Favorite New Music of 2022, So Far
Amidst all that’s dark and worrisome in our world, discovering great new music is one of my constant sources of joy and light. Here are my top ten favorite new tracks of the first half of 2022, with links to videos and a few comments on each track. And here is my longer, running list of favorites that I update as each time I discover more great new music: Favorites of 2022 on Apple Music.
1. Mitski, “Valentine, Texas” — https://lnkd.in/gc9YHZkc
Gorgeous opening song from the new album by one of my favorite artists. Don’t leave before the drop at 1:06.
2. Adrian Quesada + iLe — “Mentiras Con Cariño” https://lnkd.in/gpfnMyrb
My first time hearing Adrian Quesada’s “psychedelic boleros” and enchanting vocalist iLe — and now I’m hooked on both. Love the video, too.
3. Regina Spektor — “Loveology” https://lnkd.in/gfXYmDBM
Another of my all-time favorite artists — out with what I think may be my favorite song she’s ever written. It’s a track she wrote a long time ago, sometimes performs live, but had never recorded in a studio. Beautifully orchestrated and produced and deeply moving. Just perfect.
4. The Linda Lindas — “Growing Up” https://lnkd.in/g_x8BdYG
The Linda Lindas are incredible talents, all the more so given their age. Their artistry, courageous stands for justice, and joyful spirits are an inspiration for everyone in our family.
5. Stromae — “Santé” https://lnkd.in/gbhbzS9y
Love this tribute to those who too often are overlooked in our society, but who do the hardest and most thankless work, day in and day out.
6. Koffee — “Shine” https://lnkd.in/gbba76d7
A joyful song of affirmation from a true trailblazer in the male-dominated world of reggae.
7. Jorge Drexler, ft. Noga Erez — “¡Oh, Algoritmo!” https://lnkd.in/gPNnkMfU
Infectious grooves plus wry critique of the role of technology and AI in society — what more could a tech policy professional/aspiring Spanish-speaker/music fan ask for?
8. Maren Morris, “Humble Quest” https://lnkd.in/g6XBrutQ
Beautiful country song about the struggle to find one’s voice and overcome conventions that may hold us back from speaking out and standing up.
9. Charlie XCX, ft. Rina Sawayama, “Beg for You” https://lnkd.in/g8A6T9ST
Just a straight-ahead banger that hits that sweet spot perfectly.
10. Tanya Tagaq, “Colonizer” https://lnkd.in/gVtXP8Tn
Not an easy listen, but I’d submit an essential one. Tanya Tagaq is an indigenous Canadian who captures through her music the struggle, pain, and anger of those oppressed under colonialism.
