The 100 best songs of 2022

90.

Fred again..

Danielle (smile on my face)

Speaking of Four Tet, he pops up again here on a co-production with Fred Again.., initially uncredited to much consternation but it’s all fine now haha, right guys? Ok.

There are no doubts of the origin of this track, with Kieran Hebden’s drum and synth paw prints are all over ‘Danielle (smile on my face)’ from Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022), which samples the acapella of 070 Shake’s ‘Nice To Have’ which was chosen as it was Fred’s own most played track of the year.

In terms of Fred’s output, the bangers do more for me than the more diaristic output.

89.

Tobe Nwigwe, Fat, Pharrell Williams, Earthgang

Lord Forgive Me

The presence of Atlanta duo Earthgang and Pharrell on this track alerted me to the existence of Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe, a supremely prolific artist it turns out, who is doing exciting big things with music and visuals.

There’s a fine line in interestingly choreographed music videos with style to watch.

See the 2020 New York Times article: Tobe Nwigwe Never Planned to Go Viral. Then He Rapped About Breonna Taylor for an intro.

87.

Gena Rose Bruce, Bill Callahan

Deep Is The Way

A gorgeous duet that hangs on the contrast between the cragginess of Callahan and the sweetness of Australian artist Gena Rose Bruce.

For a more upbeat song from the Melbourne artist, try ‘Foolishly In Love’.

86.

Prima Queen

Butter Knife

The English-based Transatlantic duo, Prima Queen, Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden’s uniquely pitched spoken word orchestral indie song cut through the noise this year, with the devastating subject matter of dementia.

“Butter Knife is a reflection on losing a loved one slowly to Alzheimer’s. When they pass away the loss is confusing because not only are you grieving the person you knew before the illness, but also the person they became.”

85.

Overmono, Joy Orbison, ABRA

Blind Date

A once-off in ‘Blind Date’ on XL Recordings, a fine amalgamation of the three producers styles – garage, bass and a hook by ABRA to give it extra heat. OOF.

84.

Ibibio Sound Machine

Protection From Evil

The London afrofuturistic electronic group’s latest and fourth album Electricity was produced by Hot Chip and was a collaboration borne from sharing festival bills and bonding over Francis Bebey and Giorgio Moroder. Ibibio have always been a live band that shook stages and rooms, and it’s nice now to hear a new slant on their music which loses none of its ferocity in the process as heard on this opener.

82.

Skinner

The Slump

Razor sharp “weird disco” inspired by James Chance and ESG, Skinner’s ‘The Slump’ is a barrel of new wave and post-punk perfection with a killer bassline, sax, percussion and buzzing angular guitar, that will take you out of a low point.

‘The Slump’ features the Commander Trainwreck EP released on Faction Records.

Declaration Of Interest: I manage Skinner.

81.

Warpaint

Champion

Warpaint returned with their first album in six years Radiate Like This that featured atmospheric dreamy guitar rock with earworm melodies. ‘Champion’ is a gauzy hooky song which refuses to look in your general direction, until the steeliness melts towards the bridge.