best of TheWayWeWere Best of 2022: PG.10: SOTY & AOTY REVEALED

[TheWayWeWere]

 

I'm so happy to celebrate year's ending here with fellow ATRLers  

This is my 7th 'best of' countdown (you can find here 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th (+best of decade) and 6th). As always, it's based on my last.fm scrobbling stats along with point system that reflects not only the amount of plays/scrobbles, but also chart performance in my YTT (abandoned though)

I'm gonna go with 150 singles and 50 albums  

I'll try to start tomorrow and finish before the year ends (but I can't be sure  )

 

--- previous winners ---

 

Spoiler

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

 

 

Edited December 14, 2022 by TheWayWeWere

[TheWayWeWere]

R E C A P

[.] Honourable Mentions / Throwbacks [x]

 

TOP 50 ALBUMS:

1    Beyoncé | RENAISSANCE
2    Charli XCX | CRASH
3    Taylor Swift | Red (Taylor's Version)
4    Harry Styles | Harry's House
5    Mitski | Laurel Hell
6    Taylor Swift | Midnights [x]
7    Florence + the Machine | Dance Fever [x]
8    Adele | 30 [x]
9    MØ | Motordrome [x]
10    Mary J. Blige | Good Morning Gorgeous [x]

11    FKA twigs | CAPRISONGS [x]
12    Alicia Keys | KEYS [x]
13    Avril Lavigne | Love Sux [x]
14    The Weeknd | Dawn FM [x]
15    Tove Lo | Dirt Femme [x]

16    Paolo Nutini | Last Night In The Bittersweet [x]
17    Maggie Rogers | Surrender [x]

18    Madonna | Finally Enough Love [x]
19    BANKS | Serpentina [x]

20    Lykke Li | EYEYE [x]

21    Willow | <COPINGMECHANISM> [x]

22    Hatchie | Giving the World Away [x]
23    Foxes | The Kick [x]

24    Noah Cyrus | The Hardest Part [x]
25    Jennifer Lopez | Marry Me (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [x]
26    Mabel | About Last Night… [x]

27    Demi Lovato | HOLY **** [x]
28    Miley Cyrus | ATTENTION: MILEY LIVE [x]
29    Carly Rae Jepsen | The Loneliest Time [x]

30    Kehlani | blue water road [x]
31    Tove Styrke | HARD [x]

32    Rina Sawayama | Hold the Girl [x]

33    Björk | Fossora [x]
34    Emeli Sandé | Let's Say For Instance [x]

35    Camila Cabello | Familia [x]

36    Empress Of | Save Me - EP [x]

37    Sigrid | How To Let Go [x]

38    Mandy Moore | In Real Life [x]

39    James Bay | Leap [x]

40    iamamiwhoami, ionnalee | Be Here Soon [x]

41    Let's Eat Grandma | Two Ribbons [x]
42    Betty Who | BIG! [x]

43    M.I.A. | MATA [x]

44    MUNA | MUNA [x]

45    Sharon Van Etten | We've Been Going About This All Wrong [x]

46    Christina Aguilera | AGUILERA [x]

47    Lights | PEP [x]

48    Rae Morris | Rachel@Fairyland [x]

49    Little Boots | Tomorrow's Yesterdays [x]

50    Michelle Branch | The Trouble With Fever [x]

 

TOP 150 SINGLES:

1    Tove Lo | How Long
2    Harry Styles | As It Was
3    Beyoncé | BREAK MY SOUL
4    Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama | Beg for You
5    Mitski | Love Me More
6    Taylor Swift | All Too Well (10 Minute Version) [Taylor's Version]
7    MØ | Brad Pitt
8    FKA twigs, The Weeknd | tears in the club
9    Noah Cyrus | Mr. Percocet
10    Florence + the Machine | My Love
11    Tove Lo | No One Dies from Love [x]
12    MØ | New Moon [x]
13    Kylie Minogue, Jessie Ware | Kiss of Life [x]
14    Maggie Rogers | That's Where I Am [x]
15    Empress Of | Save Me [x]
16    Kehlani, Justin Bieber | up at night [x]
17    Mitski | The Only Heartbreaker [x]
18    Beyoncé | CUFF IT [x]
19    MØ | True Romance [x]
20    Billie Eilish | The 30th [x]

21    Harry Styles | Late Night Talking [x]
22    Avril Lavigne, blackbear | Love It When You Hate Me [x]
23    Tove Lo | 2 Die 4 [x]
24    Ellie Goulding, Big Sean | Easy Lover [x]
25    Adele | Oh My God [x]
26    Florence + the Machine | Free [x]
27    Charli XCX | Used to Know Me [x]
28    Noah Cyrus | Ready To Go [x]
29    Taylor Swift | Anti-Hero [x]
30    Mabel, 24kGoldn | Overthinking [x]
31    Tove Styrke | YouYouYou [x]

32    Billie Eilish | TV [x]
33    Noah Cyrus | I Burned LA Down [x]
34    Paolo Nutini | Acid Eyes [x]
35    Paramore | This Is Why [x]
36    Carly Rae Jepsen | Beach House [x]
37    Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton | I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version) [x]
38    Taylor Swift | Message in a Bottle (Taylor's Version) [x]
39    Sky Ferreira | Don't Forget [x]

40    Katy B | Lay Low [x] 
41    Jennifer Lopez, Maluma | Marry Me [x]
42    The Weeknd | Sacrifice [x]
43    Mary J. Blige, Dave East | Rent Money [x]
44    Caroline Polachek | Sunset [x]
45    Mary J. Blige, DJ Khaled | Amazing [x]
46    Willow | <maybe> it's my fault [x]
47    Tove Lo, SG Lewis | Call On Me [x]

48    Jessie Ware | Free Yourself [x]
49    Demi Lovato | SUBSTANCE [x]
50    Maggie Rogers | Horses [x]
51    Demi Lovato | 29 [x]
52    Gryffin, MØ | Reckless [x]
53    Robyn, Neneh Cherry, Mapei | Buffalo Stance [x]
54    Tove Lo | Grapefruit [x]
55    Camila Cabello, Willow | psychofreak [x]

56    Noah Cyrus | I Just Want A Lover [x]
57    Mitski | Heat Lightning [x]
58    Willow | curious/furious [x]
59    Lykke Li | Highway to Your Heart [x]
60    Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Young Thug | Potion [x]
61    Avril Lavigne | Bite Me [x]
62    Harry Styles | Music for a Sushi Restaurant [x]
63    Tove Styrke | Hardcore [x]

64    BANKS | Holding Back [x]
65    Foxes | Body Suit [x]
66    Björk | Atopos [x]
67    Foxes | Absolute [x]
68    SZA | I Hate U [x]
69    Caroline Polachek | Billions [x]
70    Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran | Bam Bam [x]
71    Sam Feldt, Rita Ora | Follow Me [x]
72    Emeli Sandé | There Isn't Much [x]
73    Steve Lacy | Bad Habit [x]
74    Beyoncé | Be Alive [x]
75    Mary J. Blige | Good Morning Gorgeous [x]

76    Empress Of | Dance for You [x]
77    Maggie Rogers | Want Want [x]
78    Alesso, Katy Perry | When I'm Gone [x]
79    Florence + the Machine | King [x]
80    Snakehips, Tinashe | Who's Gonna Love You Tonight [x]
81    Let's Eat Grandma | Levitation [x]
82    Björk | Fossora [x]
83    Halsey | So Good [x]
84    Mahalia | In the Club [x]
85    Foxes | Growing on Me [x]
86    MUNA | What I Want [x]
87    Lykke Li | No Hotel [x]

88    iamamiwhoami, ionnalee | Thunder Lightning  [x]
89    Charli XCX | Baby  [x]
90    Let's Eat Grandma | Happy New Year  [x]
91    Betty Who | Blow Out My Candle [x]
92    Willow | hover like a GODDESS [x]
93    BANKS | I Still Love You [x]
94    Sheryl Crow | Circles [x]
95    Hatchie | Lights On [x]

96    Marina | Happy Loner [x]
97    Hatchie | Quicksand [x]
98    ALMA | Summer Really Hurt Us [x]
99    Ciara, Coast Contra | JUMP [x]
100    The Weeknd | Out of Time [x]
101    Rina Sawayama | Hold the Girl [x]
102    Sigrid, Bring Me The Horizon | Bad Life [x]

103    Machine Gun Kelly, Willow | emo girl [x]

104    MØ | Goosebumps [x]

105    Doja Cat | Woman [x]

106    James Bay | Give Me the Reason  [x]

107    Demi Lovato | SKIN OF MY TEETH [x]

108    Betty Who | SHE CAN DANCE [x]

109    Christine and the Queens | Je te vois enfin [x]

110    Bree Runway | Somebody Like You [x]

111    Hatchie | The Rhythm [x]

112    iamamiwhoami, ionnalee | Don't Wait For Me [x]

113    Tinashe | Naturally [x]

114    HAIM | Lost Track [x]

115    Rina Sawayama | This Hell [x]

116    Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, Halsey, Pharrell Williams | Stay With Me [x]

117    Rihanna | Lift Me Up [x]

118    Foxes | Sky Love [x]

119    Björk, Sindri Eldon | Ancestress [x]

120    Alicia Keys | Best of Me [x]

121    Loreen | Neon Lights [x]

122    Charli XCX, Christine and the Queens, Caroline Polachek | New Shapes [x]

123    Rae Morris | No Woman Is An Island [x]

124    Nicki Minaj | Super Freaky Girl [x]

125    Mandy Moore | Little Dreams [x]

126    Joss Stone | Breaking Each Other's Hearts [x]

127    Mabel, Jax Jones, Galantis | Good Luck [x]

128    George Ezra | Dance All Over Me [x]

129    Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi | Just Look Up [x]

130    Lady Gaga | Hold My Hand [x]

131    Summer Walker, SZA, Cardi B | No Love [x]

132    Mandy Moore | In Real Life [x]

133    Romeo Santos, Justin Timberlake | Sin Fin [x]

134    Tove Styrke | Show Me Love [x]

135    Raye, 070 Shake | Escapism. [x]

136    Lana Del Rey | Watercolor Eyes [x]

137    Rina Sawayama | Hurricanes [x]

138    James Bay | One Life [x]

139    Alicia Keys | City of Gods (Part II) [x]

140    Mahalia | Letter To Ur Ex [x]

141    Tove Lo | True Romance [x]

142    YUNGBLUD, WILLOW | Memories [x]

143    Grimes | Player of Games [x]

144    Avril Lavigne, Machine Gun Kelly | Bois Lie [x]

145    M.I.A. | Popular [x]

146    Ellie Goulding | Let It Die [x]

147    Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton | 9 to 5 [x]

148    Christine and the Queens | rien dire [x]

149    Megan Thee Stallion | Her [x]

150    PJ Morton, Jojo, Mr. Talkbox | My Peace [x]

Edited January 4, 2023 by TheWayWeWere

[rvx]

Wow!!!

 

Cool banner 

[gagacasanova]

Awww ****, here we go again! 

[JGibson]

Cannot wait to see what's in store.

[Alex]

the graphics 

 

that raye poster i see u!

[Polgg48]

the intro poster, exciting

[dreamofyou]

the banner is so good! perched for this 

[Alldeezy]

Always excited for yours

[K$Ellie]

oh wow the banner

[Mr. Loco]

Don't know why the banner is not loading for me, I guess my connection is a bit slow right now  Still anticipating it  

[Sanguine]

The banner and previous graphics perched!

[TalkThatRihanna]

Ready for this 

[Legend E]

The banner is absolutely stunning. I look forward to your chart every year, one of my favourites!

[MP2K]

You went in on the graphics. We tend to have similar picks so excited always

[TheWayWeWere]

So, let's start with albums and singles that were released before eligible period   and some picks that didn't make it into the main list

 

T O P   1 0   R E C U R R E N T   S I N G L E S:

1    Mary J. Blige | Deep Inside
2    Kylie Minogue | Confide In Me (Big Brothers Mix)
3    Adele | Easy on Me
4    Lana Del Rey | Blue Banisters
5    Charli XCX | Good Ones 
6    George Michael | Fastlove
7    Björk | Jóga
8    Kylie Minogue | Where Is the Feeling?
9    Moloko | Familiar Feeling
10    Sky Ferreira | Everything Is Embarrassing

 

T O P   1 0   R E C U R R E N T   A L B U M S:

1    Avril Lavigne | Let Go
2    Lana Del Rey | Blue Banisters
3    Kylie Minogue | DISCO
4    Kylie Minogue | Kylie Minogue
5    Diana Ross | Forever Diana: Musical Memoirs
6    SZA | CTRL
7    Miley Cyrus | Plastic Hearts
8    Jazmine Sullivan | Heaux Tales
9    Mary J. Blige | Mary
10    Mariah Carey | Butterfly

 

Quote

few thoughts:
· Even though I'm very happy artists are all over the re-releases/re-issues/expanded editions - most of them are so freaking lazy! Avril elevated this game for a few levels, creating basically new (better) mix of her iconic magnum opus. Fabolous work.
· Kylie's Extended Version of DISCO being better than original. 
· Diana Ross returning this year for one last time with such a mediocre record was a big disappointment, but I had such a great time relistening her best work over the year. 
· I still can't believe SZA finally released second album.
· Blue Banisters aged like a fine wine.
· I'm so happy for Mary's success at Grammys this year, but I also can't ******* believe she never got AOTY nomination before. Mary is right there!

Now some omissions from main list 

 

H O N O U R A B L E   M E N T I O N S

Quote

 

Norah Jones | I Dream of Christmas
The album I actually slept on last year. I don't know why I ignored this mostly this year, but I'm glad I listened to deluxe this year. Norah created magic with this record. She didn't go with the same 'christmas is fun, christmas is happy and etc'. She goes her way. It's nostalgic, melancholic, cozy and actually warm record that could kept you through the cold winter evenings. Probably one of the best christmas records this century and probably her best record in a decade. Voting for Christmas Calling becoming next AYWFCIY

Mahalia | Letter To Ur Ex - EP
I'm both mad and sad that another year goes with no sight of Mahalia's second album coming. Last year's droplets were cute bops, but on this EP she goes deep into more silky r&b productions, catchy hooks and personaly lyrics. Pretty much flawless little EP. Rooting for her!

Joss Stone | Never Forget My Love
I used to be a big fan of Joss, her first decade consists of some of the finest r&b/soul productions of this century, but she kinda fell of my map since LP1, spending most of the last years releasing reggae music and cheesy charity songs, and touring. Ever since the announcement of this album, I was pretty much excited - Dave Stewart as producer, both singles being some of her finest in a decade at least, but in the end I find this album a little disappointing. Yeah, the voice is here, production is (finally) great, but most of the songs feels like fillers to the biggest ones. I still happy she returned, and looking forward to her next steps. Title track, You Couldn't Kill Me and Oh to Be Loved by You - a must-hear from this album. 

First Aid Kit | Palomino
I've discovered girls this year by our forum recomendation, and since I'm a known sucker for upbeat folky pop productions, this album is basically written for me on the paper. And album is genuinely great, full of glorious instrumentation, warm melodies and harmonies. I can hear a big inspirations from Fleetwood Mac here and there, but I think the first two tracks (especially masterpiece 'Angel') has reached such a high level, which none of the other tracks never come close to. 

Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn | Pigments
Dawn is at her most experimental phase. It's not really music that I listen to, but album's production is IMMACULATE. It's lush, sexy, rich, nuanced. Songs like Crimson or Umber are literally belongs to her best of playlists. Another year, another criminally underrated Dawn's work.

 

Quote

The Killers | Boy

Okay, The Killers must've be the best boyband in a long time. The way they've never lose quality over the years! Whew! Even tho I love their alt sound, but 'Boy' is basically perfect blend between it & Brandon's solo work. 

Hayley Kiyoko | for the girls 

Even though I found 'Panorama' being pretty disappointing, Hayley created such a fun pop jam with 'for the girls' - yeah, lyrics are pretty silly, but I love how playful and cheeky it is, and sound is pretty amazing.

Tyga, Doja Cat | Freaky Deaky 

Lemme apreciate another silly bop! Yeah, onlyfans star Tyga's rap is far from spectacular, but this song is such a BAWP. Like..it feels literally straight out of mid 00s in a good way! Doja's parts are highlights of course, showcasing both her rap abilities and playful and sexy singing. 

Kelela | Happy Ending

I honestly can't believe the wait is finally over! I'm so happy she's coming back, 'Take Me Apart' still holds the title as one of the best records last decade. While 'Washed Away' was nice introduction leading into the new record, 'Happy Ending' feels straight of the middle of it! Smooth mix of drum&bass with pop r&b, this feels like a perfect soundtrack for 90s rave party.

Hercules & Love Affair, ANOHNI | One

ANOHNI, sis, can you return to studio and create another masterpiece? I'm missing you 'One' is highly anticipated reunion between ANOHNI and Love Affair, and even though it's far from 'Blind', it's pretty amazing too. The production is another level, it's more experimental than usual H&LA dancefloor anthems, but the hook is infectious and strong. Key change is everything!

Willow, Siiickbrain | PURGE

Willow elevating her punk-rock era even more this year is a revalation! Even though Purge didn't make it onto album, this is such a perfect alt heavy anthem! The catchiness along with angst, noise and edge are such an unique mix, that actually reminds me of early Nirvana or Hole. Also, Siiickbrain's harmonizing screams are insane!

Phoebe Bridgers | Sidelines

I'm not going to talk about Ms. Bridgers personality, but her music is breathaking. 'Sidelines' serves as both soundtrack to TV series and some kind of 'goodbye' to the 'Punisher' era. It's warm, peaceful, poetric take one personal relationships issues. And strings make it even more emotional. 

Fletcher | Sting

Another nice discovery this year. While I don't particually like the album, 'Sting' is a clear stand-out. Such a strong opening to a record, combining both melodrama with a banger tune.

Purple Disco Machine, Agnes | Twisted Mind

Agnes's disco inferno continues! Such a great continuation to 'Magic Still Exists'. Purple Disco Machine creates insanely great modern disco reincarnation, while Agnes helps with an amazing vocals, filled with energy and sassiness. 

Disclosure, RAYE | Waterfall
Disclosure were big part of my teen years, so seeing them to return to their garage/features formula makes me happy. RAYE being one of the most talented singer-songwriters out there really helps. 'Waterfall' is a perfect summer UKG anthem.

[JGibson]

Easy On Me in recurrents   

 

Boy in HMs 

[Sanguine]

Let Go #1 recurrent album  still her best to me, I love every song. Joga and Everything is Embarrassing

 

Haven't heard any of the honorable mention albums tbh besides sorta Palomino but I only got a few songs in then turned it off sjhfghjshg. Think I just wasn't in the mood

 

Nice HM songs, Happy Ending is great! Not a huge Phoebe stan but Sidelines was good too and one of my favorite songs by her, Purge also a bop

[MP2K]

I feel like they're just throwing Mary a bone now, because I haven't been impressed with her recent grammy nominated stuff. But throwback Mary is one of my favorite artists. I love your throwback section in general.

 

I have to check out Pigments intentionally!

[Remmy]

OOH the collage style banner  I live!!! and of course i spot plenty of people I enjoy

 

Recurrent Songs~ Blue Banisters is cute from what I remember. Easy On Me  Good Ones

Recurrent Albums~ Blue Banisters is okay from what I remember. Let Go & Plastic Hearts ahhh 2 classics!!!! 

Song HMs~ boy is so good  It really came out of nowhere after their last album was very chill and slowed down. Haven't been loving Willow's music as much as most do but I totally forgot my friend showed me PURGE months ago and I remember being a fan  same for Waterfall! RAYE's best song of the year.

 

Ready for more greatness

[Alldeezy]

Let Go & Plastic Hearts 

 

siickbrain, killers and doja in HM

[Mr. Blue_Shirt]

Fastlove, Jóga & Familiar Feeling are classics 

 

I recently listen to Joss Stone's new album cause i was feeling nostalgic for some reason and it was suprising good. But i was surpise that Never Forget... is her 8th album  i don't follow her career after Color Me Free i see nnn

 

Freaky Deaky, Twisted Mind & Waterfall are such bops like woah 

[Into The Void]

Sting is a bop and omg I was about to post for the girls in my Bubbling under but forgot she released 

 

Fletcher may or may not have been in my top 20 albums 

Edited December 11, 2022 by Insanity

[Album Leak]

Waterfall is one of my absolute favorites this year. 

 

Confide In Me original version is much superior. 
Fastlove and Familiar Feeling deserved though!

Edited December 11, 2022 by Album Leak

[TrueBlood]

A bit sad to see Kelela's Happy Ending as HM. 

 

But I love to see a mention for Sky's Everything Is Embarrassing, probably one of my most played tracks of 2022 even if it's a 10 years old song.  It is a classic, tho.