Top 50 of 2022: #25 – 21 / A Hip Hop Sweatshirt, A Shotgun and an Alt – Country Icon

We are getting closer and closer to number one of 2022. This was a huge year for new releases and any song in the next few posts would easily have made the top 10 of 2020 or 2021. These next 25 songs are straight fire and worth a listen.

25. Earl Sweatshirt: 2010

Earl Sweatshirt is one of the most provocative lyricists in hip hop. A member of Odd Future and solo artist has put out four studio records since his first mixtape in 2010. Each record has built on the previous release and 2010 has a cosmic synth vibe as Earl reminisces about his life and where he is headed. Earl Sweatshirt’s work is thought provoking and requires numerous listens to properly unpack it. I hope he continues to put out music and that he has an Odd Future reunion.

24. Soccer Mommy: Shotgun

Soccer Mommy’s latest record sees her taking on more of an indie lo-fi vibe as her vocals are further back in the mix and everything has a raw DIY feel to it. That is not to say that Shotgun does not dabble in glittery pop, especially in the chorus. The song itself is quite straight forward, but once it has its hooks in you it won’t let go. I like Soccer Mommy experimenting with her sound and trying new things. I love this track.

23. Lyle Lovett: 12th of June

Better known for tracks like If I Had a Boat, Lyle Lovett is back with his first studio record in close to a decade. The 12th of June is a song about the birth of his children, but it is also about so much more. Lyle sings about mortality and how he hopes he has taught his children to be kind and generous people in hopes they will leave a positive impact on the world. It is the hope of all parents, that their children will be better people than they were and have healthy / happy lives.

22. Baker Boy ft. Bernard Fanning: Wish You Well

Baker Boy covered a song from Aussie alt icon and Powderfinger lead Bernard Fanning with his usual flare. Much like his other work, Baker Boys slips in and out of his Indigenous language from Arnhem Land with an energy unparalleled in music. This single came out of no where and was a fun cover for people to check out and an amazing track to see live.

21. Suede: She Still Leads Me On

Suede has come back on the scene since their previous record in 2018, but it feels like it is back to the music we listened to in 1993 off of their self – titled record. The London alt – pop pioneers have captured that early 90s London sound in this track, which does nto sound dated. You get that 90s vibe, but the production has freshened it up to fit nicely within a modern context. This is a great Brit – rock track that plays as well in 2022 as it would in 1993.