Eff-It 2022!
The Strange Side Road Soundtrack of 2022
Building a Best Of list is a time-honored tradition for music heads. And we all love lists don’t we? Magazine covers and clickbait tell me we do. This year however feels different, so let’s make it different.
First we need to clear the obvious out of the way: This list will not cover the “big hits” of the year. Not because they were not good. I’m fond of all of these artists, particularly Harry Styles and Charli XCX. They all deserve acclaim for these fantastical aural experiences. But you’ve all heard or seen them in different lists. This includes:
Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Pregunto,”
Harry Styles’ “As it Was,”
Charli XCX’s “Good Ones,”
Rosalia’s “Saoko,”
Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” and “Lavender Haze,”
and of course, the magnificent Queen on her horse, Beyonce with “Alien Superstar” and you won’t “Break my Soul.”
When I look at the big pop list holistically, there is a theme for 2022: The Year of the Fuck-It Banger. All of these songs weaved in a collective of confusion, exasperation, and defiance in 4/4 time with sharp, dark edges. Again, the music these artists did is good, but damn, we’re going through some stuff people.
The songs on the side road list share similar emotions, but occupied smaller spaces. So as 2022 hits the rear view mirror, here are some interesting songs to mark its passing.
We’ll do 11, because Spinal Tap. So now that we have an understanding, let’s get to it.
#11: Aaron Raitiere “Single Wide Dreamer.” Long-time Nashville collaborator can turn a phrase with expert country precision, and this song gives ode to the almost and the “he’s a shoulda, coulda, woulda, maybe still he oughta be.” Worth a spin if you like fun lyrics.
#10: HAIM’s “Lost Track” feels soft and quiet with lots of comparison lyrics. It feels a bit like a Spring nursery rhyme with harmonies.
#9: Amber Mark, “What It Is.” Mark’s album Three Dimensions Deep was in heavy rotation in my R&B area this year. Her voice and lyrics exude a smoky and sultry sound that pours over ice on a hot day.
#8: Nilufer Yanya’s “Stabilise” was a bracing surprise all around. Her sound and this album were completely unexpected. It rocked, and that was a rarity this year in the indie scene.
#7: Kehlani’s “Wish I Never.” How do you make relationship regret catchy? Ask Kehlani.
#6: The Mountain Goats, “Training Montage.” Joking about the movie training montage is pretty cliche by now, but this charming song by the Mountain Goals puts it all into lyrical perspective as the horns swell and the honest chorus states “I’m doing this for revenge.”
#5: Rosa Linn’s “Snap” was catchy and chances are you heard it, but didn’t know who she was.
#4: Cloud Cult’s “One Way Out of a Hole.” This song slid in around June, and it seemed a good way to start the Summer. Asking the question which way do we go? And when is it best to just let go of the map?
#3: Sampa the Great “Let me be Great.” This Zambian rapper produced something amazing with As Above, So Below, and the ending track “Let Me be Great” featuring Angelique Kidjo, is worth putting on repeat. The beats are fun and unexpected.
#2: English crooner George Ezra’s “Gold Rush Kid.” This is an ear worm song. You don’t want to like it. But it’s in your head and it makes you feel silly, if not good. It had one of my favorite lines of the year, “Rock paper scissors, I play against the mirror. There hasn’t been a winner for 9 days straight.”
#1: Miranda Lambert’s “Strange.” The anthem for those wondering what the hell is going on these days namely “Country don’t twang, rock-n-roll ain’t loud.” Why is that? So do what it takes to keep your sanity. Tip your hat to Miranda folks. I do.
Lastly, couple of honorable weirdos to put in the spin:
Sadly I think many forgot Khruangbin & Leon Bridges’ Texas Moon, was released this year, taking us down the road at dusk, with a sultry guitar, a smooth car, and the velvety lyrics of Bridges. The sunset soundtrack of Summer.
Regina Spector’s “Becoming All Alone” walks us through the lonely streets of New York, seeking a happy hour with God. It’s beautiful, warm, and funny.
Late in the summer, I was mesmerized by Leikeli47’s “LL Cool J,” just a fun rap song.
Charley Crockett’s album has been coming on of late. “I’m Just a Clown” is a great track.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard — These crazy Australians put out 6 (that’s right 6) albums in 2022. Headphones on and sink in. But I choose “Persistence” from Omnium Gatherum.
I wish you all a Happy 2023, with lots of love, faith, hope, joy, and playlists.
