best of madonnas best of 2022 (AOTY Announced)

[Reverie]

So glad to still have you doing these because I need someone to tell me to listen to the albums I'd otherwise never find motivation for, like the Beach House album, whose spotify page I've gone to at least twice and then said nuh uh at the 4 discs Like I'm sure it's nice as their albums always are but sheesh. And then Rina who yeah suddenly everyone seemed to turn on her/be over it cuz of the singles LMAO

[luckystrike]

Strawberry is ******* incredible  liked Yeule and Ari too 

[Mr. Blue_Shirt]

age/sex/location & Skinty Fia are one of my favorite albums this year 

 

Yeah Mata sounds better than AIM but the bar is already low for her i fear 

[Legend E]

I think out of these I only heard Ari Lennox and I found it meh

[madonnas]

 

 

 

30)
Ibibio Sound Machine - Electricity (Synth Funk, Afrobeat, Disco)
Best tracks: Truth No Lie, Protection From Evil, 17 18 19

I guess they worked with the guy from Hot Chip and it paid dividends.  The heavier boogie/funk influences definitely complement their sound super well, and ofc I’m a sucker for that era of R&B so you know I love it.  Seriously super underrated band, & really really good album.  Hard recommend.

 

29)
Bjork - Fossora (Art Pop, Mushroomcore)
Best tracks: Fossora, Atopos, Ancestress

I’ve been a Bjork stan for years and years but if you know anything about me and my opinion on her is that I despised Utopia.  Literally the worst album from my pool of fave artists!  But I’m always willing to give mother another chance, and while Fossora is not the best album of her career its a sufficient palette cleanser from her last album, and gives us a new more digestible sound that’s still Bjork’s silly esoteric nonsense.  My fave songs are the wind-heavy Gabber songs.

 

28)
Shygirl - Nymph (UK Bass, Dance-Pop, Alternative hip Hop)
Best tracks: Come for Me, Poison, Woe

I really really think when times passes people will realize this album’s sound was the smartest decision for her career, she opted for a cohesive slow burner album instead of anything like Alias or Cruel Practice.  The only song that gives “old” Shy is Come For Me, which is still excellence, though.  Why give us the same you’ve been giving for years?  This album is definitely a grower and I recommend for people who were let down on first listen to listen again.

 

27)
Special Interest - Endure (Dance Punk, Indie Rock)
Best tracks: Concerning Peace, Midnight Legend, (Herman’s) House

I love their bluesy upbeat Punk energy.  It sorta has the ZE records vibe going on and I love that 80s sound.  The downside is that some of the lyrics are a little Tumblr’d.  It’s fine, youll deal with it just like I did.

 

26)
Confidence Man - Tilt (Dance pop, House, Italo Disco)
Best tracks: Break it Bought it, What I Like, Woman

Confidence Man return with an album that’s focused on a singular mood instead of killer singles, and it’s definitely the better of the two albums they’ve released so far.  It’s sorta got a heavier 90s Jock Jam influence than the quirky Dee Lite energy, but idc, there’s even a song where the guy in the song “raps” and honestly it’s quite a serve.

 

25
Cakes Da Killa - Svengali (Hip-House, Hip-Hop)
Best tracks: Svengali, Sip of my Sip, Think Harder

This is legit the best project he’s ever released.  It’s basically taking the few house EPs he had a few years ago and giving it a more hip hop spin and it’s just the best combo of all his strengths.  The best part are the interludes which complement the mood so well, the album is super short, and even with the 14 tracklist only clocks in just under 30 mins.  So for those who haven’t gotten into him yet it’s a great start.

 

24)
PVA - Blush (EBM, Electroclash, Synth Pop)
Best tracks: Hero Man, Bunker, Transit

I’m always eager for a full Electroclash revival, we deserve it as a society.  This is probably the closest we’ll get even though it’s not really pure electroclash.  I really like the mix of male & female spoken word, and the girl has a really nice accent, take that Dry Cleaning lady!  Lots of nice hard hitting electronic beats.

 

23)
FKA Twigs - Caprisongs (Art Pop, Alt R&B, Dancehall)
Best tracks: Meta Angel, Papi Bones, Pampellmouse

Twigs took a more accessible approach, but I would hardly say this album is radio friendly or “sellout.”  It’s got a whole cassette/mixtape vibe with spoken parts (you can skip those…), and she’s exploring lots of new sounds.  For those who were sick of the melodrama of her LPs this is a nice refresher.  

 

22)
Alvvays - Blue Rev (Dream Pop, Shoegaze)
Best tracks: Very Online Guy, Belinda Says, Pharmacist

This is a great deserving followup to Antisocialites.  I love it, and think it might be their most consistent album, but tbh I saw them live and all the Antisocialites tracks hit way way harder, so I have to say they can do better?  OMG why is my write up so negative, they still served.

 

21)
Otoboke Beaver - Super Champlon (Riot Grrrl, Punk)
Best tracks: Yakitori, I am not maternal, I don’t want to die alone

I discovered them late last year and they’ve been an obsession, thank god they released a new album.  It has like 18 tracks but a lot of the are like 30 seconds long.  They release super infectious punk/riot grrrl songs and they’re fun to chant along to.  

 

[madonnas]

Not the search drop-down menu blocking my ability to edit  

[Polgg48]

30) Ibibio Sound Machine - Electricity - super gay

27) Special Interest - Endure - talent, hard listen but pay off big time

26) Confidence Man - Tilt - the bops delivered

25) Cakes Da Killa - Svengali - im happy he finally got covered on best of page

24) PVA - Blush - also recommend this good album, i dont think you'd like ADULT. - Becoming Undone another electroclash, old school but polarizing love or hate it.

 

taste

[dreamofyou]

caprisongs 

[Alex]

caprisonqs 

[TheWayWeWere]

omg finally someone who hates Utopia TOO I never got in to it AT ALL. Fossora is really nice, I love the combinations of her old and new sound  

Caprisongs is really nice and unique  

[Mr. Blue_Shirt]

Fossora, Nymph & Caprisongs acclaim 

 

OMG Yasssss Tilt is one my favorite albums this year  the influence of heavier 90s dance on this album is soo good that i thought it's actually an album from the 90s that i just discover it this year like-

[TrueBlood]

Some great albums here, like Fossora, Blue Rev and CAPRISONGS. I kinda agree about Antisocialites' tracks hitting harder, I guess they definitely feel more anthemic than Blue Rev. Ironically enough, I also think that their debut is the most "anthemic" out of their records.

[Ace Reject]

On 12/13/2022 at 12:05 AM, Reverie said:

So glad to still have you doing these because I need someone to tell me to listen to the albums I'd otherwise never find motivation for, like the Beach House album, whose spotify page I've gone to at least twice and then said nuh uh at the 4 discs Like I'm sure it's nice as their albums always are but sheesh. And then Rina who yeah suddenly everyone seemed to turn on her/be over it cuz of the singles LMAO

Girl I didn't realize how behind I was until I looked here!

[worldwide angel]

shy, cakes and twigs

 

come for me stans  

[madonnas]

Will update again after Xmas  

[TRF.]

Shygirl, PVA, Cakes, twigs and BJÖRK obviously

[K$Ellie]

Fossora was a major upgrade from Utopia but I find that album overhated 

I agree about the gabber songs, she needed a few more of those so the singles ended up mostly being my faves

loved Nymph even more than Alias and Cruel Practice but I REALLY got into her discography this year, she's excellent

Caprisongs was a bit of a letdown for her standards but still pretty good, Papi Bones showing up on everyone's lists

never heard of Alvvays until this year but Blue Red was excellent, I'll have to get more into them

[Legend E]

only heard nymph and i didn't really like it  

[Legend E]

oh and caprisongs which was alright

[madonnas]

On 12/12/2022 at 6:57 AM, theblackestday said:

Love all of the albums in this batch, except the horrendous Rina and BH albums (never thought I'd lump them together)

Youll grow to love them eventually!

On 12/12/2022 at 7:29 AM, Chamoy said:

The Kitty shoutout.  She's mother to a lot of these girlies!

She is mother.  I love her & want her or the pom poms to come back so much.  I'm still upset she re uploaded her EPs to spotify and removed barbie jeep.. smh.

On 12/12/2022 at 10:04 AM, Sanguine said:

Those were fine but I agree. My favorite was probably Apink’s, which I think was panned lmao. The last LP I’ve LOVED out of K-Pop was probably…….. Soul Lady  oh well at least we get plenty of quality EPs

I loved Dilemma but honestly IDR anything else they've done recently Soul Lady def best recent Kpop LP, I mean where's the competition though?

On 12/12/2022 at 11:39 AM, theblackestday said:

tw // camessay

As with the previous batch, I love all of these albums too (I'd say i'm surprised but i know who you are). Only don't know THE Vitesse X album, which I'll make sure to check out asap. Leikeli47 deserves more attention. I do think she's capable of something much bigger and better. Mata was surprisingly good considering the questionable singles, definitely an improvement over AIM. I'd have probably returned to it more if it wasn't for her desperate attempts at getting attention during its release cycle so it had to have been ignored eventually

You prob made the right decision wrt MATA, I'm embarrassed to be a fan but I always stan embarrassing people so

On 12/12/2022 at 11:11 AM, TheWayWeWere said:

MATA is full of questionable music choices, but it had some great bops  Zoo Girl is the best I agree

I think all the songs are mostly good!  It's everything else she's done that's questionable (to be generous, tbh).

On 12/12/2022 at 11:45 AM, Sanguine said:

I like everything in this set besides Akini (haven't heard but it's been on my list for ages) and Fontaines DC which I just didn't have enough interest in but they were the first song on my Spotify Wrapped "Missed Hits" playlist ffff

 

I agree that Sasami's album was MUCH better than the last one which was such a snoozefest. Don't agree with Zola but I do think it almost holds up next to Okovi, the songwriting feels almost unintentionally poppier, like she said that she was struggling with writer's block and you can kinda tell

 

Caroline and Yeule are amazing and should be higher! 

You really need to lsiten to Akini - it's an eclectic album so you're bound to like at least one song! 

On 12/12/2022 at 1:29 PM, BlackoutZone said:

The last years tops were truly so well rounded, love them

And you kicked off with solid start, kinda mad Dawn FM and Skyline by Bronze are just HMs, but as long as they get some recognition!

Love how Caroline Loveglow was like a +1 discovery for everyone listening to Hatchie this year

Caroline truly was that, lol.  I'm glad shoegaze/dreampop is having a comeback moment with zoomers.  I think I was the oldest person at the Hatchie show besides my older sister who I dragged along and some mom of a 16 y/o who was there.

On 12/12/2022 at 4:35 PM, Polgg48 said:

33) Akini Jing - 永无止境的告别 (Glitch Pop, Mandopop, Drum-n-bass - love her album

35) Sasami - Squeeze (Indie rock, Twee, Nu-metal) - innovative and bops

36) Vitesse X - Us Ephemeral (Trance, Drum n Bass, Dance Pop) - what a serve, deserve more shoutout for her

 

 

Vitesse is so underrated!

On 12/12/2022 at 5:50 PM, MP2K said:

I always love a good Leikeli47 single but always never check her albums out, so if you think it's her best work I believe you and will try.

 

Ari L is always great too.

 

I feel like I will like Caroline Loveglow so I will check out.

YOu should check her albums out!  Because sometimes a non-single ends up being the biggest bop!  Though that was more the case with her other albums than this one.

On 12/12/2022 at 6:03 PM, Allday said:

haven't heard these but really want to, I love the covers for them all too    Giving me Poppy/Grimes fibes

You should check out Sasami!  You'd like it!

On 12/12/2022 at 7:47 PM, TalkThatRihanna said:

Willow’s album was so good  HTG was cute too

HTG underrated!

On 12/12/2022 at 9:05 PM, Reverie said:

So glad to still have you doing these because I need someone to tell me to listen to the albums I'd otherwise never find motivation for, like the Beach House album, whose spotify page I've gone to at least twice and then said nuh uh at the 4 discs Like I'm sure it's nice as their albums always are but sheesh. And then Rina who yeah suddenly everyone seemed to turn on her/be over it cuz of the singles LMAO

OK I have a ran to make about the Rina album.  It's sort of a Marina tea.  Her last album cycle (ADIAML) everyone was dragging her for the lyrics saying they are so bad and cheesy and stupid now, but the tea is... that's alwyas been Marina.  It's just that people had thought of her differently for some reason and we're disappointed - but that's on them, not Marina tbh.  IT's the same thing with Rina.  People always thought of her as some edgy subversive pop artist but... she was a cheesy throwback girl.  She just went from y2k era to anther sound, still doing cheesy throwbacks.  I mean, if you enjoy the music less, fair, but to say she's fallen or something, it's just not true.

On 12/12/2022 at 9:54 PM, luckystrike said:

Strawberry is ******* incredible  liked Yeule and Ari too 

Strawberry getting all this acclaim

On 12/12/2022 at 11:49 PM, Mr. Blue_Shirt said:

age/sex/location & Skinty Fia are one of my favorite albums this year 

 

Yeah Mata sounds better than AIM but the bar is already low for her i fear 

The bar was very low but I'm a longtime stan, so it's hard for me to stop.  I don't entertain her recent antics tho

On 12/15/2022 at 7:09 PM, Legend E said:

I think out of these I only heard Ari Lennox and I found it meh

Her EP is a little better tbh.

On 12/19/2022 at 12:19 PM, Polgg48 said:

30) Ibibio Sound Machine - Electricity - super gay

27) Special Interest - Endure - talent, hard listen but pay off big time

26) Confidence Man - Tilt - the bops delivered

25) Cakes Da Killa - Svengali - im happy he finally got covered on best of page

24) PVA - Blush - also recommend this good album, i dont think you'd like ADULT. - Becoming Undone another electroclash, old school but polarizing love or hate it.

 

taste

I listened to the Adult album, I liked it.  I think I've heard of them before, but never bothere to listen.

On 12/20/2022 at 4:03 PM, Mr. Blue_Shirt said:

Fossora, Nymph & Caprisongs acclaim 

 

OMG Yasssss Tilt is one my favorite albums this year  the influence of heavier 90s dance on this album is soo good that i thought it's actually an album from the 90s that i just discover it this year like-

It was giving lost Deee-lite album at points

On 12/20/2022 at 5:37 PM, TrueBlood said:

Some great albums here, like Fossora, Blue Rev and CAPRISONGS. I kinda agree about Antisocialites' tracks hitting harder, I guess they definitely feel more anthemic than Blue Rev. Ironically enough, I also think that their debut is the most "anthemic" out of their records.

I don't LIVE for their debut but it did have some classics.  I think Antisocialites definitely had their strongest hooks.

On 12/24/2022 at 7:36 AM, Ace Reject said:

Girl I didn't realize how behind I was until I looked here!

Listen to Caroline Loveglow!

On 12/24/2022 at 4:54 PM, K$Ellie said:

Fossora was a major upgrade from Utopia but I find that album overhated 

I agree about the gabber songs, she needed a few more of those so the singles ended up mostly being my faves

loved Nymph even more than Alias and Cruel Practice but I REALLY got into her discography this year, she's excellent

Caprisongs was a bit of a letdown for her standards but still pretty good, Papi Bones showing up on everyone's lists

never heard of Alvvays until this year but Blue Red was excellent, I'll have to get more into them

Capri was a letdown only beause she's one of thse artists that's very about quality control.  It was refreshing to see her have fun even if there were a few "skips" (really just the skits)

On 12/24/2022 at 8:27 PM, Legend E said:

only heard nymph and i didn't really like it  

Try it again!

[madonnas]

 

20)
Nilufer Yanya - Painless (Indie Rock, Singer-songwriter)
Best tracks: Stabilise, The Dealer, L/R, The Mystic

She studied The Bends and OK Computer for 5 whole years and reported back to us with one of the best Indie Rock albums in years.  The best part?  Midnight Sun, the big single, is one of the weaker songs, the rest is even better.  She has some really unconventional hooks that stick in your head.

 

19)
Perfume - Plasma (Future Pop, Dance-Pop, Bubblegum)
Best tracks: Spinning World, Polygon Wave, Drive’n the Rain, Sayonara Plastic World

Yasutaka Nakata is definitely in his career renaissance era and my personal fave project of his comes with their best album in 9 years.  It’s got a nice blend of lite synth funk, electropop, bubblegum, dance, etc.  Probably not the best album to get into Perfume but honestly if you’re even somewhat interested in them you need to listen!

 

18)
Lexie Liu - The Happy Star (Electropop, Synthpop, Mandaopop)
Best tracks: Diablo, Fortuna, Pi, Shanti

She impressed me with her solid EP last year but this takes her sound to new levels with some amazing pop hooks, Grimes ish instrumentals (good grimes not player of games era), and then the last ⅓ of the album sorta serves Ray of Light.  She is REALLy underrated and we will be spamming her across the forum!

 

17)
Christine & The Queens - Redcar Les Adorables etoiles (Prologue) (Darkwave, Synthpop, Art Pop)
Best tracks: Ty sais ce qu’il me faut, rien dire, my birdman, combien de temps

I think this is his best project, I’m a sucker for artsy darkwave synth pop eras, and this album is basically all that.  I’m glad he’s switching it up every era, though apparently this is only the prologue, so prepare for more.

 

16)
Haru Nemuri - Shunka Ryougen (Pop Rock, Jrock, Hip Hop)
Best tracks: Who the fuck is burning the forest?, Never Let You Go, Ikiru, Old Fashioned

After she released her instant classic debut album, Haru shoots for even higher highs, with a nice blend of emo, pop, punk, synth, and art pop. There’s really nobody else that does what Haru does, and I think this album isn’t as consistent as her first, it’s got more variety and more risks.  

 

15)
Molly Nilsson - Extreme (Hypnagogic Pop, Synthpop)
Best tracks: Earth Girls, Pompeii, Intermezzo: The Wheel of Fortune, They Will Pay

I discovered her this year and I’m so glad I did.  She’s basically the Ariel Pink / John Maus that didn’t go to Jan 6 LOL so it’s not embarrassing to say you like her.  All her albums are pretty much the same vibe but this is def her best in a while and super consistent.  Good intro to her IMO.

 

14)
Kilo Kish - American Gurl (Art Pop, Electropop)
Best tracks: Bloody Future, New Ticks: Art, Aesthetics, and Money, Super KO Love, No Apology!

I love her weird blend of Gwen Stefani industrial pop.  She’s apparently going on hiatus after this album so she’ll be temporarily missed.  Highly recommend the album and the newly released bonus tracks.  

 

13)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cool It Down (Indie Rock, Shoegaze)
Best tracks: Fleez, Wolf, Spitting Off the Edge of the World, Burning

THEIR BEST ALBUM.  I said it!  They were known for their killer singles before this album but come out with an 8 track all killer no filler style album that has great hooks, good samples, and some really touching spoken word portions.  They s

 

12)
Charlotte Adigery - Topical Dancer (Dance-Pop, House)
Best tracks: Blenda, Making Sense Stop, Thank You, It Hit Me

This is a good album full of biting / spicy lyrics mixed with quirky pop / house beats.  It’s one of those albums where you’ll be singing along and then you realize what you’re singing along to is really biting social commentary delivered in a super sarcastic way.  Definitely for those who like quirky type pop too.

 

11)
Rico Nasty - Las Ruinas (Hip-Hop, Pop Rap)
Best tracks: Intrusive, Gotsta Get Paid, Watch Yo Man, Skullflower

This is definitely one of her best projects and it’s her first 10+ track project that’s really good all the way through, from pseudo dnb dance songs, to hard hitting industrial hip hop, to somber ballads she does it all her and does it well.  We love you Rico!

 

[Legend E]

likewise, I found Painless a bit meh  

 

I meant to listen to American Gurl  and Cool It Down but I never got to them...maybe in 2023?  

[worldwide angel]

AMERICAN GURL    AND LAS RUINAS

[Mr. Blue_Shirt]

Redcar Les Adorables etoiles & American Gurl acclaim 

 

it tried listen to Painless since i really love the singles but it still doesn't click with me, same with Cool It Down. But let me relisten to it again

[madonnas]

 

 

10)
Rochelle Jordan - Play With the Changes Remixed (Uk Bass, Alternative R&B, House)
Best tracks: Things You Say, Love You Good, Lay, Already

I have to say this is like 100% better than the original!  Pretty much all the songs get a fashionable makeover and it’s a lot more club ready but still with those icy distant vocals that make her stand out.  Seriously, LISTEN TO IT IF YOU LIKED THE ORIGINAL!!  There’s a good balance of different remixers so it’s not the same tricks after the same tricks.  

 

9)
Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B (Art Pop, Folk, Glitch Pop)
Best tracks: 50/50 Remix, Glasgow, Debra, Neon

This is definitely the classiest use of random glitch pop / noises appearing throughout somber songs and folk-adjacent sounding songs.  

 

8)
Javiera Mena - Nocturna (Synth Pop, Freestyle)
Best tracks: Culpa, Sombra, Me Gustas Tu, Eclipse Total

Queen of lesbians releases her best album since 2014 Otro Era with plenty of chill synth pop and lots of 80s influence including many new wave and freestyle songs.  It’s a comeback!

 

7)
Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time (Synthpop, Sophistipop)
Best tracks: No Thinking Over The Weekend, Bad Thing Twice, Bends, Anxious

Carly’s most diverse and risk taking album leans heavy into the Sophistipop sounds she only barely touched in her previous releases.  She keeps us hooked with some classic emotional Carly giant chorus punches, and then even gives us a faux disco moment or two.  Carly is expanding her sounds, but she’s still 100% Carly!

 

6)
Hatchie - Giving the World Away (Dreampop, Shoegaze)
Best tracks: The Rhythm, The Key, Lights On, This Enchanted

I love Hatchie so much, she’s the best combo of 90s girl rock group, shoegaze, and early 00s pop.  Her songcraft imo is unparalleled and she’s really good at those catchy choruses that make us swoon.  This album is more focused than her previous one, valuing consistency and a sonic narrative.

 

5)
Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen (Art Pop, Soul, Alternative R&B)
Best tracks: OMGG BRITT, Freakalizer, NBPQ (Topless), Copycat (Broken Notions)

I think this was the big surprise for me this year, I remember hearing her last album and thinking “good, but kinda boring.”  But this album is anything but boring.  It’s one of the most unique albums I’ve heard in a while, but she wears her influences on her sleeve.  It also has this sorta lo-fi bedroom pop appeal to it, very DIY, but in the best, most heartwarming and slay kinda way.

 

4)
Utada Hikaru - Bad Mode (Ambient Pop, Jpop)
Best tracks: Somewhere Over Marseilles, Find Love, Not in t =he Mood, Bad Mode

I love that this album isnt really a studio album.  It’s a collection of droplets and soundtrack singles with 3-4 songs squished in to make it a whole project and yet… if I didn’t know that beforehand, I wouldn’t have assumed that.  She somehow tied together loosies to make a genuine top 3 Utada album, full of emotion, synths, and everything good that I love.  And it’s COHESIVE, somehow?? There are good bonus tracks too, and we get a nice AG cook remix of FYF.  But am I evil if I say i prefer the original now?

 

3)
Charli XCX - Crash (Synth Pop, Dance Pop)
Best tracks: Crash, Used To Know Me, New Shapes, Baby

A meta post ironic sellout concept album?  girl who knows.  Anyway, sonically Crash is one of the most daring Charli albums in years, diving into the mainstream, and picking the best sounds, repackaging them in an 80s newjackswing/synthpop/new wave atmosphere.  This is one of those sellout albums that actually ends up being the true artistic risk, with layers upon layers of intricacy.

 

2)
Beyonce - Renaissance (Ballroom, Dance Pop, House, Nudisco)
Best tracks: America Has a Problem, Summer Renaissance, Alien Superstar, Move

Honestly, after The Gift, after Everything is Love, I lost hope in a good Beyonce project.  I know I’d like some songs here and there, but I wasn’t investing myself emotionally.  It’s almost good that I did that so that on first listen I could let her eat my words.  This is honestly, a top2 if not top1 Beyonce album.  After the 4/self titled/lemonade 123 punch, she defeated them all in a fell swoop with a love letter to dance music in all forms.  She’s studied her material and gave us the best of Beyonce in an instant classic.

 

 

1)
Rosalia - Motomami (Art Pop, Reggaeton)
Best tracks: Saoko, Bizcochito, Delirio Del Grandeza, Sakura

I think that this album’s first listen was one of the most amazing experiences of the entire year.  The whiplash between the emotional songs and the art pop bangers, the vocals, everything.  I remember we all had doubted her (NOT ME, I LOVED CHICKEN TERIYAKI) after the singles, but she came for blood with this album.  I really don’t think we’ll ever get another album like this ever again, it’s Rosalia at her best and I never dreamed that she would make me an instant stan overnight but she did!