A Year in Music with 2022

A Year in Music: 2022

Before we begin a little message:

    For anyone who has read or stayed in tune with this more than I did, thank you. I think for me I start a project and really am not sure how to commit to it once I start. But I am learning, there are things i've done and committed to. With that being said this may be my last silly blog post for awhile. While I take my time and develop my creativity in one area. I will be working on and releasing my Podcast officially this time. I have so many directions of output for one source of love, music. So for anyone who follows along thank you, for your patience and understanding. This does not mean an end for the blog either. I will return to it one day, with its deserved attention. With that being said, let's talk about some music. 

    First, I find it really annoying that music wrap ups are considered to be at the end of November. Im sure it has something to do with how music is placed and cut off for higher award situations. However, for those listening to just listen I think things matter up until the end of the year. 2022 offered us a beautiful year. I think for me the sounds really help define moments in life, and those moments are so peaceful too look back at. Even if times got bad during a year you think of the music around it it still becomes a memory to look back on. So all of what the entirety of last year brought us at least there is always good music. 

    I didn't really find any theme of the year, just that people are sad even the ones who have it all. Love tears people apart as well and it also brings people together, there is never a perfect balance. And these artists get it. Since I'm the way I am, I wanted to start with albums. Nothing in particular had a perfect track record, I think somewhere each album has maybe one song that wasn't my favorite. However music for us in this time is so accessible we're allowed to have this decision of what we like and what we don't. 

ALBUMS 

    For me my absolute favorite and what I found to be the best record was Beyoncé's RENNASIANCE ACT 1, this record was so fresh and with time becomes something so continuous that it feels apart of its own world. I don't think I have ever heard an album like this, and one that emits so much love and positivity. Of course I am going to say this it's who I am. and in this world we needed this, the excitement and longevity she will bring and happiness along with a tour. Will be timeless to experience. I cant wait. 

9 | 10

    Second favorite record was S.O.S. by SZA. This was a moment in culture. Is still a moment currently happening. Its a true shift to experience and I am so proud of sza. the work she has put in her art and album is momentous and admirable. It also has to be extremely tiring so while I hope she enjoys this part I do hope she also gets to rest during. S.O.S is truly remarkable and a stamp. 

9.5 | 10

    Zella Day was a very special thing to have this year as well. Her first album in 7 years, its a lengthy and risky time however what she Gave us with Sunday In Heaven was very much that. This was so beautiful It was such a story and reflection that was just genuine. Not to mention the instruments and their authenticity. The best one being Zellas voice. It was beautiful and refreshing to hear something that wasn't heavily produced in an electronic way. I cant even speak on how important this album was. And another very personal favorite of the time. 

9 | 10

    Now let's talk about a few other albums that didn't make top 3 but stood out as special and momentous. We had a breakout moment from rising RNB sensation UMI, who delivered us Forest in the city, this is truly RNB I will let the music speak for itself. 9/10 

8.5 | 10

    Arcade Fire's "WE" gave something most alternative has not given in awhile, genuine instrumentals , builds ups and musical plays, not to mention how much Wins voice fits within this realm. 

Through and through even though the record is like 5 really long songs it's so thought out and full bodied. My only regret is I wasn't able to see them live to truly judge this record. 

8 | 10

    Tove Lo's Dirt Femme offered the first real like pop culture moment this past year, with a build up from the lead single in euphoria from the beginning of the year to summer tour and amped up music videos Tove Came to play and party and make us feel things. She is constantly fully realizing herself and I am so proud of this work of art. No artist really gave a clear pop record and even though Tove could be a female Weeknd, seh pulls out so many influences to stay ahead of the times. 

8.5 | 10

    Florence Welch is Among this list as Dance fever came a lot sooner than expected and it fully delivered. Recent albums produced with Jack Antonoff kind of scare me because it can be hit or miss, but like most art this was full on collaboration. Florence gave us dance, energy, concepts, emotions and hopes. What more could we need? This record is fully satisfying. 

9 | 10

    Dawn FM is on this list for being a very well conceptualized idea and created through that vision. everything about the art and world of Dawn FM is a journey and a world you want to be in. The truth is it isn't a strong album as After hours and heres to hoping that the next in this trilogy will top both records, however After hours was a record that deserved its own stand alone era. not only that but synths have a very limited range. Though I am proud of Abel and this album is amazing it does get repetitive in areas and it is hard to be in the mood for and go back to. 

7.5 | 10

    Lastly we have an album that started off the year, Caprisongs by FKA Twigs. Never did I think I would become a fan of FKA but she really made something so special with Capri, for all its music, collaborations, and anti videos. 

7.5 | 10

SINGLES

1. Zella Day: Mushroom Punch 

2. Beyonce: Pure | Honey 

3. Umi: Sorry 

4. Lana Del Rey: Buddy’s Rendezvous 

5. Florence + the Machine: Cassandra

6. Arcade Fire: End of the Empire I-III

7. Omar Apollo: Petrified 

8. Tinashe: Naturally 

9. the Killers: Boy 

10. Raveena: Mystery 

I wont talk about about these songs in depth but these particular tracks offered So much fun and emitted a true feeling of new music that stood out. they were songs I still cannot get out of my head and I truly believe will be timeless. Either way Thank you again for everyone who has read this blog. I will be back or incorporate this blog again in the future when I am more equipped to give it its proper attention. 

Much love, Fabian Rockwell.