1. As I Try Not To Fall Apart, White Lies, PIAS, 2022

White Lies’ February release just took the top spot in my mind for the best albums of 2022 thus far. Astounding hooks, intense vocals, and unstoppable guitar/synth pairings ooze unprecedented confidence for a pandemic-produced release. Every track provides a unique twist on their established work. Look out for this one to rise up quickly through the European and UK charts.

2. Things Are Great, Band of Horses, BMG, 2022

Planned for Friday, March 4th, Things Are Great should continue to build on the success of Why Are You OK, released in 2016. Aside from some below-par work in 2012, Band of Horses has remained consistent as an emotionally nuanced alt-and-punk-rock staple. According to the band, led by frontman Ben Bridwell, the new release hopes to capture a never-before-seen personal side.

3. How Is It That I Should Look At The Stars, The Weather Station, Fat Possum, 2022

Tomorrow will also see another release from modern folk group The Weather Station. Written at the same time as their critically lauded album Ignorance, How Is It That I Should Look at the Stars will rely more upon Tamara Lindeman’s delicate but poignant vocals. As usual, she’ll be accompanied by deliberately sparse instrumentals.

4. Let There Be Witchery, Midnight, Metal Blade, 2022

Blackened Metal cult-favorite Midnight pushed out two singles prior to their upcoming Friday release, each offering a different glimpse into the album as a whole. “Nocturnal Molestation” shows more restraint, letting instrumental embellishments breathe. Whereas “Szex Witchery” hints at Black ‘n’ Roll with bluesy guitar tones throughout.

5. God Don’t Make Mistakes, Conway The Machine, Shady, 2022

For Conway The Machine’s first release on Eminem’s Shady Records, he had even more access to A-list features, bolstering an ever-evolving, R&B adjacent style. More than a couple tracks on God Don’t Make Mistakes have the effortless power of a Common verse, while packing Conway’s usual gritty punch. The throwback beats pair seamlessly with a new sense of lyrical cognizance.