Halfway Through the Year: Albums

Music is a massive part of daily life. For many people, if not all, music is therapeutic; a great way to express emotions and feelings, and an excellent way to spend some free time.. Music has hundreds of genres that cater to people of all ages. This year has introduced us to multiple different albums from various great artists. Here are some of the best albums released so far this year. 

1. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar, 2022 

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers is the fifth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and was released on May 13th, 2022. The album started recording in early 2019 and continued until May 2021 by PGLang, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. 

This conscious, hip-hop album released some addictive songs like “N95,” released May 20th, “Silent Hill,” released May 31s, and “Die Hard,” released August 9th. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers is an extraordinarily well-made and thought-out album. The production value is through the roof, and the album itself presents serious topics beautifully, like love, abuse, unity, and family. 

2. Laurel Hell by Mitski, 2022 

Laurel Hell is the sixth studio album by Japanese American singer-songwriter Mitski, released on February 4th, 2022, and recorded throughout 2017 and 2021 through Dead Oceans. Some top hits that this synth-pop, indie pop, and electronic rock style album released are called “Stay Soft,” released on February 4th, “Should’ve Been Me,” also released on February 4th, and “That’s Our Lamp,” once again, released on February 4th. 

Laurel Hell is one of the most aspiring and ambitious albums released to this date. Mitski is very well known for introducing singles, songs, and albums explaining her tormenting past. This album is no different, but it’s still able to help not only herself cope but also help her many fans that may be suffering through the same issues as well. 

3. Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny, 2022 

Un Verano Sin Ti, also known as A Summer Without You in English, is the fourth solo studio album and fifth overall by Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny, released on May 6th, 2022, by Rimas Entertainment. This album is a fusion of many genres such as reggaeton, cumbia, and indie pop. In addition, it introduced some catchy songs like “Moscow Mule,” released May 6th, “Callaíta,” released May 31st, and “Tití Me Preguntó,” released June 1st. 

Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny is a very straightforward album with many recurring themes: heartbreak and “the affliction of not being able to meet the expectations of his soulmate. Bad Bunny does a fantastic job of using many different styles across the Latin music industry in terms of production and technique.

Isabella Jimenez 

4. Dawn FM by The Weekend, 2022 

Dawn FM is the fifth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter, The Weeknd, released on January 7th, 2022, and recorded in 2020 and 2021 through XO and Republic Records. “Sacrifice,” released January 7th, “Out of Time,” released January 25th, and “Take My Breath,” released August 6th, are all pronounced songs from this dance-pop and synth-pop album. Dawn FM is a sonically pleasing and impressive album. 

This album focuses on telling a “story” and explaining that helplessness is only a mindset and not someone’s true purpose. The album follows different “characters” and even includes a very special appearance by Jim Carey. 

5. Once Twice Melody by Beach House, 2022 

Once Twice Melody is the eighth studio album by the American dream pop duo Beach House, released on February 18th, 2022, and recorded in 2018 through July 2021. Once Twice Melody is a double album of 18 songs, presented in four chapters. This dream pop, neo-psychedelia, and chamber pop song introduced some dreamy hits called “Masquerade,” released January 19th, “Hurts to Love,” released February 15th, and “The Bells,” released February 18th. 

Once Twice Melody is yet another classic album from this very hardworking band. Even though many say that it is hard to truly see any real “growth” from this band, many would argue that the band’s work is commendable and of such high quality, regardless of growth. This album confidently proves that point—another slow and steady masterpiece. 

6. Renaissance by Beyoncé, 2022 

Renaissance, also known as Act I: Renaissance, is the seventh studio album by American singer Beyoncé, released on July 29th, 2022, and recorded throughout 2020 and 2021 by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. Some hits that this disco, pop, and R&B album delivered are “Break My Soul,” released June 20th, “Alien Superstar,” released July 29th, 

and “Energy,” released August 13th. 

Renaissance is one of Beyonce’s best albums yet. With this album, Beyonce decided not to follow in the footsteps of her other albums and instead decided to try something completely new, and the album proved to be worth the wait. 

7. Harry’s House by Harry Styles 

Harry’s House is the third studio album by English singer and songwriter Harry Styles, released on May 20th, 2022, and recorded in 2020 and 2021 by Columbia Records and Erskine. This

Isabella Jimenez 

pop-funk, synth-pop released a few songs called “As It Was,” released April 1st, “Cinema,” released May 20th, and “Late Night Talking,” released June 21st. 

Harry’s House is a splendid blend of breezy and joyful summer vibes with a pinch of Harry’s usual charm and pizazz. Even though this album does tend to follow the usual aesthetic of his previous album, this album still does a magnificent job and kicks off the summer beautifully.