As 2022 comes to a close and 2023 gets moving, we here at For The Win are taking a look back at some of our absolute favorite content from the course of the year. Our staff has chosen the movies, television, video games and music that they loved the most this year.
Each of the albums discussed here released in 2022. Please note that these are not in any particular order, nor is it an exhaustive list of what albums came out this year. This is just a smattering of some of our most loved.
Everything from pop to punk to rap made the list, so let’s get to it.
Please be advised some of these songs may contain explicit lyrics.
Gemini Rights -- Steve Lacy
This is simply one of the best, most enjoyable albums I’ve heard in years. Start with “Bad Habit” but dive deep into the album over and over again because it’s catchy and groovy and thoughtful and soulful and just as good as it is at parties as it is in your bedroom. — Bryan Kalbrosky
It's Almost Dry -- Pusha T
Pusha T decided with It’s Almost Dry that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. He continues to be one of rap’s most explosive wordsmiths, and this latest album might be the best distillation yet of what makes him stand out among his peers. “Just So You Remember” might be the album’s tensest, lasting songs, and one that felt as cinematic as a Paul Thomas Anderson film. — Cory Woodruff
Harry's House -- Harry Styles
There was little surprise when my Spotify Wrapped spit out that Harry Styles was my most listened to artist of 2022 as Harry’s House overtook my life upon its release in May. “As It Was” was the first single to hit airwaves, and — while it’s excellent — it isn’t even close to the best the 13-song album has to offer (that’s either “Late Night Talking” or “Grapejuice” for me). From the second “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” kicks off, you’re in for a ride. It’s the perfect mix of chill and upbeat, and it’s one I’ll be listening to on repeat for a long time. — Caroline Darney
Digital Roses Don't Die -- Big K.R.I.T.
I don’t listen to hip-hop nearly as much as I used to, but whenever I get a push alert from Spotify about new music from Big K.R.I.T., I dive right in, and typically, I’m into it. K.R.I.T. has this sound that is so unique. To create it, you’d have to put elements from funk and soul, the lyrics of OutKast, the styles of 8Ball & MJG, confidence, swagger, an 808, and a southern drawl into a blender. Digital Roses Don’t Die touches all of that, and it also features K.R.I.T. taking some risks. On a record that is mostly a love story, K.R.I.T. takes some big swings and connects on enough of them, especially on the earlier tracks. The sound of the album winds up falling somewhere between retrofuturism and a hazy, funky, blues band from the ‘70s. It might be the most unique album in his discography. The highlights are “Rhode Clean,” “Show U Right,” and “Southside of the Moon,” each of which effortlessly and confidently blend hip-hop with R&B while also being naturally groovy and playful. These songs, as the kids say, slap. — Mitchell Northam
Bronco -- Orville Peck
If there is a song stuck in my head, there is like a 95% chance that it’s from the new Orville Peck record. Perhaps I’m biased because I dressed up as him for Halloween, but this dude just epitomizes cool. The masked musician sings his country songs in a deep baritone and when it was summer and the sun was shining and food was on the BBQ, his music was absolutely blissful. — Bryan Kalbrosky
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers -- Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar took himself to therapy with his latest album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The artist seems to reinvent himself every time he steps up to bat. This latest journey into Lamar’s mind didn’t feature as many singles, but it did feature a soul-wrenching exploration into what his life has been like since he became one of pop culture’s true luminaries. The answers will surprise you. Its best song, “Savior,” is the kind of aggressive, politically charged firecracker that Lamar has built his career on. — Cory Woodruff
Laurel Hell -- Mitski
Ms. Mitski released Laurel Hell in February, but I haven’t forgotten it! I still think about the intro to “Heat Lightning” and the lyrics to “The Only Heartbreaker” on a weekly basis. — Grae Gleason
God Save The Animals -- Alex G
Alex G is a lo-fi darling who has been forever at this point, working with incredible artists like Frank Ocean and Japanese Breakfast and Porches. But he is really having a moment right now, and standout single “Runner” is by far my favorite song of 2022. Alex G is, without a doubt, one of the best songwriters on the planet. — Bryan Kalbrosky
The Mars Volta -- The Mars Volta
It’s been nearly a decade since The Mars Volta thrashed ears across the globe with their patented psychedelic rock anthems. With their self-titled reunion record, Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala take a step back from the long jam sessions and tighten their sound into something fresh. Diehard fans might’ve been disappointed that none of the songs went for more than five minutes. However, the band’s more focused rebirth unearthed unexpected treasures. — Cory Woodruff
Midnights -- Taylor Swift
Midnights — Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album — had all the usual anticipation and fanfare leading up to its October release. There were fans searching for easter eggs and deciphering every single bit of information that was available. Thirteen tracks dropped at midnight, with seven more releasing at 3 a.m. Swift bares her soul on heartbreaking songs like “Bigger Than the Whole Sky,” hits the right upbeat notes with “Karma” and “Bejeweled” and gave everyone the perfect audio for social media with “Anti-Hero.” It’s me, hi, I’m the one that’s obsessed with this album. It’s me. — Caroline Darney
SOS -- SZA
SZA released this just in time to make the year-end lists, and while this record hasn’t had enough time to sit with listeners as the others on this list, it was an immediate classic. I love the feature from Phoebe Bridgers, and I know this is something I’m going to spin a ton in 2023 as well. — Bryan Kalbrosky
RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART -- Vince Staples
Vince Staples never misses. His latest album RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART is the kind of show-stopping meditation on America, the horrors of gang violence and the magic of finding a new way for yourself out of struggle. “WHEN SPARKS FLY” is one of the year’s best songs, a devastating romantic tragedy told from the perspective of someone’s gun. It’s the kind of risky masterpiece that only a commanding artist like Staples wills into existence. — Cory Woodruff
