Best Albums In 2022, So Far

Ten Alternative/Indie Albums You Should Listen To.

Hi Pal,

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted anything on here. I’ve had to take some time to find balance in other areas of my life. As a kind of apology and a way to get back into the groove, here are some of my favourite album releases from the year (so far).

PS: This is not a ranked list, that comes later in the year.

1 — Faint by Colorvault

Although this is the most recent release on this list, Colorvault has dropped singles from this project between 2021 and 2022. Faint is an eclectic and diverse album touching indie, rock, ambient, pop, folk and electronic sounds. Above all, this is a very grounded worship album lyrically and it’s one of the year's highlights.

Recommended Songs: Radiance; Sweet Silence; With Us Still

2 — Be by Allswell

Arguably my discovery of the year, Be is one of the earliest releases of the year. Instrumentally dense and lyrically strong, Allswell delivered one of the best symphonic indie albums I’ve heard in a while. We may still have some ways to go in 2022, but I’m confident that this album will remain one of the best albums on my list come December.

Recommended Songs: Unforced Rhythms; Anyone Who Claims; You Are Love

3 — Weary Hymns Along The Way by Wild Earth

Sometimes I forget that Wild Earth is a relatively young band. I had such a connection with their previous album — Holy Fools (2017) — and five years later, they are back with a better body of work. Weary Hymns Along The Way is emotive Indie/Alternative rock from start to finish and I loved every second of it.

Recommended Songs: Dark Nights Of The Soul; O The Mystery; Carry It On

4 — The Greatest End by Benjamin Horton

Swinging to another end of the alternative music spectrum, Benjamin Horton released my favourite folk album so far this year. Everything about this album is well crafted and direct, particularly from a lyrical perspective. It is quite clear to me that The Greatest End was designed to be an immersive experience and it does just that.

Recommended Songs: The Greatest End; Abide; In Him Do We Trust

5 — Doorways & Tombstones by Jonathan Allen Wright

If there’s a word I can use to describe Jonathan Allen Wright, it would be ‘prolific’. The man just doesn’t seem to know how to stop and yet, he has never dropped a bad album. Doorways & Tombstones is a brilliant addition to his already stacked discography with memorable alternative and indie-pop songs for your listening pleasure.

Recommended Songs: Hear Me Out; Reality Check; An Industry

6 — SEEK by Jem Pryse

I debated whether or not to place this album on this list. SEEK is unique because of how unapologetic Jem Pryse is about not fitting into a single genre label. On this album, he blends funk, soul, jazz and hints of R&B into a surprisingly tasteful mix. Still, at its heart, this album is built on a solid alternative/indie foundation that ties it all together sonically.

Recommended Songs: Turning Reality Into Dreams; S&S; calm in the storm

7 — Pression by Civilized Creature

Continuing in the spirit of eclectic or genre-defying albums, Civilized Creature’s album certainly fits the bill. Opting to stay relatively within the electronic space, Pression pushes experimental boundaries with synthwave, funk, downtempo, lo-fi and hip-hop elements. It’s an experience every fan of these genres needs to have.

Recommended Songs: Recall; Better Bet; For You

8 — GOOD SPIRITS by God’s Warrior

Let me just this out there — God’s Warrior has dropped three albums this year and somehow we are still in the month of May. I discovered them this year and this is the only album I’ve listened to of the bunch. Somehow, it’s one of the most fun listening experiences I’ve had in EDM/house/Dubstep music in quite some time.

Recommended Songs: Adonai; Wherever You Go; Make Them See

9 — Dusk & Dawn by The Jonah Project

I have a soft spot for concept albums, particularly projects that are rooted in scripture. Although The Jonah Project presents Dusk and Dawn as EPs, the 11 combined tracks of the two EPs already qualify for album status in my books. With sounds ranging from indie rock, alternative rock and punk rock; it’s one of the most unique projects of the year.

Note: A third EP in the series should be on the way soon and I can’t wait to hear it.

Recommended Songs: Psalm 13; Psalm 89; Psalm 62; Psalm 68

10 — Home Called Heaven by Lovkn

For those who have followed this newsletter for a bit, Lovkn should not be a new name to you. On this album — his third full-length — he sheds some of his already established acoustic sensibilities and explores a variety of indie-pop tunes. In my opinion, it’s his best-produced and most personal album to date and I think everyone should give it a listen.

That’s all for today folks.

Until next time.

Keep listening!

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