This year has been full of new releases and new hits. Some of our long time favorites like Beyonce and newer artists like Rosalia, have come out with albums that helped us power through 2022.

Starting the year off strong, the Weeknd released his fifth studio album “Dawn FM.” It explores a more euphoric tone while also incorporating a more tranquil side of the Weeknd. “Dawn FM” is an homage to night time radio where the songs switch from a hyper nightlife to more of a slumber. He features well known artists like Tyler the Creator and Lil Wayne, which helps enhance the darker aesthetic of the album with rap. 

Initially, “Harry’s House” didn’t stand out to me. I normally wouldn’t consider myself a Harry Styles fan but after listening to the entire album I grew a deeper appreciation of his music. 

His previous album “Fine Line” may have had some popular songs but the album as a whole is repetitive with its lyrics. 

Although some of the songs from “Harry’s House” are still repetitive, lyrically, he went a lot deeper not only with the writing but with the themes. We got to explore more of his vocal range and creativity incorporated in the aesthetic of the album. 

“Her Loss” is a collaboration between Drake and 21 Savage, which sparked interest among fans. Although Drake has made better music, his album didn’t disappoint. Some of his individual songs are really well done but the rest of the album comes off as repetitive, making it hard to listen to the entire album at once. 

Overall the album is a people pleaser and didnt make an immediate mark in the music industry. Although it is a well written and produced album it’s nothing particularly special.

Drake wasn’t the only rapper to release music this year. Kendrick Lamar released “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” long before “Her Loss.” Although it is still classified as a rap album it definitely goes a lot deeper than most. 

The album is an expression of Lamar’s life through extensive therapy sessions in his journey to better himself. We travel through his childhood, his pains, and most importantly his personal traumas. 

Because of how obviously personal this album is to the artist, listening to it is more of an experience than anything. 

Even if nothing can be quite as iconic as Beyoncé in the early 2000’s, she definitely made a comeback with “Renaissance.” It incorporates some very popular names in the industry like Jay-Z and Drake. It’s a good album but it just falls short of great. Along with some catchy songs, the album also includes a lot of music that feels like fillers in a sitcom. They really don’t do much but they’re there.

Ending our year on a high note, SZA released her second studio album, “SOS,” after a long five year wait and she definitely did not disappoint. You know it’s a good album when you struggle to find the worst song. The album art and entire vibe of the album gives off the energy of loneliness. Not just the bad parts of being alone, but the peaceful and enjoyable parts of it as well.