y&Y being a solo act, though I know Olly has been the attraction there. But I do feel the quality did not suffer nearly as much as I thought it would. I don't think anything approached my obsession with Sanctify, but it wasn't disappointing.

8 Lizzo ended up continuing her success and I think this was a smart direction for her to go. I feel like she's moved away from Truth Hurts in an evolved way and I'm here for it.

7 Never would have guessed Taylor would be higher on my album list than yours! But I hear you; I'm a big fan of shorter albums myself. I just think artists of Taylor's caliber have nothing to lose by overstuffing their releases since that's the payday they receive anymore. Honestly, thirteen might be a little generous, but for the tracks I love, they are brilliant.

6 Another match in our top ten - for me it was mostly propelled by the two most known songs (Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen Surface Pressure come on up your top 100 - I feel like it has to be there?) Agree Sebastian is hot - come to think of it, why wasn't he Mariano instead of Maluma? Did Maluma even sing in this movie? So many questions you've elicited.

5 Hmmm well considering their showing on your top 100, I guess I'm not as shocked as if I had jumped in blind, but I feel like PATD completely passed me by this year.

4 Wow, I guess I wasn't paying attention to all the Carrie-ness - I feel like I remember you not being all that into Ghost Story when I charted it, so her album being this high is a bit of a surprise.

Oh man! I have a phone call that is going to go on forever - so I'll stop just before the top three

[cheapthrills]

24 - Harry's House was a definite highlight for me, but I agree that there were some tracks that didn't do it for me. I really thought Matilda might get a promo push, but I'm glad it went to Sushi instead. As It Was was a real energizer bunny on the top ten for the bulk of the year (and I imagine will be back once the holidays end)

22 - Holy f - I didn't think Orville would rate enough to make your list, so I'm really pleased he made the cut, and ahead of Harry yet! He's definitely someone who cemented 2022 as a year for some good music for me. My play of tracks was more scattered for him than for most albums, which is usually a mark of a cohesive work.

21 - Oh wow, you're really spoiling me with these first few albums. There are four tracks on that album that got a bit of play from me. Mi Casa Su Casa is so good. I also liked his All That She Wants track, and Coast Side. I'm worried all my faves will be out before the top ten now, but I'm pleased to even see them represented.

18 - Interesting. By contractual obligation, do they mean trying to finish out the contract?

17 - The way I thought at one point Charli was going to be one of your artists of the year. Or maybe I was posting in your thread more around that time? idk but at one point I thought Lightning might be one o your top ten songs. I really wanted to like Charli's album, but I don't think the hyperpop sound is for me. I did like Lightning, but it took some time for me to get there.

16 - Dawn FM was fantastic tho; I'm not sure if people are burned out on him after he dominated the COVID years or if they truly felt this was an underperformance on his part. I really enjoyed the tracks tho; I could do without Jim Carrey tho. Also, did Best Friends hit #1 as the solo version or the duo?

14 Ari was a FORCE this year. Especially having just come off Boy Bye and POF on your other countdown. I should have given this album more focus.

And I'm halfway through, so I'll stop there!

[Thriller]

What a great top 3 and there was only one album that could be crowned of course! I also liked Pink Champagne from Carrie this year.

[crystalphoenix]

So 'Dawn FM' was my no. 10-most-played album of the year so he fared slightly better with me. And yeah, I guess it might be somewhat of a hot take, but I do wonder if people conflate their love for "Blinding Lights" with 'After Hours'. Oh and since you've been mentioning it so often, I've been playing "Less Than Zero" the last few days and it is pretty good indeed.

Ah, very possible! Would you say that most of After Hours is significantly weaker than BL, or is BL just as overrated as the whole album?

• Still not sure if I'd consider Night Call quite on-par with Y&Y's output as a trio, but the fact that I actually need to seriously ponder that question means the album definitely exceeded my initial expectations/fears when Olly first announced the group's downsizing. We don't see eye-to-eye on the standout songs, but that's a pretty common 2022 theme for us (several of the same top albums, just not the same Top 5 tracks from them)
• Hmmm...I agree that Midnights doesn't offer 100% consistent quality (especially once it segues into the 3AM Edition), but I don't think the "lesser" tracks are bad enough to drag down my impression of the whole album. Its "bloatedness" does deter me from playing through the album from start-to-finish very often, though, so maybe I share your sentiments more than I realize
• Such a stellar Top 3 (all of which rank among my Top 5 most-played LPs of 2022). You saw/appreciated how much TLT had to offer before I did (granted, I partially blame my initial lack of enthusiasm on the crowdedness of those couple weeks with Tove, Tay, and M-Train too). Although I still prefer SAWAYAMA overall/I'd sooner play through it in its entirety, Hold The Girl holds stronger standouts (and is still a really impressive product, considering Rina's debut set SUCH a high bar). RENAISSANCE feels like a remarkably ambitious labor of love: so many decades of history, sub-genres, homages/references, collaborators, all packed into one album (without feeling like a jumbled mess in the slightest). I do roll my eyes at this abrupt "no videos, let the music speak for itself" approach coming from an artist SO known for her visuals, but I still had the album in HEAVY rotation without them, so it is what it is

[Blondini]

Yay Carly and Rina. Carrie has had better days - for me.

[JSparksFan]

05. Panic! at the Disco - Viva Las Vengeance

The best rock album of the year, 'Viva Las Vengeance' is a cohesive journey of power ballads and fist-pumping, stirring anthems. Brendon delivers some of the year's best vocals here.

Quality Rating: 8.27/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Say It Louder [#1(x1)]; Don't Let the Light Go Out [#2]; Sad Clown [#3]; All by Yourself [#4];  Viva Las Vengeance [#16]; Middle of a Breakup [#17]; Star Spangled Banner [#20]; Something About Maggie [#20]

04. Carrie Underwood - Denim & Rhinestones

With nine top five hits on my daily chart, the second-most of any other 2022 release, 'Denim & Rhinestones' saw 11 of its 12 tracks peak within the top 10 on my daily chart (the title track was the only holdout, peaking at no. 14). Whilst not Carrie's best release, it continues her mindblowing streak since her 'Some Hearts' debut of a top-quality studio release. Flanked by the epic story of "She Don't Know" and the gooey romance of "Wanted Woman", 'Denim & Rhinestones' is comfortably the top country album of 2022.

Quality Rating: 8.31/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: She Don't Know [#1(x7)]; Wanted Woman [#1(x6)]; Crazy Angels [#2]; Burn [#2]; Hate My Heart [#3]; Garden [#3]; Poor Everybody Else [#4]; Ghost Story [#4]; Faster [#4]; Velvet Heartbreak [#6]; Pink Champagne [#8]; Denim & Rhinestones [#14]

03. Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time

With 11 top 10 hits on my daily chart and each of its 16 tracks having charted, 'The Loneliest Time' is comfortably Carly Rae's most successful album on my chart. Boasting my year-end no. 1 song in "Beach House", 'The Loneliest Time' as her post-pandemic release sees her leaning into loneliness and embracing its multi-layered beauty. For me, this is the most beautiful Carly Rae's vocals have ever sounded. She sounds particularly sweet on "No Thinking over the Weekend".

Quality Rating: 8.46/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Beach House [#1(x13)]; Go Find Yourself or Whatever [#1(x1)]; Joshua Tree [#3]; The Loneliest Time [#3]; Surrender My Heart [#5]; Keep Away [#6]; No Thinking over the Weekend [#6]; Talking to Yourself [#7]; Bends [#8]; Bad Thing Twice [#8]; Sideways [#10]; Western Wind [#14]; Shooting Star [#16]; Far Away [#17]; Anxious [#17]; So Nice [#18]

02. Rina Sawayama - Hold the Girl

With five no. 1s, the second-most of any album this year, 'Hold the Girl' was a sophomore release that had a lot to live up to and it met those astronomical expectations. The soundscape here isn't quite as expansive as 'SAWAYAMA', but the songwriting is and Rina's broad-stroked storytelling is where the magic resides on 'Hold the Girl'. She also leans into more melodrama-tinged melodies here and I love that for her (and me). Nine top 10s and 13/13 tracks charted is indicative of pretty solid success on my daily chart.

Quality Rating: 8.47/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Frankenstein [#1(x2)]; This Hell [#1(x2)]; Send My Love to John [#1(x1)]; Hold the Girl [#1(x1)]; Imagining [#1(x1)]; To Be Alive [#4]; Holy (Til You Let Me Go) [#7]; Hurricanes [#8]; Minor Feelings [#10]; Your Age [#11]; Phantom [#12]; Catch Me in the Air [#12];  Forgiveness [#20]

01. Beyoncé - Renaissance

Beyoncé didn't make this albums countdown interesting at all. As she has done with every solo studio release since '4', she has in 'Renaissance' the year's top album. Fuelled by seven no. 1 hits and 11 top five hits, more than any other 2022 release, this love letter to queer Black house and disco music predictably resonated with me, despite Beyoncé and her team's reluctance to share any visuals with us. I give Beyoncé plaudits for doing what she wants when she wants. 11 years ago, when an album like this was the en vogue sound, she released a classic R&B and soul record with '4' and now that dance has all but been suffocated on the charts by hip/hop and country music, she drops this unapologetic dance/house/disco conglomerate of awesomeness. Only a Queen (B), tbh. 16/16 tracks charted, Beyoncé checked all boxes with this stunner.

Quality Rating: 8.72/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: America Has a Problem [#1(x5)]; Alien Superstar [#1(x3)]; Church Girl [#1(x2)]; Cuff It [#1(x2)]; Energy [#1(x1)]; Break My Soul [#1(x1)]; Thique [#1(x1)]; Heated [#2]; Cozy [#3]; Summer Renaissance [#5]; Plastic Off the Sofa [#5]; Move [#6];  All Up in Your Mind [#11]; Pure/Honey [#12]; Virgo's Groove [#16]; I'm That Girl [#20]

[JSparksFan]

Another Maroon lover. Of course!

But of course!

[Blondini]

Another Maroon lover. Of course!

[JSparksFan]

The M3LL155X EP. The first time I got to check her out, I got hooked immediately, but somehow she never got me that much again.

Ah, gotcha. I'll have to check that one out.

19. Todrick Hall - Algorhythm
18. Megan Thee Stallion - Traumazine
17. Charli XCX - Crash
16. The Weeknd - Dawn FM

I haven't noticed Todrick's release but still quoting him - as I actually heard everything else by him previously, so it was weird how he flew under my radar this year. Especially because I truly enjoyed the previous album Femuline. Will try to give it a go next week!

Traumazine was my first album by Megan and I think it's solid - it's still far from being my favorite genre though, so I mean "solid" in like a good way here. Ungrateful, Her, NDA and Anxiety left a mark.

As you say, Crash was one of 2022's first big Pop release and I think Charli has never been this good before. Strong from start to finish, and it's nice to see the album having multiple #1s.

Dawn FM continues The Weeknd's streak of releasing some high quality albums!

If you've not yet heard Megan's 'Good News', I highly recommend "Outside". It's probably my favourite song from her at this point.

Ah, glad to hear you think 'Crash' is Charli's best.

15. Ella Henderson - Everything I Didn't Say
13. Bastille - Give Me the Future
12. Demi Lovato - Holy Fvck
11. Meghan Trainor - Takin' It Back

Great group - Ella's album was really good, didn't see that coming if I'm being honest!

Bastille, Demi and Meghan are truly three of the better album releases this year. I feel like all three deserved so much more mainstream love - yes, Meghan got it for Made You Look, but the album still feels overlooked at this point. Super happy to see Mama Wanna Mambo being amongst your faves too <3

Yeah, I'd honestly forgotten about Ella!

"Mama Wanna Mambo" is so infectious!

10. Maren Morris - Humble Quest
09. Years & Years - Night Call
08. Lizzo - Special
07. Taylor Swift - Midnights
(06. Encanto Cast - Encanto OST)

Uh, strong Top10!

As we already talked about over in my topic, Maren's album was another underrated one, though I think this is her best work as a whole yet. Such a good record, she's actually a great songwriter!

Night Call is also among my Pop highlights of 2022. Palo Santo was such a brilliant album, so I wasn't sure if Years & Years could meet the expectations with the follow-up, but he truly did.

Special was a great one - I'd probably like it even more than Cuz I Love You.

Midnights... I mean, do I need to say more? I just adore Taylor these days like I've never did before, and Midnights is one of the reasons why. A brilliant album from start to finish <3

Finally, while I never streamed the Encanto soundtrack, I truly enjoyed all the songs while watching the movie, so definitely need to quote that one here too!

Super excited for the Top5 now!

Yeah, I had concerns about solo Y&Y as well, but Olly delivered.

'Special' probably has more room to grow on me. It came out around the same time as another album, which overshadowed it for me.

Where would you rank 'Midnights' among Taylor's albums?

Yes, Encanto is already one of my favourite films of all-time, so zero surprise that its soundtrack finished so high here.

[Tansike]

What's your fave FKA twigs album?

The M3LL155X EP. The first time I got to check her out, I got hooked immediately, but somehow she never got me that much again.

19. Todrick Hall - Algorhythm
18. Megan Thee Stallion - Traumazine
17. Charli XCX - Crash
16. The Weeknd - Dawn FM

I haven't noticed Todrick's release but still quoting him - as I actually heard everything else by him previously, so it was weird how he flew under my radar this year. Especially because I truly enjoyed the previous album Femuline. Will try to give it a go next week!

Traumazine was my first album by Megan and I think it's solid - it's still far from being my favorite genre though, so I mean "solid" in like a good way here. Ungrateful, Her, NDA and Anxiety left a mark.

As you say, Crash was one of 2022's first big Pop release and I think Charli has never been this good before. Strong from start to finish, and it's nice to see the album having multiple #1s.

Dawn FM continues The Weeknd's streak of releasing some high quality albums!

15. Ella Henderson - Everything I Didn't Say
13. Bastille - Give Me the Future
12. Demi Lovato - Holy Fvck
11. Meghan Trainor - Takin' It Back

Great group - Ella's album was really good, didn't see that coming if I'm being honest!

Bastille, Demi and Meghan are truly three of the better album releases this year. I feel like all three deserved so much more mainstream love - yes, Meghan got it for Made You Look, but the album still feels overlooked at this point. Super happy to see Mama Wanna Mambo being amongst your faves too <3

10. Maren Morris - Humble Quest
09. Years & Years - Night Call
08. Lizzo - Special
07. Taylor Swift - Midnights
(06. Encanto Cast - Encanto OST)

Uh, strong Top10!

As we already talked about over in my topic, Maren's album was another underrated one, though I think this is her best work as a whole yet. Such a good record, she's actually a great songwriter!

Night Call is also among my Pop highlights of 2022. Palo Santo was such a brilliant album, so I wasn't sure if Years & Years could meet the expectations with the follow-up, but he truly did.

Special was a great one - I'd probably like it even more than Cuz I Love You.

Midnights... I mean, do I need to say more? I just adore Taylor these days like I've never did before, and Midnights is one of the reasons why. A brilliant album from start to finish <3

Finally, while I never streamed the Encanto soundtrack, I truly enjoyed all the songs while watching the movie, so definitely need to quote that one here too!

Super excited for the Top5 now!

[JSparksFan]

10. Maren Morris - Humble Quest

Her first album since becoming a mom, 'Humble Quest' is quality country storytelling. Beyond the two big highlights "Tall Guys" and "What Would This World Do?", which both featured among my top 100 songs of the year, "Hummingbird" is a sweet ballad that she recorded whilst pregnant and features her baby on the intro and "Detour" a sweet, romantic cut where love triumphs impatience. The rock-tinged "Nervous" is a huge keeper, too.

Quality Rating: 8.04/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Tall Guys [#1(x1)]; What Would This World Do? [#3]; Nervous [#4]; Humble Quest [#5]; Circles Around This Town [#6]; Detour [#8]; The Furthest Thing [#17]; Good Friends [#19]

09. Years & Years - Night Call

After winning me over during their predecessor 'Palo Santo' era, Years & Years returned as a solo project and managed to retain most of the quality the entity had in group form. 'Night Call' is a lot lighter than the moody dark pop of 'Palo Santo', but it still comes armed with an array of catchy keepers.

Quality Rating: 8.05/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Muscle [#1(x1)]; A Second to Midnight [#2]; Immaculate [#2]; Consequences [#2]; Night Call [#6]; Intimacy [#12]; Sweet Talker [#14]; Make It Out Alive [#14]; Sooner or Later [#17]; Crave [#17]

08. Lizzo - Special

Whereas its predecessor 'Cuz I Love You' was soul-infused pop, 'Special' saw Lizzo go more disco-pop than ever before and it was to great effect. I do wish, though, that she'd included "Rumours" on the tracklist as that one was a bop, regardless of its underwhelming chart performance. In addition to the two tracks that topped my chart, "Coldplay" is one of her finest mellow cuts and does a great job showcasing that she has range beyond the busy uptempo numbers people usually love from her.

Quality Rating: 8.06/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: About Damn Time [#1(x1)]; 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) [#1(x1)]; Coldplay [#2]; Break Up Twice [#4]; I Love You Bitch [#6]; Special [#15]; Everybody's Gay [#19]; Grrrls [#19]

07. Taylor Swift - Midnights

Four no. 1s, which spend a cumulative total of 16 days atop my chart in Q4 2022, eight top fives, and her lucky '13' top 10s, 'Midnights' is easily the most prolific album to be featured on the countdown thus far. With 17 of its 20 tracks having charted on my daily chart, it is the most prolific 2022 album on my charts this year, so a seventh-place ranking may seem low. Well, it comes down to it being just too long. Had she culled this to the best 13, this likely would have finished fourth, but I do appreciate the excellent songwriting and the intriguing melodic gems, the greatest of which is easily "Maroon".

Quality Rating: 8.18/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: You're on Your Own, Kid [#1(x7)]; Maroon [#1(x4)]; Karma [#1(x4)]; Midnight Rain [#1(x1)]; Anti-Hero [#2]; Dear Reader [#2];  Would've, Could've, Should've [#4]; Lavender Haze [#5]; Mastermind [#6]; Snow on the Beach [#9]; Question...? [#9]; The Great War [#10]; Vigilante Shit [#10]; Glitch [#12]; Bigger Than the Whole Sky [#13]; High Infidelity [#15]; Sweet Nothing [#20]

06. Encanto Cast - Encanto OST

Soundtracks have a rich history on my countdowns so the deeply affecting Encanto OST was always gonna do well here. From Taylor to this one, we move from one extreme to another - from the lengthiest album featured among my top 25 albums list to the shortest. I've waxed poetic about three of these highlights on my year-end songs list already, but to give one of the no. 1s, "Dos Oruguitas", some love, it features a gorgeous male vocal from Sebastián Yatra, who is also hot af (it has to be said).

Quality Rating: 8.25/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Surface Pressure [#1(x5)]; We Don't Talk About Bruno [#1(x4)]; Dos Oruguitas [#1(x1)]; What Else Can I Do? [#2]; All of You [#2]; Waiting on a Miracle [#7]

[JSparksFan]

Bastille have been on fire lately.

One of the pleasant surprises of the year for me.

Good to see Charli and Demi took some risks (Yungblud feature on the album is a bit meh though).

I agree that particular feature could've been better.

[heppolo]

Good to see Charli and Demi took some risks (Yungblud feature on the album is a bit meh though).

[Thriller]

Bastille have been on fire lately.

[JSparksFan]

15. Ella Henderson - Everything I Didn't Say

Eight years after 'Chapter One' finished ninth in my 2014 year-end albums round-up, Ella Henderson returned in 2022 with more contemplative, vulnerable balladry, which will always have a place in my music library. "Ugly" is the sterling jewel, but "Good Things Take Time" is a well-placed uptempo highlight and "Cry on Me", featuring Mikky Ekko, the most affecting collaboration on the record.

Quality Rating: 7.96/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Ugly [#1(x2)]; Good Things Take Time [#6]; Cry on Me [#7]; Set in Stone [#8]; What About Us [#9]; Bad News [#9]; Emotions [#12]; Body [#15]; Let's Go Home Together [#16]; Places [#17]

14. Ari Lennox - Age/Sex/Location

The best of contemporary soul this year, Ari Lennox covers a broad range of topics that, as its title suggests, have online dating as the inspirational centrepiece. I fully expected the top collaboration to be the one with Summer Walker ("Queen Space"), but the best one was actually the one with Lucky Daye, "Boy Bye". 'Age/Sex/Location' is the first album on the countdown thus far with as many as five top five hits on my daily chart.

Quality Rating: 7.982/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: POF [#1(x1)]; Boy Bye [#3]; Hoodie [#3]; Blocking You [#4]; Pressure [#5]; Queen Space [#6]; Stop By [#13]; Waste My Time [#20]

13. Bastille - Give Me the Future

One of the most consistent albums of the year, 'Give Me the Future' has the least range in track ratings of any album I listened to in 2022 (7.7-8.2). Though not one of its tracks rose to the epic level of "Pompeii", this is actually a (slightly) better LP than 'Bad Blood' nine years back.

Quality Rating: 7.983/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Stay Awake? [#10]; Plug In... [#11]; Survivin' [#15]; Shut Off the Lights [#19]

12. Demi Lovato - Holy Fvck

Featuring some of her most personal lyrics to date, 'Holy Fvck' won me over for its rock sound, which I've always felt was a natural place for Demi's huge vocals. She started her career in the pop-rock space, so it was nice for her to go back to that sound and amp the rock all the way up.

Quality Rating: 7.99/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Eat Me [#1(x2)]; Skin of My Teeth [#1(x1)]; Dead Friends [#3]; Freak [#7]; 29 [#10]; Feed [#13]; 4 Ever 4 Me [#17]; City of Angels [#18]; Come Together [#20]

11. Meghan Trainor - Takin' It Back

Meghan's best album yet, 'Takin' It Back' is sunshine pop music done well. I love its empathetic songwriting and blending of other genres like doo-wop (familiar territory for her) and reggae (relatively new sound for her). It did however have the unfortunate timing of being released the same day as Carly Rae Jepsen's and Taylor Swift's new albums.

Quality Rating: 8.02/10

Songs' Chart Peaks on Akini's Daily Top 20: Don't I Make It Look Easy [#2]; Mama Wanna Mambo [#6]; Made You Look [#9]; While You're Young [#10]; Final Breath [#18]

[JSparksFan]

I like the album Crash from Charli XCX

It's a good one!

Crash was great, should've had a lot more commercial longevity and more hits!

I just can't get into Arctic Monkeys anymore, their last great material for me was AM.

Wow, that was almost a decade ago!

Well, if three's the best you can offer...I might have to pass.

The blasphemy! *Books west coast flight immediately*

I've definitely gotten better about checking out more new full albums thanks to streaming, but I'm still nowhere near your level (especially with all your AlbumClash research).

The interesting thing is, there's never enough time. I checked out so many albums this year, but there are definitely about five or six that I just didn't get to because of time.

Getting a name-drop in your CRASH notes just made my day Charli knows exactly how to find my pop G-spot, which helped CRASH secure a nearly-200 play count lead over my No. 2 album of 2022. This isn't my first time loving a Charli LP, but apparently she deliberately crafted this one with broader pop appeal/chart-friendliness in mind and drew some inspiration from Janet (the production on the title track in particular really takes me back to RN1814), so it was even more of a slam-dunk with me than usual

Well, she definitely got more attention from me this era than any of her previous ones. I checked and 'Crash' was no. 19 on my most-played 2022 albums list, so not shabby at all!

I'm no Abel expert, but strongly preferring Dawn FM over After Hours seems like a pretty warm (if not outright hot) take? (Or maybe most fans agree with you, and it's the GP rabble who put After Hours on a pedestal)? I do enjoy Dawn FM (currently my No. 16 most-played this year), but overall I'm more interested in/distracted by its messy rollout and muted success compared to its behemoth predecessor. (Obligatory #justficeforlessthanzero remark)

So 'Dawn FM' was my no. 10-most-played album of the year so he fared slightly better with me. And yeah, I guess it might be somewhat of a hot take, but I do wonder if people conflate their love for "Blinding Lights" with 'After Hours'. Oh and since you've been mentioning it so often, I've been playing "Less Than Zero" the last few days and it is pretty good indeed.

Yay Crash and agree about Constant Repeat (which still has no video??).

"Constant Repeat" was a late revelation for me!

[Blondini]

Yay Crash and agree about Constant Repeat (which still has no video??).

[crystalphoenix]

I can go as (many decimals) deep as you'd like.

Well, if three's the best you can offer...I might have to pass.

10th-most-played for the year is impressive! 'Bronco' is all the way down to no. 56 for me, but he had to compete with 2022 albums and my all-time favourite albums, too.

I've definitely gotten better about checking out more new full albums thanks to streaming, but I'm still nowhere near your level (especially with all your AlbumClash research).

• Getting a name-drop in your CRASH notes just made my day Charli knows exactly how to find my pop G-spot, which helped CRASH secure a nearly-200 play count lead over my No. 2 album of 2022. This isn't my first time loving a Charli LP, but apparently she deliberately crafted this one with broader pop appeal/chart-friendliness in mind and drew some inspiration from Janet (the production on the title track in particular really takes me back to RN1814), so it was even more of a slam-dunk with me than usual
• I'm no Abel expert, but strongly preferring Dawn FM over After Hours seems like a pretty warm (if not outright hot) take? (Or maybe most fans agree with you, and it's the GP rabble who put After Hours on a pedestal)? I do enjoy Dawn FM (currently my No. 16 most-played this year), but overall I'm more interested in/distracted by its messy rollout and muted success compared to its behemoth predecessor. (Obligatory #justficeforlessthanzero remark)

[Thriller]

Crash was great, should've had a lot more commercial longevity and more hits!

I just can't get into Arctic Monkeys anymore, their last great material for me was AM.

[vinnie65]

I like the album Crash from Charli XCX