Best Albums of 2022

 

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Music happened this year. A lot of releases from long-time favorites that delivered. A few top five releases by new folks that I'm excited about. This was the year of vinyls for me, re-framing the way I have been experiencing music, diving into new albums but also more frequent visits to older favorites. I also got to a few shows this year: MUNA, HAIM, Carly Rae Jepsen, & Wet Leg. Oh, a lot of women in this list. All of them actually, either individual artists or vocally fronted by. Here we go.

10. Beach House - Once Twice Melody 
Same gauzy, hooky goodness.

9. Semler - Stages of a Breakdown
Semler has had a break-out year or two and is a fun follow on the social medias. Queer Christian music that ranges from sing-alongs to hazy worship to bops and I'm mostly here for the bops.

8. Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter
Oh shoot, a lot of atmospheric albums to start out the list. but Ethel Cain had a great entry to the music scene this year. Distinct POV in the lyrics and great expansive tracks. Worth the time investment in this long album.

7. Sylvan Esso - No Rules Sandy

Most listened to artist of the year. Though I probably need to spend a little more intentional listening time with this album to delve into the individual tracks. This duo is reliably great and I'm here for them having fun with a no rules project.

6. Lizzo - Special
Lizzo is a pop force to be reckoned with. Numerous bops on this album and continued pop positivity. She's also crushing it with her award winning reality competition show, playing enslaver J-Mad's flute at her DC show, and dropping a documentary on HBO Max. Looking forward to where she goes next and wouldn't be annoyed if she experiments on future albums.

5. Maggie Rogers - Surrender
Ok, I see you Maggie. Some great leading singles with That's Where I Am and Want Want. And some great, sentimental tracks with I've Got a Friend and Different Kind of World. This album is a little more rocker gurl vs. electronic pop, which takes some getting used to, but the album grew on me and will provide plenty of re-listens.

4. MUNA - self-titled
Break-out pop rockers of the year, for sure. Which is a convoluted statement because they've had a few albums (on another label) and they hooked us with single Silk Chiffon with feat. Phoebe Bridgers last fall (2021). But this album is fully realized and just great. Can't wait to see what else they do. Also: saw them live in Hummelstown, PA in January 2021 for a perfect small, local show.

3. Wet Leg - self-titled 

Irresistible punk gurlies from the UK. I wouldn't have pegged any of those descriptors to be something that would be something I would be interested in but they know how to write a hook. Both goofy and rockin, this album is a blast. Was able to see them live in Harrisburg, PA and they were a hoot.

2. Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time
This album has a lot of great tracks. Carly is queen of crafting a pop bops and I'm here for it. She goes a few different directions and takes some chances. A collab with a Rufus Wainwright (yes!) and that beach song (meh) but that's what seasoned artists do. Also, I was able to see her on tour and it was everything I want out of a concert (medium sized crowd, seats, bop after bop, and seeing with good friends where we could walk to our Airbnb afterwards).

1. Beyoncé - Renaissance

Beyoncé creates a moment. A conversation. She fills a musical need that we didn't know we needed. Collaborations and homages abound. Less autobiographical than her last two albums, Renaissance is a call to the dance floor, to live life fully. The album is expansive, weaving into a number of different sounds. Bangers, grooves, hip-hop, disco, queer ballroom. Oh, I live for the Energy, Break My Soul, & Church Girl trifecta line-up. I'm here for all of it. 

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• Alex G - God Save the Animals
• Coco & Clair Clair - Sexy 
• Death Cab for Cutie - Asphalt Meadows 
• First Aid Kit - Palomino 
• Harry Styles - Harry’s House 
• Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers 
• Leikeli47 - Shape Up 
• Omar Apollo - Ivory 
• Phoenix - Alpha Zulu 
• Pusha T - It’s Almost Dry 
• Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen
• SZA - SOS 
• Taylor Swift - Midnights  

Best Television of 2022

 

Continued onslaught of TV out there. Majority of it is fine but unremarkable. But then I also loved my top 20 and really enjoyed my HM so I guess we keep watching as time and life allows. Perhaps there will be a year I cut back but that's not today.

20. What We Do in the Shadows (season 4, FX on Hulu)

The jokes. The concepts. The execution. This show rules and they've somehow made a house of vampires in Staten Island mockumentary comedy plot line interesting and fresh in a fourth season.

19. Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (season 1, Prime)

LOTR is one of those fantasy worlds I actually get lost in. Not my genre but the movies hit at the perfect time in my teenage years so there's certainly some nostalgia points here. I'm also not a big enough LOTR nerd to actually know if all of the lore lines up appropriately because I'm just along for the ride.

18. Reservation Dogs (season 2, FX on Hulu)

This show's second season got a lot of buzz. The most unique show on television. Doing its own thing. Beautifully shot and scripted and acted. Yes to all of these things. I thought the first season did that too. But glad it's getting the recognition it deserves. Go check out this show about native teens. It's funny and eye-opening.

17. Atlanta (season 3 & 4, FX on Hulu)

Two things. One: Atlanta walked so Reservation Dogs could run. Both from very specific points of view and just bizarre in the best way. Two: I haven't watched season four yet. Season three was wild and very bizarre at times with the crew roaming Europe on tour. I hear season four is back in ATL for the series finale and is excellent. So, it gets included too.

16. Never Have I Ever (season 3, Netflix)

From the mind of Mindy Kaling, this show is so fun and light and one of my fave teen bops of a show. Keep 'em coming!

15. Sort Of (season 2, HBO Max)

I live for these types of shows. Sort Of follows Sabi, gender-queer Pakistani 20 something in Toronto as they figure out life while reconciling their various identities and various communities. Go binge these (short) seasons over a weekend.

14. Hacks (season 2, HBO Max)

Hacks gets recognition for being great. And it is great. Two great comedic actors acting as comedians so, yeah, it's funny. Generational difference is centered but not the only dynamic at play. 

13. Girls5eva (season 2, Peacock)

From the mind of Tina Fey, Girls5eva is joke-packed to the gills. I love it. More seasons, please.

12. The Sex Lives of College Girls (season 2, HBO Max)

Also from the mind of Mindy Kaling! This show is so fun and funny, following four first-year women at a prestigious liberal arts college. Lots of shenanigans and cliff-hangers and jokes. And I'm a sucker for a college-centered anything.

11. Somebody Somewhere (season 1, HBO)

A funny show that meanders through grief and feeling out of sorts and making community. Actors Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller really make this one a worthy watch.

10. Severance (season 1, Apple TV+)

This show is weird, man. Weird corporation stuff is going on, there's off-kilter dance parties, our relationship to work is skewered. This one is worth the watch. 

9. Big Mouth (season 6, Netflix)

I love this pubescent animated show. A bunch of my favorite comedians voices middle-schoolers going through real stuff and handled so (im)maturely.

8. The Rehearsal (season 1, HBO)

I don't know how to describe this show. Or Nathan, the show-runner. Some weird ethical stuff with child actors revealed at the end. I had no idea where this IRL show was going. And I guess I'm here for shows that reinvent what television can be.

7. Mo (season 1, Netflix)

A handful of A24 auteur shows on my list. I think Mo was my favorite from this year. Mirroring parts of Mo's actually life, this scripted show beautifully depicted Houston, immigrant life, and middle eastern culture. Also, very funny.

6. Stranger Things 4 (season 4, Netflix)

Hour and a half episodes?! Are you kidding me?? But they were really good. And good on ST for creating a summer moment with Running Up a Hill.

5. Derry Girls (season 3, Netflix)

I've been late hopping into this show but these 19080s gals are so fun to follow. Lots of laughs with a tumultuous political backdrop. So, I guess there were literal laugh and cry moments.

4. Our Flag Means Death (season 1, HBO Max)

Easily my favorite queer pirate TV show of all time.

3. Abbot Elementary (seasons 1 & 2, ABC)

At this point, it feels like Abbot has been around for five years. But really it's just (mostly) been the 2022 calendar year. At this point, they mockumentary comedy format is well-trodden. Abbott brings a welcomed fresh-ness to the genre. The full ensemble is solid, the jokes hit, the plots are specific and appeal to a wide audience. Hoping for five more seasons.

2. Heartstopper (season 1, Netflix)

Not much to say other than this cute little queer high school love story was precious and the sweetest way to spend four hours. 

1. The White Lotus (season 2, HBO)

I missed watching season one live so I was ready for the cultural moment that season two turned out to be. Coolidge and Plaza, the intro theme song, the shots of waves crashing, the clothes. Hitting on all cylinders. Can't wait for a third season in the midwest.

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• The Afterparty (season 1)Barry (season 3)
• The Bear (season 1)
• Better Things (season 5)
• Bad Sisters (season 1)
• Bob's Burgers (season 13)
• Killing Eve (season 4]
• Heartbreak High (season 1)
• High School (season 1)
• A League of their Own (season 1)
• Loot (season 1)
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (season 4)
• Only Murders in the Building (season 2)
• Pause with Sam Jay (season 2)
• Ms. Marvel (season 1)
• Ramy (season 3)
• Rap Sh1t (season 1)
• Reboot (season 1)
• Rutherford Falls (season 2)
• Rupaul’s Drag Race (season 11)
• She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (season 1)
• Starstruck (season 2)
• Search Party (season 5)
• Tuca & Bertie (season 3)
• We’re Here (season 3)
• Welcome to Chippendales (season 1)
• Welcome to Wrexham (season 1)

Highly Anticipated (listed alphabetically)

• Andor (season 1)
• The Crown (season 5)
• The Patient (season 1)
• Slow Horses (season 2)

Best Television of 2021

 

Another year. Lots of television and, with pandemic restricting a ton of "going out," a lot of time to view. Particularly with a stressful world/life, I'm continuing to lean towards the half-hour dramedy format. Lots of HBO Max and Netflix though plenty of other streaming sources, particularly with my top five. Here we go.

Favorite Shows

21. Love Life (season 2, HBO Max)

Same universe, mostly new cast. This season hit. Protagonist Marcus (William Jackson, aka The Good Place's Chidi) stumbles his way through a number of relationships and modern woes. I'm here for it.

20. Genera+ion (season 1, HBO Max)

SoCal teenagers doing their thing. Making mistakes, dealing with issues present distinctly today. All very Gen Z. It's removed from my personal experience but congruent with what I see with current college students. Wonderfully shot, sound-tracked, acted, and written. 

19. Special (season 2, Netflix)

Wonderfully funny and engaging and, of course, opening a lens on a person with a disability's experience. 

18. Rupaul's Drag Race (season 13, Paramount+)

Ok, so here's the thing: Since September 2020, I started Rupaul's Drag Race and have caught up on the show, including All Stars and a few seasons of UK and Canada. So, Rupaul has played a large part of my past year and a half. For the latest season, I loved the top five and was very pleased with the winner. The lewks, the kiki-ing, the whole structure of the show. I'm a decade+ behind but I'm all in now.

17. Sex Education (season 3, Netflix)

Wonderfully scripted and explores so much of teenager's (and human's) sex lives. British and Gillian Anderson elevate it. Give us another season or two!

16. Atypical (season 4, Netflix)

Confession: I haven't finished this season but I'm connected to this family and navigating life and it's just good.

15. Feel Good (season 2, Netflix)

This show is hella funny. Lead Mae is perfect, full of insecurities and flaws and so funny. The seasons are real short but pack a lot of plot and humor in, in the best way possible.

14. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (season 2, Netflix)

Sketch genius. Bizarre premises, perfect timing, great guests, and just the right amount of sketch wants. 

13. Hacks (season 1, HBO Max)

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are fantastic leads. Great writing, great generational comparison.  

12. How To With John Wilson (season 2, HBO Max)

This show is brilliant. Documentarian John Wilson wanders around NYC, chooses a topic, and somehow threads dozens of clips into his theme for the week. Funny and human and unlike anything else I'm watching. 

11.Search Party (season 4, HBO Max)

The gang is back together. Moving on from "solving a crime" and now dealing with the consequences of their actions. Perfectly Millennial but not annoying about it. The show takes bizarre turns in the best way. 

10. Mare of Easttown (season 1, HBO Max)

Watched this hour-long seven-episode season in a two-day period. I'm a sucker for long-form detective shows and this one reeled me in perfectly. Kate is amazing and I'm all about the Philadelphia accents and references.   

9. Tuca & Bertie (season 2, Cartoon Network / Adult Swim)

Netflix dropped this gem but thankfully CN picked it up. Ali Wong & Tiffany Haddish as the lead voices. Their work is perfect. The animation is Bojack Horseman style but they've upped the ante in a creative direction. Love these gals.

8. Only Murder in the Building (season 1, Hulu)

Somehow a comedy, detective thriller, inter-generational, and a meta-commentary on podcasts and true-crime. The leads are fantastic and somehow Steve Martin and Martin Short pair perfectly with Selena Gomez.

7. The Other Two (season 2, HBO Max)

NYC sibling seek to elevate their professional careers in the entertainment industry while watching their mother and brother's careers blow-up with little effort. Both a great family relationships comedy and an incisive commentary on modern day definitions of success.

6. Insecure (season 5, HBO Max)

Issa! You and your crew will be missed! As always, a fantastic exploration of a thirty-something making it in the world, trying to find love, and uncompromisingly black. The final season kept it fresh, kept up the perfect sound-tracking, and kept up a near perfect show.  

5. Girls5eva (season 1, Peacock)

This show slapped. Tina Fey funny and I'm here for it. A group of women come back a couple decades later to revive their careers. So bizarre and somehow plot driven without being overly-complicated. Yes to a second season!

4. What We Do in the Shadows (season 3, FX on Hulu)

Comedy perfection. The show has fully hit it's stride. So funny and bizarre and exploring unchartered territory of premise (documentary style with a group of vampires living in Staten Island). 

 

3. Big Mouth (season 5, Netflix)

I keep waiting for this show to turn a corner and run out of jokes and premises yet they continue to delve into hilarious topics while being kind and considerate to the (raunchy) puberty themes. The hormone monsters are infinitely quote-able and I'm ready for more. 

2. Pen15 (season 2.2, Hulu)

The latter part of season 2 (seven episodes) was just so perfect. I guess I'm a sucker for puberty story-lines written/performed by thirty-somethings (see Big Mouth). Maya and Anna are hilarious middle school girls with all of the charm, annoyance, and illogic of that age. They are infinitely loyal and horny. The last episode was a crowd pleaser and I was more than pleased.

1. Ted Lasso (season 2, Apple TV+)

Along with everyone else, I find this show to be perfection. So heart-warming and good-natured without being saccharine. Each character is fully human and nuanced and they actually have character arcs. Give me season three. 

  

 

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• 100 Foot Wave (season 1)
• Bob's Burgers (season 11)
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine (season 8)
• It's a Sin (mini-series)
• Legendary (season 2)
• Loki (season 1)
• Pride (documentary series)
• Making It (season 3)
• Never Have I Ever (season 2)
• Q-Force (season 1)
• Reservation Dogs (season 1)
• Rupaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 6)
• Rutherford Falls (season 1)
• Schmigadoon! (mini-series)
• Shrill (season 3)
• Starstruck (season 1)
• Succession (season 3)
• Wandavision (season 1)
• We're Here (season 2)
• We Are Ladyparts (season 1)

Highly Anticipated (listed alphabetically)

• Betty (season 2)
• The Chair (mini-series)
• Dear White People (season 4)
• Maid (season 1)
• Master of None (season 3)
• The Morning Show (season 2)
• Modern Love (season 2)
• Landscapers (season 1)
• Sort Of (season 1)
• The White Lotus (season 1)