2022 was the year for new albums. After song delays and tour cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several artists came out of the fog to release highly anticipated new records. Here are the top ten best albums of 2022.

10. “Preacher’s Daughter” by Ethel Cain
Indie artist Ethel Cain delivers pop anthems and eerie lyricism on her debut album “Preacher’s Daughter.” The concept album combines horror elements and loaded production to create a truly original musical experience for the listener.

9. “Un Verano Sin Ti” by Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny’s latest album embraces pride, fame and celebration of heritage. “Un Verano Sin Ti” utilizes catchy lyricism and energetic beats to create a powerful album for everyone: Bad Bunny fan or not.

8. “Gemini Rights” by Steve Lacey
Steve Lacey’s commitment to DIY songwriting and production proves strong with engrossing lyrics and original instrumental elements. Lacey’s sophomore album “Gemini Rights” deservedly earns its spot as one of the best albums of 2022.

7. “SOS” by SZA
SZA makes her long-awaited comeback with “SOS.” The artist’s sophomore album incorporates a mixture of different sounds, styles and genres making for a completely unique listening experience for fans of the R&B artist. With punchy lyricism and glowing vocals, “SOS” proves to be a strong contender for the best album of the year

6. “Fossora” by Bjork
Bjork is nothing if not weird, but she seems to have grounded herself with her tenth album. With emotionally complex lyrics and gabber beats, Bjork’s “Fossora” is a jaw-dropping listen from the first song to the last.

5. “Caprisongs” by FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs’ latest mixtape “Caprisongs” is adventurous, daring and captivating through and through. Full of itinerant production and striking vocals, “Caprisongs” proves to be FKA Twigs’ best work yet.

4. “Dawn FM” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd has achieved mass success over the past few years, and though the artist’s former projects might have fallen flat, his newest album “Dawn Fm” hits and hits hard. Thoughtful lyrics and passionate instrumentals combine to make one of the best albums of the year.

3. “God Save the Animals” by Alex G
Indie-alternative artist Alex G returns with a melodic ode to natural beauty and all we hold dear. With whimsical lyrics and an organic sound that only Alex G himself can pull off, “God Save the Animals” strikes as one of the artist’s most concise and distinctive records.

2. “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” by The 1975
The 1975 came back in late 2022 with their fifth album, “Being Funny in a Foreign Language.” With a tantalizing new string-based sound and effectual lyricism, “Being Funny in a Foreign Language” proves to be a strong contender for the best album of the year.

1. “Mr. Moral & the Big Steppers” by Kendrick Lamar
On his fifth album, Kendrick Lamar explores self-identity, love and grief — and does so wonderfully. With quick writing and stacked instrumentals, “Mr. Moral & the Big Steppers” delivers everything a music fan could want. With certain songs sounding crafted and others improvised, Lamar constructs a multi-dimensional, complex record for anyone to enjoy, earning this record the best one of 2022.