Top Five Most Anticipated Albums of 2022

As 2022 kicks off to a somewhat slow start, people are already starting to anticipate some of the (potentially) biggest releases of the year that are yet to come. From Mitski to Lizzo to 100 gecs, there are tons of artists gearing up for major releases this year. In this list, we chose five of the most anticipated albums of 2022 and what we know about these projects.

1. Kendrick Lamar (Untitled)

After Kendrick Lamar’s behemoth of a record that was 2017’s Damn. (which won both a Grammy award and a Pulitzer Prize,) the hype began building for his follow-up record. Lamar confirmed in August that he was working on his next record, and in February he will be performing at the Superbowl Halftime Show with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. Fans are hoping for an album drop shortly after.

2. Crash by Charli XCX

Charli XCX’s fifth studio album, Crash, was preceded by the release of her lead single, “Good Ones,” which dropped in 2020. The second single from the album (“Beg For You”) features Rina Sawayama, a rising star in the pop music scene. The album’s release date is March 18, giving the British pop star plenty of time to promote her new record.

3. SZA (Untitled)

After dropping her critically acclaimed single “Good Days” at the beginning of 2020, SZA fans have been clamoring for her sophomore album. Her first record, 2017’s Ctrl, was a massive success, catapulting SZA into the limelight. After some reported delays in 2020/2021, we’re all hoping 2022 is the year SZA makes her comeback.

4. Normani (Untitled)

Normani, the former Fifth Harmony member, has been teasing her debut record as a solo artist for quite some time now. With the release of “Motivation” in 2019 and “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B this past July, fans have only seen mere glimpses into what may be in store for them in terms of her debut record.

5. Paramore (Untitled)

Paramore fans have been waiting for a new record since 2017’s After Laughter, which marked a new direction for the band. Opting for a more pop-friendly sound on that record, they recently announced that their upcoming album will harken back to their earlier days with an emphasis on shredding guitar on going crazy on the drums. Fans are eager for their long-awaited return to the classic emo-pop-rock sound that made the band famous.

Speaking of bands, this is a reminder that applications for Movin’ On’s annual Battle of the Bands tournament close on January 31st, so spread the word and get your applications in here!