2022 has kicked off with many impressive albums and singles, and I’ve narrowed those releases down to my five favorites from the month of January.
Rap artist Earl Sweatshirt released his album “SICK!” which, oddly enough, kept me sane despite the title. He initially opens with a laid-back feel that quickly builds to an intense poetic collection. Earl shows off some beats that are representative of the genre, yet still develops heart-wrenching lyrics that are often overlooked in the realm of rap music. His inner thoughts are laid out for fans to fully dissect as he enthralls us with stories of new fatherhood and life throughout a pandemic. From lo-fi to trap, Earl proves himself to be one of the smartest in his craft.
I would have to choose track nine, “Titanic,” as my number one pick. Earl incorporates adlibs and smooth transitions in this song, flaunting his effortless rhyme abilities with a consistent beat throughout.
Pinegrove has been, in my opinion, a rather overlooked indie-folk band. I have listened to their music since their first studio album in 2015. Now, their latest “11:11” is in my recent rotation. When compared to their prior music, Pinegrove displays more control and professionalism in their current production and structure of each song. As usual, lead singer Evan Stephens Hall contributes warm, complex harmonies which complement a number of refreshing tempo changes. His distinctive voice uses inflection to undertone each song’s emotional importance. The band switches from stripped-down acoustic to a layered and upbeat vibe in between the lines.
Track two, “Alaska,” is my favorite from this album, as Pinegrove offers a rock-ish sound in this tune which diverges from their most popular releases.
Breathtaking songwriting and lyricism are the standout features of “BRIGHTSIDE” by The Lumineers. The popular group gifted a raw, unfiltered exchange of acoustics and harmonies throughout their nine-song collection. Even the shortest lines pull at the heartstrings, such as the lyric “Everyone was only dyin’ to live.” The mood moves from wearisome to bubbly and everything in between, highlighting why The Lumineers will forever be some of the most dynamic individuals in music.
It’s an easy top pick for me: track six, entitled “NEVER REALLY MINE,” is the perfect balance of simplicity and intricacy. Traditional chords make the emotions in vocalist Wesley Schultz’s voice more prominent than ever.
My family has listened to the legendary Elvis Costello for decades, so naturally, hearing about his 32nd studio album got my hopes up, and did not disappoint. “The Boy Named If” features impressive work from Costello’s band, The Imposters, as he delves into childhood memories and past vulnerabilities. Each song has an exclusive groove while maintaining a familiar sound. The rasp in Costello’s voice and grain in each melody create an intriguing edginess to the album.
“Paint The Red Rose Blue” stands out as the best track in my book. Costello sings about his experience as the youngest of five children: “Not the root, Not the branch, Not the flower or stem/He had the wildest of dreams but he rarely remembered them.”
Lastly, it would be criminal if I didn’t mention Rex Orange County, who announced his upcoming album “WHO CARES?” with the release of his new single “KEEP IT UP.” I am already jumping off the walls for this highly anticipated collection. Rex Orange County has a sacred place in my heart. His 2019 album “Pony” is one of my all-time favorites. His new single sounds somewhat similar to his usual sound, but his wide range of talent still shines through orchestral elements and passionate vocals.
Make sure to check out all of these new releases on your preferred music streaming platform, and keep an eye out for new episodes of the Cigar’s weekly podcast entitled “Our Five Cents.”