HERE IS THE second PART OF MY ‘top ALBUMS OF 2022’. FEATURING foals, maggie rogers AND MORE!
As promised, here is the second part of my ‘Top Albums of 2022’ (you can catch up on the Part One here). Admittedly, the last few months of 2022 didn’t produce as many stand out albums as I perhaps thought it would so picking my favourites was a bit trickier.
Saying that, here are the 7 releases which complete my ‘Top Albums of 2022’ list, with release
dates from June to October.
After the departure of another member, June saw the first album from Oxford based band Foals as a trio: Life Is Yours.
Though the album took shape during the pandemic, the 11 tracks on offer are undeniably fun and energetic. It might be a sharp contrast from their bleaker, more rock influenced sound but it makes for a joyous album from start to finish.
Top Tracks: Life Is Yours, 2001, The Sound.
Maggie rogers - surrender
(July 29th, debay sounds llc)
Recorded between her home city of New York and the U.K. , July saw the release of American pop/Alt-rock star Maggie Rogers’ second album, Surrender.
Shaped by her time spend in Maine during the pandemic, whilst daydreaming of home, the resulting 12 tracks are dreamy and introspective. A stark contrast from her production heavy debut, this stripped back offering is Rogers at her best.
Top Tracks: Overdrive, Want Want, Shatter.
Julia jacklin - pre pleasure
(August 26th, transgressive records ltd)
Three years on from her sophomore effort, Crushing, Australian Alt-country singer Julia Jacklin returned in August with her third studio album: PRE PLEASURE.
Relocating to Montreal to record the effort, the 10 tracks make for an inward looking, slightly self-conscious record. Jacklin reclaims herself over the album’s duration, resulting in her tenderest and most brilliant album yet.
Top Tracks: Lydia Wears A Cross, Ignore Tenderness, Too In Love To Die.
easy life - maybe in another life
(October 7th, universal music operations limited)
Following their 2021 debut effort, life’s a beach, October saw Leicester alternative indie-pop group easy life release their sophomore album: MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE.
A snapshot of post-pandemic life, the 15 tracks weave effortlessly from outwardly fun and confident to humble. It’s joyous with little flickers of emotion here and there, making for an impressive and impactful effort.
Top Tracks: BASEMENT, MEMORY LOSS, ANTIFREEZE (feat. Gus Dapperton).
Alvvays - blue rev
(OCTOBER 7TH, transgressive records ltd)
Also in October came the long-awaited third album from Toronto based alternative indie five-piece Alvvays, Blue Rev.
Several unfortunate events delayed the planned release of the album but the result of its reworking and re-recording is 14 tracks that are the band’s most polished to date. Not moving from their signature sound, the sweet hooks and Molly Rankin’s captivating vocals result in a record which is more than worth the wait.
Top Tracks: Pharmacist, Very Online Guy, Velveteen.
the big moon - here is everything
(OCTOBER 14th, universal music operations limited)
Again in October, London based indie-rock band The Big Moon released their third album, Here Is Everything.
Written during lead singer Juliette Jackson’s pregnancy and early days of motherhood, the 11 tracks are the band’s most personal and powerful. Plenty has changed for the band but their signature fun, emotion-driven sound remains and this is The Big Moon at their best.
Arctic monkeys - the car
(October 21st, domino recording co ltd)
Rounding off the October releases, and this list, is Sheffield indie heavyweights Arctic Monkeys and their seventh studio release: The Car.
Written at frontman Alex Turner’s home, the 10 tracks on offer are bluesy piano soaked pieces that feel a far cry from the indie crowd pleasers of their early days but continue to have the same impact. A mingling of styles but, with Turner’s confident vocals at the helm, it’s as hard to resist as it is to get your head around.
Top Tracks: There’d Better Be A Mirrorball, Body Paint, Hello You.
So, there we have it, the second (and final) part of my ‘Top Albums of 2022’! Agree or disagree with anything on this list? Is anything missing? Let me know on Twitter @jenrosewrites.
Stay tuned for Part Two of my ‘Top Albums of 2022’ and don’t forget to keep checking the blog for more content. You can also keep up to date with all things Jen Rose Writes on Instagram and Twitter.
J x
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