The Ephemeric

But an abundance of options can hardly be a bad thing and while many exciting artists were axed in the process of whittling down to this short list, those that remain are very promising indeed, encompassing a healthy mix of old returning favourites and newcomers.

So without further ado, here is our list of the top albums to keep an eye on in 2022, starting with number 15:


15. Arctic Monkeys

Alex Turner has become something of an icon in the British music scene in recent years, but it is still his first vehicle, Arctic Monkeys that represents his most successful outlet to date. In 2022, AM is returning with their 7th, as yet unnamed, LP.

Currently little is known about the upcoming album other than that it is essentially complete at this point and will release this year. What little information is out there has been leaking out at a drip-feed via social media and word of mouth. By all accounts it appears to be a spiritual continuation of their last album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, an exploration of modern consumer culture most successfully conveyed in the lead single from that album, Four Out of Five. 

Given the lack of a formal release date, yet the apparent completeness of the record, I would expect this one to drop on short notice. Potentially in the spring, but more likely a summer release.

Release Date: Summer 2022


14. Sarah Kinsley (New band)

The "new band" label here would identify Sarah Kinsley as an upcoming star of the future, but in truth this is a tad misleading given the massive success she has already seen with her EP The King. 

Kinsley is widely seen as one of the next big things in music and a debut LP is expected to release in the near future. Her sound strikes that magic balance of big, catchy hooks and relatable vulnerability that the most successful pop acts strive for, and will certainly be one to watch.

A release date has yet to be confirmed, but this is expected to be a 2022 release.

Release Date: TBA 2022


13. Gabriels (New band)

Another exciting newcomer in the form of LA's Gabriels. This soul-singing trio has been hotly tipped for success by many pundits in the industry and attracted glowing endorsements from heavy hitters like Elton John, who described last year's EP release as one of the most seminal releases of the past 10 years.

Gabriels' sound builds on the entire history of Black American music, with influences in gospel, soul and blues. A smattering of EP and single releases to date have earned hype reviews, most notably 2021's Love and Hate in a Different Time.

A full LP release is due to follow and will make for a refreshingly different sound in the modern music landscape.

Release Date: TBA 2022

12. "The Tipping Point" by Tears for Fears

Here's one I did not see coming. Tears for Fears are among the most iconic British bands of the 1980s, with well-worn hits such as Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Mad World, and Head Over Heels. Songs that most everyone will be familiar with and are likely to grace any best of the 80s playlist. 

It's thirty years past their heyday, and twenty since their last album. Yet, following a successful spell of touring in recent years, 2022 will see a comeback in the form of new album The Tipping Point. At the time of writing, the band has released a lead single of The Tipping Point, and it's more or less what you would expect from the band. The far more stripped down No Small Thing seems more interesting to my ears and suggests at something of a new direction.

Cash grab or return to form? Comebacks are difficult to pull off, but even if they aren't able to add to their stable of genre classics it will be interesting to see what fresh ideas they might have.

Release Date: February 2022


11. "Time Skiffs" by Animal Collective

Animal Collective are one of those marmite bands. You either love them or hate them. The experimental Baltimore band have baffled and delighted music lovers for a good twenty years now (feel old yet?) and spawned a highly successful spin-off career for founding member Panda Bear. A new album, Time Skiffs, will release in 2022.

Their experimental nature makes this a difficult band to predict. Theirs is a sound that can range from the bafflingly mesmerising to the bafflingly unhinged to the actually kinda mainstream. Lead single from the new album, Prester John (loving the historic mythology reference), suggests a neat balance between their typical edge and commercial appeal, with something approaching a more breezy rock and roll sound.

Always intriguing, Animal Collective's latest will launch in February.

Release Date: February 2022


10. "As I Try Not to Fall Apart" by White Lies

An underrated part of the British music landscape, White Lies have been putting out consistently solid music a number of years now. New album As I Try Not to Fall Apart releases in 2022.

Still best known for their chart-topping 2009 debut, featuring hit single Death, theirs is a sound heavily influenced by "big" rock of the 1970s and 1980s, bands like The Doors, Talking Heads and Tears for Fears. If new lead single Am I Really Going to Die is any indication, it seems like they have nailed the genre. If the album lives up to this quality then it will definitely be one to keep an eye on.

As I Try Not to Fall Apart releases in March.

Release Date: March 2022


9. "Once Twice Melody" by Beach House

Baltimore (seriously what is it with Baltimore and music?) dream pop duo Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, known by their band name Beach House, have made a name for themselves with their lush, intimate music, perhaps best typified by 2015's Space Song.

But while they have had plenty of success over the past decade, there's always been the impression of more to come. Each album has seen their sprawling stream of consciousness finessed into increasingly fine-tuned productions, and with their new album Once Twice Melody there is the sense that this may be the moment where they really hit their stride. If title track Once Twice Melody and early single New Romance are anything to go by, this could be a pretty spectacular album.

Once Twice Melody will release in February.

Release Date: February 2022


8. Toledo (New band)

New York-based indie due Toledo have been quietly building a reputation with a string of well-received single and EP releases over the past two years. 2021's return to the touring circuit saw them partner up with a number of well-known artists including Julien Baker and Dirty Projectors. With work now underway for an unnamed debut LP, many are tipping the band for success.

Theirs is a fuzzy, indie folk sound in the style of bands like The Fray and Fountains of Wayne (RIP Adam Schlesinger). It may be the 2020 release of single FOMO that first brought them to mainstream attention, but it's last year's Sunday Funday that most impresses as a polished piece of music. We will watch their career with great interest.

Release Date: TBA 2022

7. "Unlimited Love" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I do not think it would be controversial of me to say that the legendary California rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers have recently been punching somewhere below the peak of their heyday. But they are far from the spent force that some would suggest. There is a reason that the band has enjoyed the remarkable longevity of a nearly forty year career, during which time they have crafted an enviable discography.

As they approach studio album number 12, there is particular cause for excitement with the return of longtime guitarist John Frusciante, who had sat out the last two albums. For many, Frusciante's sound is key to the band's identity, and his return bodes well for what could be a major return to form.

The newest album Unlimited Love is said to be in the late stages of production, with a release expected this spring. So far, we have heard just the one single Black Summer, an introspective track with gorgeous guitar-work reminiscent of the Californication era. Looking forward to this.

Release Date: April 2022

6. Skullcrusher (New band)

A name like Skullcrusher evokes the blackest of heavy metal, but this couldn't be further from the reality of Helen Ballentine's music. This is some delicately crafted multi-instrumental folk pop. Tranquil, lush, and grounded with some deft lyrical work.

Skullcrusher spent 2021 testing the waters with EPs and singles, a productive output that saw the release of some wonderful early tracks in Storm in Summer and Song for Nick Drake. It's all sounding great so far and bodes well for the eventual LP debut that is expected to happen at some point in 2022.

No firm release date has been provided at the time of writing, but this is expected later in 2022.

Release Date: TBA 2022


5. "From Capelton Hill" by Stars


Release Date: May 2022




3. "Chloe and the Next 20th Century" by Father John Misty

The godfather of hipster folk, Josh Tillman may have started life as the drummer of outstanding Seattle band Fleet Foxes, but has since gone on to forge his own career under the stage name Father John Misty and achieve remarkable success. New album Chloe and the Next 20th Century drops in 2022.

Perhaps best known for tracks Real Love Baby and Chateau Lobby #4 (or my own personal favourite So I'm Growing Old on Magic Mountain). A new album is on the way, with early single Funny Girl suggesting a move into something a bit more classical and nostalgic. Could this be indicative of the direction for the new album? 

In any case, we won't have long to wait with a release set for April. This won't be one to miss.

Release Date: April 2022


2. The xx

Just over a decade on from The xx's debut and the former indie darlings and firmly embedded themselves as global superstars, with three chart topping albums (more if you count the outstanding solo work of Jamie xx) that seem to get better and better with each release. 

Despite this success, it has now been five years since the London trio last released an album. But that could be about to change, with frontman Jamie xx revealing last year that a fourth LP was near completion and due for release in 2022 (as well as a third Jamie xx solo album at some point, apparently).

We don't have an album name or release date, so I will just leave you with their best track, On Hold, as a reminder for how good these guys can be. I can't wait for this comeback.

Release Date: Summer 2022


1. "Reborn" by Kavinsky

Yet despite the success, there has been almost complete radio silence since that album's release in 2013. Until now. A follow up album, Reborn, is finally on the way and we have the first two singles. If Renegade makes for a delightfully funky, over-the-top slice of nostalgia, the second release Zenith is an absolute masterpiece. Oozing with atmosphere, melancholy, and even a twist of irresistible saxophone goodness. This is as close to an "event" album as it gets.

Release Date: March 2022

So there you have it folks: 2022 in music. Tune in next week for this year's final Hot List, where we look at the most exciting new movies in 2022.