dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 4:40:18 GMT -5
Better late than never I suppose.
As in most cases, life came through and became much more than I could handle which is why this is so late. Ironically this was how it was like last year. I fell into a deep depressive funk in the first two months of 2022. It took a while to get out of it, though the depressing international and local news of last year didn't help matters. It's been a bleak twelve months and while I wish I could say we could leave it all behind, I know that's now how time works. We can't just pretend like things didn't happen and thus, we can only hope to learn and grow stronger from moments of awful news, and to cherish the moments of genuine joy and love.
And no matter our mood, music will always be there.
And despite how slow music seemed to move this year - particularly in the mainstream - truthfully, gathering this list was the most fun I've had in revisiting albums from this year. I learned to be more patient with numerous hour long plus albums missing the cut or making the list proper. In particular, metal actually had a stronger year than expected with a shoutout to bands like Wormrot, Saor, Counterparts, KEN mode, Satan, and Sylvaine delivering metal across various subgenres. The women of country and americana also had a good year with Amanda Shires, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Caroline Spence, Daphne Parker Powell, and Angel Olsen delivering vastly underrated and underappreciated projects this year. Even mainstream releases from Beyonce and Taylor Swift, I was disappointed just missed the final cut as I didn't want to overflood the list. And for a sneak peak at this year, art pop and most surprising of all various dance genres had perhaps their best showings this decade so far.
But enough talk, I've put list for too long. Let's celebrate 2022 for one last time as we look at in my opinion, what the best albums of last year were.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 4:45:51 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Hideous Bastard by Oliver Sim
Top 3 Songs:
Hideous
Saccharine
Run the Credits
It might peak very early on with the first song but that doesnβt mean this album isnβt worth seeking out. Wonderfully smart and intimate art pop about queer love and identity thatβs balance heartbreak but genuine and authentic empowering, (pun not intended) itβs a coming out party for Oliver Sim as a writer who speaks with a lot of sincerity and a singer who can express so much of that hurt and love beautifully. Seek this out if youβre aching for more great queer music from 2022.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 4:50:20 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Dirt Femme by Tove Lo
Genre: dance pop
Top 3 Songs:
2 Die 4 No One
Dies From Love
True Romance
While it admittedly isnβt the big grand pop return that I was expecting to return to over and over, itβs still her strongest and most consistent project since her at least her debut and with some of her best ever singles. Tove Lo remains a magnetic singer with a ton of personality as a performer and as a writer and with stronger grooves and more artistic freedom now that sheβs away from a major label, it shows her sounding more rejuvenated than ever and canβt wait for that next project.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 4:55:08 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
hypochondriac by brakence
Genre: emo pop
Top 3 Songs:
teeth intellectual
greed
5g
These blew any expectations I had out of the water with emotional performances because I in no way thought by 2022, Iβd not only be liking something by brakence, but considering it as one of the best hip-hop albums of the year. With strong hooks, catchy melodies, and writing that yes while rather immature and even emo, still showed a lot depth to it, itβs the type of growth and maturity I didnβt expect to see and when it comes from an artist I initially wrote off, that makes ironically even more enjoyable to listen to.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 5:00:37 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION by Lupe Fiasco
Genre: conscious hip-hop
Top 3 Songs:
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION
ON FAUX NEM
MS. MURAL
It didnβt have as much replay value as I wouldβve hoped for - particularly instrumentation wise - but the same cannot be said for the writing. Almost 20 years into the game and Lupe is still as sharp as ever with incredible musings on the destructive impact of capitalism and commodification of black pain, and the power and powerlessness he has as an artist to make lasting change but also be a community leader. Even if you donβt listen to the album repeatedly, reading and reflecting on the lyrics is something to do.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 6:00:49 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
HERBERT by Ab-Soul
Genre: conscious hip-hop
Top 3 Songs:
THE WILD SIDE
THE ART OF SEDUCTION
NO REPORT CARD
The latest album to be included onto this list and itβs a shame this came out so late into December while everyone was too busy to listen. While not as cohesive or consistently great across itβs hour long runtime, itβs still a damn good album with a great jazzy vibe to it, alongside insightful lyrics, good flows and catchy hooks that shows why Ab-Soul is so underappreciated. I mean when a song with Big Sean and Russ isnβt a mess and is actually kick ass and one of the best tracks of the album, thatβs at least a sign of something special.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 6:07:24 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
This Shame Should Not Be Mine by GGGOLDDD
Genre: darkwave post-metal
Top 3 Songs:
Invisible
Strawberry Supper
Notes on How to Trust
Even for metal fans, I can see this being divisive as Milena Evaβs Really cool fusion of darkwave and post-metal and the dark lyrics following the aftermath of abuse, trauma, the healing, and the anger towards a system that perpetuates it, it can be overwhelming to say the least. But with a creative fusion of darkwave and post-metal, the bite in the lyrics, and for a ghostly and gothic vibe,
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 6:10:18 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
deception falls by exociety
Genre: abstract hip-hop
Top 3 Songs:
Viridian
Blunts & Clementines
Live From The Graveyard Soil
Not often that βlabel collabsβ end up on lists like this and even still, definitely a lot of cracks that need to be paved over. But as a calling card for a new underground group, itβs more than good at showcasing all the talents of the rappers both as emcees and as producers. With RAVβs focus on his anxiety, Kill Bill deep, immediately magnetic voice similar to Tyler the Creator with Vince Staples and Childish Gamibno, Scuareβs more loose in his flow reminiscent me of Quelle Chris or Homeboy Sandman, and Airospace southern hip-hop voice twang, all four have great chemistry and camaraderie with each other. And it also really does capture the isolated cabin in the woods atmosphere of introverts with real insecurities but also a lot of hunger for hip-hop.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 6:15:21 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Blue Rev by Alvvays
Genre: dream pop
Top 3 Songs:
Belinda Says
After the Earthquake
Easy On Your Own
Okay, it grew on me.
I hold Alvvays at a high bar so when I say I like this less than S/T and Antisocialites, just know that I still think this is a fantastic dream pop album, and it arguably has some of the band's best writing. Itβs one of the most acclaimed albums of last year for a reason and is a good showcase of why Alvvays is so beloved.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 6:20:14 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Heaven, Wait by Ghostly Kisses
Genre: ambient art pop
Top 3 Songs:
Green Book
A Different Kind Of Love
Heaven, Wait
This might be a case of style of substance - especially when the lyrics honestly lack a bit of detail - but when the music is simply this gorgeous, I could care less. Simply beautiful art pop with Margaux SauvΓ©βs gorgeous vocals and a delicate atmosphere of the project
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 6:25:06 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Gris Klein by Birds in Row
Genre: screamo post-hardcore
Top 3 Songs:
Noah
Cathedrals
Winter, yet
There were a lot of really good post-hardcore albums last year and while this may not be as sonically adventurous as others, the deep and detailed songwriting in delicately balancing empathy in a cruel world where loved ones are dying along with hope for a better future - while still not giving into reckless hedonism or apathetic cynicism - as well as surprisingly sticky progressions to make one that stuck with me more than I expected.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:00:18 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
The Kick by Foxes
Genre: dance pop
Top 3 Songs:
Gentlemen
Body Suit
Sister Ray
I donβt really have much to say about this. But while it might be really simple pop on the surface, damn if Foxes isnβt consistent with charisma, solid grooves, and hooks for days. Just a fun dance pop record and sometimes thatβs all I need
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:05:37 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
World Wide Pop by Superorganism
Genre: psychedelic indietronica
Top 3 Songs:
Donβt Let the Colony Collapse
Into the Sun
World Wide Pop
I never really got into Superorganismβs debut as so many people did outside of a few songs but I was interested to see what theyβd bring after an almost 5 year absence. And Iβm surprised to be in the minority in loving this album so much because in my opinion, I think this shows how much the band have grown since their debut and now starting to manifest the potential they showed. Sure the album is a bit of a messy and inconsistent but itβs messy in a weird psychedelic and quirky fun way and still retains a rather dark, sarcastic edge
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:10:08 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
The Hum Goes On Forever by The Wonder Years
Genre: post punk
Top 3 Songs:
Oldest Daughter
Wyattβs Song (Your Name)
Summer Clothes
Iβm really kicking myself for listening to this album so late because Sentimental and sweet without being corny, itβs a great pop punk project that simply has some of the best writing in a pop punk album last year. Dan Campbell has such a great voice to be able to tackle seasonal depression, small town suburbia, and new parenthood with tact, maturity, and a great eye for live-in detail, and the fact heβs still manages to have a ton of great powerful hooks, like I said: I wish I had gotten to this sooner so donβt make the same mistake I did if you still havenβt heard this
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:17:35 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Bob Vylan Presents The Price Of Life by Bob Vylan
Genre: hardcore hip-hop punk rock
Top 3 Songs:
Health is Wealth
Take That
He Sold Guns
A fusion of hardcore punk and hip-hop that works way better than it should. Hard as hell and energetic riffs and drumming, great punk and rap flows from Bob Vylan, and most of all sharp political commentary that balance righteous anger against the concept of a GDP and complacency for a corrupt system, with real compassion for those driven into harsh systems. From those caught up in drug addiction, people forced to sell firearms or robbing to make ends meet, even a song tackling proper nutrition and veganism, itβs righteous without being self-serving or preachy and is a punk debut for an act to look out far.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:20:30 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Island by Asunojokei
Genre: blackgaze post-hardcore
Top 3 Songs:
Chimera
Footprints
From the Bottom of the Biotope
The first of several metal albums on this list, this is a beautiful blackgaze project all about appreciating life and beauty in the moment, while not being naive and ignoring various struggles with anxiety, depression, and tragic loss outside of your control. It reminded me quite a bit of envyβs excellent 2020 with how beautiful it remains even in tackling dark subject matter, with hard screaming that elevates the gorgeous production. One of the best black metal records of the year, check it out if youβre in the mood for atmospheric metal.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:25:09 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Tissues by Pan Daijing
Genre: post-industrial
This might end up as the βchallenging and offputtingβ album I have on this list. A post-industrial work spanning 53 crushing minutes, itβs not one for easy listening. That said, I stand by it being some of the most beautifully composed, manages to keep you engaged with the experimental industrial passages, beautiful operatic vocals, and general creeping atmosphere that doesnβt lose its edge even with the run time, if youβve got the patience - and the taste - for this sort of experimentation, highly recommend you check this out.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:30:34 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
CYBERKISS* by BLACKSTARKIDS
Genre: bedroom pop rap
Top 3 Songs:
NUYORK V2*
KEEP ME AROUND
PEACH COBBLER
Kinda ironic that in a year where BROCKHAMPTON dropped their (supposedly) final two albums, they didnβt make the best BROCKHAMPTON project this year. With a creative fusion of pop rap, bedroom pop, and twee electronica with a unique Y2K aesthetic and being able to be both serious when needed and twee adolescent in an endearing way, itβs one of the best pop albums of the year and a breakout project for this act
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:35:15 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
THE HAPPY STAR by Lexie Liu
Genre: electropop
Top 3 Songs:
MAGICIAN
Gaia
FORTUNA
A real gem of an electropop album that came out towards the end of the year, itβs got a ton of great grooves and danceable melodies, some surprising depth and creativity in the lyrics with songs talking about fate, 9 to 5 ennui, and climate change, and Lexie Liuβs commanding charisma at the center of it all. It isnβt. And while it might not the most consistent album, itβs still a ton of fun and an album I hope people check out now that itβs not winter season.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:40:28 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
Violate Consensus Reality by Psychonaut
Genre: progressive post-metal
Top 3 Songs:
Violate Consensus Reality
Age of Separation
Interbeing
Iβve made it no secret that I tend to struggle when listening to modern progressive rock or metal. Managing to be beautiful in spots without feeling long and boring and to rock hard with an epic scale without being too pompous and bombastic, itβs a great post-metal project thatβs being sorely overlooked and a band with a ton of potential
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 26, 2023 23:45:04 GMT -5
Honorable Mentions
El Valle Encantado by Feli Colina
Genre: art pop
Top 3 Songs:
Madre
Diabla
Chakatrunka
In a year where Latin music blew up in a way it hasnβt done before, this was my favorite Spanish language song of the year. Feli Colinaβs delicate voice and I canβt stress how lucious the organic art pop production is on this album while also pairing well the experimental glitch electronic sounds and percussion.
|
|
bornfearless2000
4x Platinum Member
SOMETHING IN THE WATER
Joined: November 2011
Posts: 4,057
|
Post by bornfearless2000 on Feb 27, 2023 1:29:40 GMT -5
I thought i said something that offended anyone with those notifications i got in my inbox
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 27, 2023 22:56:52 GMT -5
Well now that I'm done with the Honorable Mentions, let's start the list proper
#50. Palaces by Flume
Genre: future bass
Top 3 Songs:
I Canβt Tell
ESCAPE
Sirens
EDM artists tend to be singles oriented thus finding great EDM albums is harder than it seems. Well leave it to Flume to deliver a colorful and fun project while still retaining a lot of experimental flair and personality that many lack. And while Iβm more forgiving of his pop crossovers, I think what helps is that Flume has a great eye of pop sensibilities while balancing the glitchy future bass drops, making both great pop and great electronic music. And coupled with fantastic guest performances from Oklou, KUΔKA, Caroline Polachek, MAY-A, and even Damon Albarn, I know this is unpopular but this ended up being my favorite Flume project to date.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 27, 2023 23:00:15 GMT -5
#49. God's Country by Chat Pile
Genre: noise rock sludge metal
Top 3 Songs:
The Mask
Wicked Puppet Dance
Anywhere
As much as I love darker music tackling social satire, there always is a balance as to not end up making misery porn, particularly when talking about those in lower class who donβt have much power and can sometimes be painted as having little autonomy. itβs bleak, almost misanthropic music that doesnβt feel voyeuristic, and really shows how nightmarish even domestic and cruel life can be when push comes to shove, whether they be from addiction, poverty or premeditated murders. Itβs akin to a David Aronowskyβs picture in how unflinching itβs reality is. While the vocals can be overly dramatic and theatrical at times, itβs still a punishing, brutal, and unforgiving in the best way possible,
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 27, 2023 23:05:22 GMT -5
#48. learn 2 swim by redveil
Genre: conscious hip-hop
Top 3 Songs:
shoulder
morphine (da ways)
new info
Now this was a great surprise. I heard good things about redveil back in 2020 and while I enjoyed his album, I wasnβt overly enthused. This was a great improvement though. While not the most complex rap album lyrically, itβs a great improvement in terms of instrumentation and redveilβs talent and presence as a rapper - really showing heβs a rapper to keep watch on. It's a really short but solid album from an up and coming rapper who's showing potential to create really great hip-hop in the future, you don't wanna skip on this.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 27, 2023 23:10:54 GMT -5
#47. Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You by Big Thief
Genre: indie folk
Top 5 Songs:
Little Things
Change
The Only Place
No Reason
Spud Infinity
I'm not gonna act like listening to an album that's 80-minutes long is "easy listening" but honestly, with every listen I've had, it's never felt like a chore to do so. It's well-paced and breezes by so fast, it's very impressive. And it's just a very warm, comforting, and soothing album while still being smart in the writing. If you're turned off by the long runtime, I'd at least give it one listen before you go because this is just beautiful folk music. And the lyrics tackling the cosmic comedy of our existence, finding love in the uncertainty of it all despite time being against us all, itβs inspiring in more ways than one.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 27, 2023 23:23:42 GMT -5
#46. UGLY DEATH NO REDEMPTION ANGEL CURSE I LOVE YOU by Ada Rook
Genre: electro industrial
Top 3 Songs:
COWARD 2 COWARD
999999999 IN A DREAM
GRAVITY WEAPON
This is the third year Ada Rookβs been on my best albums list and truthfully, this is not breaking ground for Ada Rook thematically in terms of finding some vestige of hope, love, and queer acceptance amongst the crushing bleak nihilism of reality. But dammit it she still doesnβt serve a powerful and brutal fusion industrial, metal, and electropop, that still bites harsh in its nihilistic cosmic horror and still crafts catchy hooks. Itβs far from her best work as a producer or writer but itβs a sign that Adaβs not going to slow down in being capable of making quality music.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 28, 2023 0:06:16 GMT -5
#45. The Loneliest Time by Carly Rae Jepsen
Genre: dance pop
Top 3 Songs:
Bends
Go Find Yourself Or Whatever
Far Away
I mean duh this was going to show up somewhere.
While the melodies and Carly remain as catchy and emotive as ever, one Carlyβs underrated talents has been her eye for detailed and balanced but emotional songwriting. Amongst the hooks and great dance grooves, thereβs actually a darker edge to this albumβs lyrics that still manages to balance the bittersweet with the moments of joy. But of course, everyone is here for the catchy choruses, Carly Rae's natural and infectious charms, and the beats that show a surprising variety from disco to indie folk pop. It's yet another fun Carly Rae Jepsen album and sometimes that's what we all need
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 28, 2023 0:10:57 GMT -5
#44. Giving The World Away by Hatchie
Genre: dream pop
Top 3 Songs:
Quicksand
The Key
Lights On
I mean considering this had my favorite song of 2022, it had to rank here somewhere.
Much like Carly Rae's album you could consider this as a simple compilation of solid pop albums with not much depth beyond the great hooks. But as a collection of solid dream pop, itβs stellar with some of the yearβs best pop songs, and even still there's a lot of unappreciated thematic pathos to the songs. Quicksand was my favorite song of 2022 for a reason after all, and with the throwback 90s dream pop compositions and Hatchie's charm, it's more than deserving of all the hype and acclaim it's gotten.
|
|
dremolus - solarpunk
Diamond Member
ππ§π€π’ πππ‘ππ¨π©ππ£π π©π€ π©ππ ππ, ππ©π€π₯ π©ππ π.π. πππ§ ππππππ£π
Joined: August 2019
Posts: 13,328
My Reviews
Pronouns: (he/him/they)
|
Post by dremolus - solarpunk on Feb 28, 2023 0:15:06 GMT -5
#43. Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9 2022) by Fred again..
Genre: UK house garage
Top 3 Songs:
Winnie (end of me)
Bleu (better with time)
Kelly (end of a nightmare)
Oftentimes, I donβt really let where Iβm listening to songs affect my listening experience but I have to say: listening to this album going home late at night, alone in a cab, it was one of the most perfect soundtracks. And yet despite the cold nocturnal atmosphere of the album, itβs a surprisingly uplifting and comforting dance project with great house grooves, talented vocals, and surprising pathos in recovering in solidarity from grief. Like I said, it's an album that perfectly captures the twilight feeling of melancholy when you're starting to sober up, but also the euphoria that comes with giving yourself time to enjoy life. And it's fantastic house music as well.
|
|
