11 Of My Favourite Albums of 2022 So Far
What a year these past 2 years have been for us all, whether it was physically, emotionally or mentally. When the world was struck with the virus, it completely shifted the way that we work, learn and socialize. It even shifted the way artists would release their own music. In spite of all that has happened, the one consistency was the amount of great music that has been released, especially this year alone. It’s hard to believe we have a couple of months left in the year. Though it was difficult to narrow down, here are a few of my favourite albums of 2022 so far...
Alex Isley & Jack Dine - Marigold
After the success of their 2019 EP “Wilton”, singer Alex Isley and producer Jack Dine have teamed up again and released their long awaited joint album titled “Marigold”. The 9-track album displays more of Alex’s smooth buttery vocals and melodic abilities. She explores themes such as unexpectedly finding love, the ups and downs of being in a relationship and the feelings of a love lost. The album features Dreamville rapper Bas and Grammy Award winning musician Robert Glasper also make appearances on the album.
Release Date: March 30th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Such a Thing
Still Wonder
105
Lady Wray - Piece Of Me
If you grew up on 90’s R&B, then you might be familiar with the Wray’s 1998 debut single “Make It Hot”. Over 15 year later, Nicole Wray has re-introduced herself to the industry as Lady Wray. On her album “Piece of Me” she delivers an old school retro sound with funky drum breaks and downtempo instrumentation throughout. Her raspy, tender vocals are a standout on this project as she explores themes of love, heartbreak and finding joy.
Release Date: January 28th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Where Were You
Piece of Me
Thank You
Robert Glasper - Black Radio 3
This is the third installment of Grammy-Winning Jazz pianist Robert Glasper’s collaborative Black Radio albums. The album features rich vocals and smooth melodies from artists like Esperanza Spalding, Musiq Soulchild and Lalah Hathaway to attention-grabbing rhymes from rappers like Common, Big K.R.I.T. and D Smoke just to name a few.
Release Date: February 25th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Why We Speak (ft. Q-Tip & Esperanza Spalding)
Better Than I Imagined (ft. H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello)
Over (ft. Yebba)
*Listen to the album on: Apple | Spotify | Tidal
Kehlani - Blue Water Road
Kehlani delivers their third album which I feel is an amazing addition to their discography. The production on the album is so smooth yet hits the right spot so effortlessly with their warm vocals and honest lyrics. The album explores themes of emotional clarity, love, spirituality and is arguably one of their most mature projects to date. This album features collaborations from Justin Bieber, Blxst, Jessie Reyez, Syd, Thundercat and Ambré..
Release Date: April 29th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Wish I Never
Any Given Sunday (ft. Blxst)
Everything
Arin Ray - Hello Poison
After 3 years, Arin Ray has made a return with his striking sophomore album “Hello Poison”. This album exudes “Grown and Sexy” vibes as a more mature Ray explores themes of love, sensuality and heavy eroticism. The use of live instrumentation across the album is really the icing on the cake and what makes this album so stellar. The album features appearances from VanJess, Ari Lennox, Terrace Martin, Brandy and more.
Release Date: June 3rd, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Bad Idea (ft. Blxst)
Freak
Lovely
Reuben James - Tunnel Vision
Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and pianist Reuben James is hands down one of the most exciting and talented to have emerged from the UK in recent years. He is well known to have worked with Sam Smith, Joni Mitchell, John Legend and more. “Tunnel Vision” contains elements of Jazz, Soul, R&B and Neo-Soul. The mixtape features Sophie Faith, Vula, Keyon Harrold, Daley and more.
Release Date: April 29th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Searching (ft. Vula, Jay Prince & Conor Albert)
Closer (ft. Sophie Faith, Jay Prince & CARRTOONS)
BBQ Energy (ft. Adam Flowers & Keyon Harrold)
Mary J. Blige - Good Morning Gorgeous
This marks the 14th studio album by the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Personally, this is one of my favourite releases from her in a while. “Good Morning Gorgeous” has a throwback R&B-feel while also still sounding fresh. Mary J. Blige is no stranger when it comes to opening up and being vulnerable on records. On this album she explores themes of heartbreak, love and self empowerment. This album features collaborations from Anderson . Paak, Usher, Dave East, DJ Khaled, Cool & Dre and Fivio Foreign.
Release Date: February 11th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Here With Me (ft. Anderson .Paak)
Come See About Me
Rent Money (ft. Dave East)
Moonchild - Starfruit
“Starfruit” is the 5th studio album by LA group Moonchild. The trademark of lead singer Amber Navran’s delicate, warm vocals are soothingly beautiful throughout the album. Artists Lalah Hathaway, Rapsody, Alex Isley, Tank and the Bangas, Ill Camille, Mumu Fresh, Chantae Cann and Josh Johnson have made appearances on the project.
Release Date: February 11th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
You Got One (ft. Alex Isley)
Too Good
Tell Him (ft. Lalah Hathaway)
LaBlue & Astrønne - Blue Phases
Producer LaBlue and singer Astrønne released their impressive project titled “Blue Phases” in 2021. This year, they released the deluxe version of the project which features 5 new songs. With LaBlue’s smooth production and Astrønne’s smoky, tender vocals, along her ability to sing in both French and English is what makes this project so alluring.
Release Date: April 1st, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Sous La Pluie
Home
Café Paris (Rose en hiver)
Blue Lab Beats - Motherland Journey
I was first introduced to Blue Lab Beats when I came across their “Blue Skies” EP back in 2016. This duo have not missed a beat since and I believe they are a force to be reckoned with. The duo have returned with their third album “Motherland Journey” and has displayed their signature blend of Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats and Jazz sound throughout the album. This feel-good album features Tiana Major9, Emmavie, Pip Millett and more.
Release Date: February 25th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Home (ft. Pip Millett & Dylan Jones)
Labels (ft. Tiana Major9 & Kofi Stone)
Sensual Loving (ft. Ghetto Boy)
Sabrina Claudio - Based On a Feeling
The Miami songstress has made her return with her fourth project titled “Based on a Feeling”. Her new album is definitely a step-up from her previous a project Truth Is”. Sabrina shines bright on her own as she delivers her signature breathy, high-register singing throughout this 11 track album. She explores themes of needs in a relationship, love lost and falling in love.
Release Date: May 6th, 2022
Standout Tracks:
Basic Needs
Subtle Things
Don’t Make Me Wait
