Unraveling the coil of our headphones’ bindings year to year results in lists that reflect their time. It’s quite literally their one and only assignment, but, within the many are the few that can, will, and do stand the test of time. This year’s list is a balanced reflection of the vast pool of music we all sifted through, studied, and savored over the last 11 months. From one of pop’s greatest offerings (Harry’s House) to an inimitable Natural Brown Prom Queen’s solidification among this generation’s rising greats, and not one, but two Drake albums in the top 20, plus solid rap albums from young masterminds and revered vets like Vince Staples and Lupe Fiasco respectively, it was a truly great year for music.
Here are Complex’s selections for the 50 best albums of 2022: