January 2022 — Playlist Odyssey

FKA twigs Is A ‘meta angel’; Molly Nilsson Shows ‘Absolute Power’; Tytus Dlugolecki Unveils ‘The Mysteries Of The Black Hole’ and The Weeknd Tunes The Radio To ‘Dawn FM’

By Joshua Gutierrez, Editor

Anchored by The Weeknd’s “Dawn FM” and FKA twigs’ “CAPRISONGS”, 2022’s new music landscape felt much grander than years before. Add Nordic superstar AURORA to the fold with her amazing album “The Gods We Can Touch,” January felt like a touchstone moment for another great year of music.

Of course, the stars of the music industry represent only a portion of the great music released every month. Nordic artist Molly Nilsson’s triumphant “Extreme” took our Below Radar Album of the Month; the unconquerable Waxahatchee kicked everything off with an amazing EP for the “El Deafo” soundtrack; and The Musalini paired with 9th Wonder on the immaculate rap album “The Don & Eye.”

Always a joy, there were three Hidden Gem albums to fall in love with. From the sincere “Hop Up” by former The Maccabees’ front man Orlando Weeks; the heavy-guitar laden “Dissolution Wave” by Midwest band Cloakroom; to the mesmerizing instrumental guitar album “The Mysteries Of The Black Hole” by Polish musician Tytus Dlugolecki.

While remnants of 2021 could be felt with reimagined releases from Valerie June with “You and I,” Steve Gunn’s “Protection” with Mdou Moctar and Dope Lemon’s “Kids Fallin’ In Love,” 2022 feels immediate in its own voice.

While there are months and months to go, January set the tone for new music. With Ye’s “Donda 2” on the horizon and a potential Kendrick Lamar album hopefully on the way, here’s to hoping the community gets some more great music soon!