Five songs I’ve loved in 2022.

I recently fell back in love with music.

There’s a tendency for one to fall foul of not listening to new music once they reach a certain age. I spent much of my twenties and thirties listening to the same music that I met in my teens. I’m trying to be better these days though, and largely succeeding. I’m going to more gigs than ever, seeing more diverse performers than ever, and enjoying music more than ever.

Culturally music is very important. Breaking news there for you, I’m sure. Obvious statement aside, there’s nary a greater collider of spirits than music. It can immediately bridge divides that otherwise might seem impossible, with the immediacy of the effect it can have on a listener far more instantaneous than those associated with the other popular everyday arts that we consume, such as television, or cinema. It’s quicker, around us everywhere, and can affect a mood at the change of a key.

These are a couple of songs that have made my year complete.

Literary Mind — Sprints. This is just a song that i heard on the radio that stuck with me.

Geronimo — Young Fathers. The most exciting band in the world. I cant wait for the album.

Rich Spirit — Kendrick Lamar. The most exciting performer in the world. The Big Steppers tour was the event of the year, and Mr. Morale the best record the year. The performance below is from his appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Back To The Radio — Porridge Radio. Another one I heard on the radio and couldn’t get away from. The manner in which it just builds and is gone just works really well for me.

Belize — Danger Mouse & Black Thought, featuring MF Doom. I’ve been thinking a lot about MF Doom this year. His verse on Danger Mouse and Black Thought’s remarkable Cheat Codes is one of the standout moments of the past twelve months, with his bit a real discovery that ought to have been more widely celebrated in the cultural psyche. It’s just glorious.