Unlike previous years, the album releases this year trickled like water before bringing in a flood of new releases.

Most of the year’s huge releases are represented on our list of the best albums of 2022. Still, there is a mix of both older and new releases. These are the albums that continued to prove that even in a slow year, there can still be great music.

Join us below to find out which artists have made their presence known this year with That Grape Juice’s Best Albums of the Year so far…

Beyonce – Renaissance 

Beyonce’s seventh studio album turned out to be exactly what the title promised, a renaissance. Paving a new lane, Queen Bey shared this dance-inspired release that explored the genre in all of its various mediums. From the disco to the doors of the church, Beyonce created a sound only she can, proving her status as music’s reigning queen.

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Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

While it may be his first album in five years, there is a sense that Kendrick Lamar never really left and that ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’ is just another day for the rapper. Casually and quietly over the last couple of years he has crafted yet another masterpiece. While the air may be casual, make no mistake, Lamar is as innovative as ever. From the risky subject matter to the hypnotic rapping, ‘Mr. Moral & the Big Steppers’ is the work of a man who is willing to take risks and go to places only the greats before he dared to go.

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Taylor Swift – Midnights

As titan-sized superstars go, few have scaled the heights of success Taylor Swift has achieved. And, following the seismic slay of her latest effort, it’s unlikely any of her peers will come close. ‘Midnights,’ which is home to chart-topper ‘Anti-Hero,’ has delivered an emphatic answer to those wondering if the Pop force could get any bigger. Launching with sales of over 1.5 million in the US alone and commanding critical acclaim in earnest, the LP

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Wizkid – More Love, Less Ego

After breaking through the international market with his hit song ‘Essence,’ Afrobeats superstar Wizkid returned with the triumphant ‘More Love, Less Ego.’ Across the project, what appears to be a glassy surface soon gives way to a rich, textured array of sounds and influences, satisfying even the most diverse of musical palettes.

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Rosalia – Motomami

While her main influence may have been Flamenco, Spanish singer Rosalia has never been one to shy away from blending new sounds and genres together to create a sound all her own. Case in point, her third studio album ‘Motomami’ brings the percussive elements of Flamenco and blends them with futuristic synths to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative.

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Rina Sawayama – Hold The Girl 

Sophomore albums historically carry ample expectation – even for critically acclaimed artists such as Rina Sawayama. Thankfully for all, the eclectic songstress delivered and them some with her delicious second full-length offering. Boasting a mix of fresh producers, as well as established heavy hitters such as Paul Epworth, the resulting body of work has helped elevate the bonafide star to new heights. It’s also been on replay here at TGJ.

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Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine

Proving to be one of the most effective and skilled femcees in the game, Megan Thee Stallion blazes through her second album with fierce bars and middle fingers to the haters. However, it is the vulnerable moments on this album that truly give it its spirit. Songs like ‘Flip Flop’ and ‘Anxiety’ have paved the way for a new Meg, a version that could land her among the greats in the future.

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Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti

There is no coincidence that one of the world”s most popular artists also happens to be one of the most talented. While the album is entirely in Spanish, you do not need to understand the language to feel the romance and history that lines the lyrics of ‘Un Verano Sin Ti.’ More than a Latin album, Bad Bunny‘s most recent effort includes the sounds of EDM, to mambo and so much more, evoking various moods across the way and making for one of the year’s most emotional listens.

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Lucky Daye – Candydrip

After releasing his debut album a few years ago, Lucky Daye has gone on to live the dreams few dare to dream. With the release of his sophomore album ‘Candydrip,’ Daye once more delivers a smooth blend of songs that are an array of Soul and Pop sounds. With themes of sex, romance, and toxicity, Daye delivers a record that is as tasteful as the name suggests.

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Lizzo – Special 

While Lizzo may be a multitude of things, there are two that ring the truest: she has an undeniable personality and she makes bangers. Case in point, ‘Special’ is filled to the brim with hit after hit. From the chart-topping ‘About Damn Time’ to the album’s title track, ‘Special’ is a more matured Lizzo, but one that still knows how to have fun.

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Wild Card Pick 

Ethel Cain – Preacher’s Daughter 

After releasing her phenomenal EP ‘Inbred’ last year, Ethel Cain returned with the magnificent ‘Preacher’s Daughter.’ Not to be taken lightly the project tackles themes such as the American dream, religious trauma, sexuality, and more. From the heartland pop of ‘American Teen’ to the heart-shattering ‘House In Nebraska,’ Cain weaves a tale unlike any other released this year, one that stands among the year’s best.

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Honorable Mentions 

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Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry

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Harry Styles – Harry’s House

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The 1975 – Being Funny In A Foreign Language

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Kehlani – Blue Water Road

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Denzel Curry — Melt My Eyez See Your Future

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Do you agree with our picks?

Your thoughts?

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