Anne Erickson

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 22: Singer and guitarist Lzzy Hale of Halestorm performs at the Ryman Auditorium on April 22, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)

It’s that time of year to reflect on the best music of the past 12 months. Our beloved WRIF jocks are sharing their favorite records of the year! Check it out below.

  • Jade

    Favorite album from 2022 has to be I Prevail’s “True Power.” First, we have to support our local rock stars. These guys have worked so hard over the last few years and it’s clearly paying off! They are also huge advocates for mental health and I think that is so important for so many people right now. The album itself is amazing! The first song I heard was “Body Bag” and I’m pretty sure I listened to it on repeat non-stop for 4 days straight. It’s definitely one of the heavier tracks on the record but that’s what I love about “True Power.” It’s a flow of music that shows off their talent.

  • Meltdown

    Here’s my Fave album of 2022….”Megadeth’s The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead.” Stellar record from start to finish. Not overthought, heavy, groove oriented, just an awesome record. Wasn’t sure what to expect after the exit of Dave Ellefson. What I got was an assault that wasn’t too progy. Love this album!

  • Screamin' Scott

    In my mind it has to be Lzzy Hale and Halestorm’s “Back from the Dead.” It was released early of 2022 but didn’t take long for this one song,” the steeple,” to become a smash hit any. Anytime I listen to the song, I’m marveled at the vocals on how a powerful they come across. Including a huge ending note that is held which seems forever. Bravo Lzzy on a great album.

  • Steve Black

    I was thrilled when I found out that one of my all-time favorite bands, King’s X had decided to release new music in 2022. Ty Tabor, Jerry Gaskill and Dug Pinnick have been the only 3 members of the band since 1980 as the album’s title Three Sides of One subtly points out. Among the brilliant songs on the offering are the punchy and soulful “Give it Up”. The sad “All God’s Children” about our human attachment to beliefs regardless of the evidence that surrounds us. The more traditional King’s X sounding “Watcher”.

    Also in consideration as my favorite albums of 2022 are, Jack White’s Fear of the Dawn, Shinedown’s Planet Zero and my cousin’s album (which might be the first ever concept album in country music) Ashley McBryde’s Lineville. (Has anyone ever done that before? Seriously, I don’t listen to country music so I don’t know).

  • Anne Erickson

    My favorite album of 2022 is Bad Omens’ “The Death of Peace of Mind.” I can’t say enough good things about this record. It has seriously changed my life, and that’s not hyperbole. I’ve never heard such experimental yet heavy music, and the lyrics and motifs are complex and relatable. Do yourself a favorite and give it a listen. I am so glad I did!

  • Jonel Jaksa

    Jack White – Fear of the Dawn

    Jack White released two albums in 2022. The acoustic-based Entering Heaven Alive and Fear of the Dawn, which is more electric and more eclectic. Fear of the Dawn features more of Jack’s unique fusion of blues-rock and prog. And although some of his experimentation might not be for everyone, it’s great hearing him do what he does best. Be weird.

     

    Highly Suspect – The Midnight Demon Club

    Highly Suspect is one of my favorite bands to come out in the last decade. After two scorching albums, Mister Asylum and the phenomenal The Boy Who Died Wolf, Highly Suspect released MCID in 2019. It was an album that saw the band experiment with rock, hip-hop and electronic music and was a little left of center from their previous work. That experimentation continues on this year’s The Midnight Demon Club. The sound flows from rocking guitar to dreamy synth to electronic beats but it’s the lyrics that stand out to me. Lead singer/guitarist Johnny Stevens can write a song, man. Although I prefer my Highly Suspect with a little more rock, The Midnight Demon Club is a solid effort that will grow on you given the chance.

     

    Craig Finn – A Legacy of Rentals

    Craig Finn is the singer-songwriter that heads up the Brooklyn via Minneapolis based rock band The Hold Steady. One reason I’ve been down with The Hold Steady for so long is Finn’s poignant, relatable lyrics. Those songwriting skills stand out on his solo albums which tend to be a little more reserved, musically, than his Hold Steady output. But stripped-down songs like the ones on A Legacy of Rentals still resonate with the listener. This is Sunday morning hangover music. Late night reflecting music. But beyond that, this is music that will speak to you in one way or another. For instance, the stand out track featured below is a heartbreaking portrait of two people locked in a dimly lit apartment, engaging in a cycle of dead-end arguments. It’s a snapshot of the 2020 pandemic in musical form. Thumbs up to Craig Finn.

    Wet Leg – Wet Leg

    Every few years the hot new thing in alt-rock comes around and gets everyone who’s too cool for school talking. This year, the female duo from the United Kingdom, Wet Leg, take that honor with their self-titled debut album. With their post-punk sound and fuzzy guitars paired with catchy-ass disco drums, Wet Leg has an energy that is common with bands who have nothing to lose. Catchy, honest and raw.

Sign Up For The WRIF Everything That Rocks Newsletter

Get everything that rocks sent right to your inbox. We're talking rock news, concert updates, stories from all around metro Detroit, plus exclusive contests, games and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.