The final week of anticipated new music has arrived and after an epic year, today closes out my weekly coverage with the spotlight on one of the most anticipated new records, the sophomore album from SZA. After conquering the world with her outstanding debut, it’s been a long time coming, but we’ve finally been rewarded for the wait. Featuring collaborations from Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, it’s sure to be a blockbuster.
Last year, Little Simz had one of the most celebrated albums of the year and topped numerous best-of lists. Now, she’s already back with a follow-up to her Mercury Prize winner, making the cut for a years-best submission just in the nick of time. JB Bergin, bassist of Sasha and the Valentines, released a solo album this year and this week it’s finally on Spotify (although you should still check it out on Bandcamp).
Following a string of stellar singles, Caroline Polachek has finally announced her new record and shared the fantastic new single, “Welcome to My Island.” Polachek has been a leading figure of hyper-pop dating back to her debut album “Pang” and seeing a rise with last year’s “Bunny is a Rider” and this year’s marvelous “Billions.” Continuing to break the mold, whatever comes next could be met with endless possibilities.
In March of 2023, Lana Del Ray will return with her next album, but this week she shared the heavy ballad lead single “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?” Yet another dramatic track featuring her standard piano and haunting vocals. White Reaper have shared another track from their upcoming record as well and as expected, it’s a ripping number that begs to be blasted while cruising down the highway with the windows down and the engine roaring.
Next week I’ll start to share my year-end lists and do my best to highlight the remarkable releases we’ve been treated to in 2022.
Albums:
SZA | SOS
JB Bergin | A Saying I Finally Understood
Little Simz | NO THANK YOU1
Songs:
Caroline Polachek | “Welcome to My Island”
White Reaper | “Fog Machine”
Pile | “Poisons”
The Arcs | “Eyez”
SBTRKT | “FORWARD”
Lana Del Ray | “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?”
Gorillaz | “Skinny Ape”
Jungle | “GOOD TIMES” [Braxe + Falcon Remix]
If you’re a Spotify user, you can listen to these songs (and more from 2022) here!
Out December 12