As I mentioned last week, this has been a very lean year for me in terms of new album releases. I know plenty of good new music was dropped, but most of it missed be my a mile.
I hope to remedy that by catching up with some of the more intriguing titles as 2022 turns into 2023. I’m particularly interested in getting to know new albums by The 1975 and Clean Cut Kid, two releases recommended by occasional commenter Daniel.
As for my own favorites, I’m unable to offer up a top ten this year, or even a top five. But I do have a top four, which I’ll roll out over the rest of this week.
Two new albums by beloved artists might have cracked the list but neither made enough of an impression on me to warrant repeated listens. Those were Belle and Sebastian’s A Bit of Previous and Lyle Lovett’s 12th of June. It’s always a bummer when artists who’ve released some of my favorite music of all time come out with new albums that fall flat.
If I have an honorary #5 on this year-end list, it’s Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loneliest Time. I haven’t spent enough time with this album to know it very well, but I’m a big fan of Jepsen’s sound and overall vibe. I enjoyed my first listen and I’m sure it will only get better with time.
Runnin’ from the night
I drove miles away to finally feel alone
There’s no moon in sight
But the desert lights could lead the way back home
[Pre-Chorus]
I’m in the moment, livin’ undercover
Paintin’ on each other all the colors, I can’t get enough
California dreaming’s never what it seems
But here it comes, I know what I must do now
[Chorus]
I need it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I feel it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I see it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
(Da, da-da-da-da-da, da, da-da)
I know it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I own it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I show it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
(Da, da-da-da-da-da, da, da-da)
[Verse 2]
Give me paradise
I’ll eclipse the stars and fall like ones before
I’m like Aphrodite
And it’s fine to only know the things I know
[Pre-Chorus]
I’m in the moment, livin’ undercover
Paintin’ on each other all the colors, I can’t get enough
California dreaming’s never what it seems
But here it comes, I know what I must do now
[Chorus]
I need it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I feel it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I see it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
(Da, da-da-da-da-da, da, da-da)
I know it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I own it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
I show it (Da, da-da-da-da-da)
(Da, da-da-da-da-da, da, da-da)
[Outro]
I’m feelin’ dramatic
I like the moon and the magic of this
Oh, I, oh, I, oh
I’m feelin’ dramatic
I like the moon and the magic of this
Oh, I, oh, I, oh
Meet Me In Montauk 
I feel Lyle’s new album is better than you give it credit for, but, then again, I too haven’t really returned to it. Looking forward to some exposure to the new stuff, whether discovered by you or the young folks.
Love the new Carly Rae album, it definitely gets better with repeated listens and some deep dive explanations from her about some songs (especially “Bends” which is a really poignant one).
Been a Clean Cut Kid fan for a few years now and absolutely adore their new album 🙂 so glad Daniel loved it too and excited to hear your thoughts!
Honored to receive Meet in Montauk occasional commenter status! I’m very fortunate to have discovered those albums through Maddie who I can always count on to expand my music exposure with her exquisite music taste. This album is another one that she put me onto! I too haven’t spent enough time with this album, but today’s track was one of the ones that stood out to me upon first listen. Certainly didn’t strike me immediately like “Emotion” did. However, it never ceases to impress me how an artist who many would deem the “Call Me Maybe” girl continues to put out such innovative pop records!
I always enjoy a Carly Rae song when Maddie plays one for me, but, I am a creature of habit, seeking out music I love before venturing out to explore something new. I’m using these weeks of your countdown to remedy that and venture a bit out of my musical comfort zone.