On the Dial: The Tunes of 2022

A week or so ago, my social media feeds were exploding with everyone’s Spotify annual streaming songs. As much as I wanted to play, I realized something…

I don’t have Spotify. 

Nor do I have Apple Music as my streaming platform (right now). 

So, how do I let you know about which songs made a difference for me in 2022?

Hmm…that’s a good question. Let me check through my downloaded music on my iPhone and find out…

SAM FENDER – SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER: Not just the title track – the whole damn album! The album’s theme revolves around a youth that was full of drama in and around his home in North Shields. Fender tells stories that makes you think after you understand his Geordie accent. However, the message is quite clear: Sometimes being 17 years old sucks. That is evident in the title track, “Spit Of You,” and “Getting Started.” My favorite track is “Angel In Lothian,” which opens up a mix of reality and imagination. If you haven’t heard this UK rock sensation, please do! He is often compared to Bruce Springsteen – and, rightfully so. After all, one of his inspirations is The Boss. 

STORMZY – “MEL MADE ME DO IT”: Big Mike went in HARD. But, was it the answer Chip was waiting for after dissing #Merky himself? Six minutes after his mother declared that she will never fly in economy class ever, you experienced a flow unlike anything you heard in the USA. That’s because Stomzy is British. The “beat” emulated a kalimba, giving it a West African flavor (Stormzy’s of Ghanian heritage). Then, you watch all eleven minutes of the video – full of appearances by Jose Mourinho, Usain Bolt, Jonathan Ross, Louis Theroux, Daniel “Ashville” Louisy, Yianni Charalambous, Zeze Mills, Stylo G, Dave, Little Simz, JME, Jazzy B, Ian Wright, Megaman…you get the idea! Let’s just say Stormzy let us know that he is still the G.O.A.T. in the UK! 

ED SHEERAN – “OVERPASS GRAFFITTI”: The ginger balladeer gave us this track from his “=” album as a fun, pop tune. It is accompanied by a fun video showing Ed losing his place on the tour bus only to find him on quite the journey. I also love the remix by TCTS, which sped up the “beat” of the song making it more danceable. Whichever version you listen to – or, happen to like the video – you might give Ed a bit more respect than usual. After all, who else would admit seeing Big Narstie on the toilet buck naked in his house?

BEYONCE – “BREAK MY SOUL”: Queen Bee, Jay-Z’s wife, the mother of Blue Ivy, Sir, and Rumi…Mrs. Knowles-Carter…you get the point. Her Renaissance album hit radio and streaming like hot fire. But, this track…we’re talking House mixed with New Orleans Bounce wrapped up into one! That’s because they sampled Big Freedia and Robin S into this track! Needless to say, everyone is involved in this recording – including her husband, who has a writing credit. On top of that, she’s got three Grammy nominations for this song! You cannot deny Beyonce anything right now!

KIM PETRAS – “FUTURE STARTS NOW”: Sorry that I’m late to the party, but she is on a tear. However, this was before her appearance on Sam Smith’s “Unholy.” The German-born trans artist had been a dance/electronic sensation that has been bubbling for years. This track has been on a heavy rotation not because of who she is. It is because of the sonic construction of it. Before you listen to “Unholy,” check out her entire discography. 

MAMMOTH WVH – “DISTANCE”: WVH stands for Wolfgang Van Halen – the son of Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli. This track serves as a homage to his father, his childhood, and his upbringing. It is rocking, evocative, and emotive. It also serves us well that Wolfie played all of the instruments on this track – and the entire Mammoth WVH album. “Distance” serves as a great tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time – his father.

PEKING DUK – “CHEMICALS”: Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde make up the Canberra-based electro-pop duo that gave us this dance tune. Sure it’s a year or so old, but you can thank SiriusXM for putting this on my radar. It has a vocal track that is uncredited, but never mind that. The samples they put together is quite different than anything you hear anywhere in this country. By the way, did you know Australia is leading the way in dance/electronic music? Who knew, right?

MICHIGANDER – EVERYTHING WILL BE OK EVENTUALLY: Not sure how I found this album. Facebook is to blame, I suppose. Michigan native Jason Singer is this larger-than-life persona with a Fender Stratocaster and an alt-friendly tone that takes you through a journey of self-discovery and provocative thought. The two tracks I listen to the most – “Better” and “Together” – are exactly what I mean by that. A trumpet blares as part of a stripped down four-piece instrumental throughout the album. If you’re looking for something that is “next,” this could be it. 

All photos by Randy Stern