In 2022, the London-based Dublin singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy released four songs from her forthcoming second album Endless Affair, which is is out on 17th March, and collaborated with Daithí on ‘Sunset’. Two of those tracks feature in our top 100 Irish songs of 2022.
Here are her 10 tracks of the year.
See all Guestlist of 2022 choices
1.
Soak – Bleach
I was lucky enough to hear this song ahead of its release while touring with Bridie at the beginning of the year. It was the big return to touring we had both been waiting for post-covid so will always hold a special place in my heart. The three of us driving around the UK doing an independent venue tour. I heard this song night after night and it blew me away each time. The album version is stunning and the outro section is still frequently stuck in my head. “I drive late at night, I visit memories I like, you live in my rear view mirror and you’re waving all the time”. So so good.
2.
Sorcha Richardson – Smiling Like An Idiot
Sorcha’s gorgeous second album is such a great build on her first. The title track is so lovely and it’s hard to choose just one song from that album because Sorcha is a hook machine, every song is so catchy. I saw this live in London a few weeks ago and it blew me away. Especially that lyric in the second verse “The second floor window, the sun coming down / I knew I loved you when you turned around”. It’s a beautiful story. Also great name check at the beginning of Joe Furlong who plays bass in her band, he is a great dancer.
3.
Katie Gregson MacLeod – Complex
I heard the demo version of this song on BBC1 and thought it was amazing, about being in a toxic relationship at 21 years old, it’s really sad and gorgeous. Also the music gives me big Vanessa Carlton 1000 Miles vibes.
4.
Fable – Shame
I got to review this song as part of Steve Lamacq’s Roundtable and fell in love with it through that. Just really clever lyrics and sounds really great. Deadly video too!
5.
Big Thief – Little Things
From their latest album, Adrienne Lenker is a once in a lifetime song writer. I love everything she puts out from Big Thief or her solo project.
6.
Anna Mieke – Twin
From Anna Mieke’s new record Theatre which was only released in November, this song is my favourite off it. Anna Mieke is an amazing songwriter and the instrumentation and production of this album as a whole are top notch.
7.
Julia Jacklin – Lydia Wears a Cross
From Jacklin’s latest album Pre-Pleasure. I think most people who grew up in Ireland can relate to this song and the strong imagery of kids being raised within a strong religious educational system, I love that lyric “I’d be a believer, if it was all just song and dance”. There’s a lot to delve into in the lyrics, cultural references like listening to Jesus Christ Superstar and praying for Princess Diana, as well as the childhood confusion of whether God can actually hear her.
8.
Angel Olsen – All The Good Times
Never fails, all her albums are great and the latest is no exception.
9.
Pillow Queens – Historian
My favourite track from PQ’s sophomore album, and sounds incredible live. I got to catch it at their sold out Scala show in London in May. The chorus is huuuuuge live.
10.
Andy Shauf – Wasted On You
I couldn’t do a list without Andy Shauf. His offering from 2022 is typically beautiful and I can’t wait for his next album.
See all Guestlist of 2022 choices
