I have to admit, most of the music I listened to this year was dominated by Cocomelon, the Encanto soundtrack and lullabies. So I relied on my colleagues to put together a list of music that I’m going to be listening to for the rest of the year.

What’s on your list of best albums this year? Shoot me an email with your list at [email protected].

A version of this story appeared in The Conversation newsletter, a weekly email that explores America through ideas, perspectives and people that you’re not likely to find in other media. Subscribe here to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.

“achoo!,” by Corook

OK, this is technically an EP, but this redheaded weirdo has made my year. (As a redheaded weirdo myself, this is a compliment.) Start with “Degree”—it will stick in your head forever, and somehow, you won’t be mad at it. Also, definitely follow Corook on Instagram, where she posts fun little ditties from her bedroom. – Becca Andrews

“Gemini Rights,” by Steve Lacy

All hail the sexiest album of 2022. It’s a break-up record, but damn, it’s hot. Lacy has an incredible R&B sensibility that he marries here with indie, funk, a peppering of pop and a smidge of shoegaze. “Bad Habit” literally makes me shiver. – Becca Andrews

“Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” by Kendrick Lamar

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar has the ability to evoke self-reflection in every listener. He takes the opportunity in each song to confront trauma and understand how things like fatherhood, domestic abuse, substance abuse, therapy, infidelity, spirituality and homophobia have impacted his life. At a time in my life where I have more questions than answers about my journey, where I’ve been and where I’m going Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers has made me cry, laugh, scream and reflect on my mental health, relationships, trauma and spirituality. Everything about Kendrick’s vulnerability in this album is contagious. Here are a few of my favorite songs: Purple Hearts, Father Time, United In Grief and Die Hard. – Alexis Wray

“Old-Time Folks” by Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires

This is one of my favorite rock records in years. Lee Bains III had already established his reputation as a thoughtful, passionate songwriter and on this album, he once again sets his focus on the plight of Americans being left behind by Washington and Wall Street. This album calls to mind Randy Newman’s album Good Old Boys and the best work of the Drive-By Truckers. It’s at times angry, uplifting, funny, clever, literary and poignant, but it’s always punk. The next time you feel trapped in an endless cycle of work, just throw on “(In Remembrance of the) 40-Hour Week” and know you’re not alone. – John Hammontree

Listen to our 2019 interview with Lee Bains III here

“Oh to Be that Free” by Michaela Anne

In the middle of making her newest record, Michaela Anne’s life went through a series of life altering changes. She became pregnant with and gave birth to her first child and her mother experienced a major hemorrhagic stroke. She spent the second half of her pregnancy, sitting by her mom’s bedside in Michigan, playing these new songs for her. They became a source of comfort, introspection and healing during a moment fraught with anxiety and unknowing. As fate would have it, Michaela Anne’s new album, “Oh To Be That Free,” is filled with songs that examine the things that make us human. The flaws that we learn to love in ourselves, the ways that we must learn to love others the way that they need to be loved. – John Hammontree

Listen to our interview with Michaela Anne here

“Renaissance” by Beyonce

Beyonce is the sun and we are all just grateful to be in her orbit. The multi-hyphenate artist and archivist returned to the public eye with her latest album Renaissance. An album she reportedly made in the height of the pandemic. Her 8th studio album acts more as a soundtrack or dj set to the best night of your life, moving through various forms of gospel interpolations disco, afrobeat, and r&b music. Knowles effortlessly teaches and demands listeners move at the pace of the robust list of queer artists, DJs and voices that have carved out the creation of the black queer ballroom scene. Beyonce seems to be at long last be freer than ever in the world of her making. While we may all be dead and in the ground before we ever see the visuals for the album, the project has and still remains a touchstone of the year. – Clarissa Brooks

“S.O.S.” by SZA

After a five year hiatus, genre bending songstress SZA has returned with a bang. One first listen to the album can be dismissed as a heartbroken lament but the Jersey artist returns with her sharpest writing and production than ever before with ballads for the heartbroken, longing and anxious alike.  With features from Don Toliver, Travis Scott and Phoebe Bridges the project crosses every genre you could imagine and yet it still flows effortlessly from a young woman clearly no longer invested in the shame of grieving out loud. – Clarissa Brooks

“Take it Like a Man” by Amanda Shires

Amanda Shires had apparently considered walking away from recording before she found inspiration in producing partner Lawrence Rothman. Thank goodness she didn’t. “Take it Like a Man” is a powerful and raw album that showcases her exceptional songwriting and vocal abilities. Shires tackles difficult subject matter, including her own marriage, with honesty and vulnerability. Each song is a masterclass in storytelling – John Hammontree

“Wet Leg,” by Wet Leg

God, this band’s debut was one of the best parts of this year—Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers are the heroines we needed in 2022. Listen to “Chaise Lounge” and “Wet Dream,” and then devour the entire album. Bonus points if you put it on while you drive, turned up entirely too loud. I don’t know what it is, but it works. – Becca Andrews