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"The Wall of Fame" - Byfield, MA (December 27th)
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As promised here is Part Two of ZB's Top Songs of the Year. To start off we come in hot during a sun-filled Buck Moon, then we round things out in a bone-chilling Cold Moon.
Happy New Year to all, and hope y'all enjoy the conclusion.
- ZB James
July
"Bickenhead" by Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy (2018)
July was peak summer and I was looking for a change of pace from the contemplative stylings of Big Thief. Although I admittedly kept rocking them on the side lol. In came Cardi B and her masterpiece Invasion of Privacy. It was the perfect summer album to finally get acquainted with. I of course knew the hits, but was unfamiliar with "Bickenhead".
What a fucking banger, it's a phat beat with extra bumpin' bass and Cardi throws down some fire verses. "I need that cheese, shorty show me where it's at. You play with me, I might pop up where you at. You make-believe, now with me it's only facts. Expensive weave, and my checks is worth some racks". Pure flames.
I definitely had a lot of respect for Cardi B prior to digging in to her record-breaking album. But the first full run through really put her on a whole other level for me. She is a true goat of the chick rap game in my book.
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| "Hope Springs Eternal" - Beverly, MA (July 30th) |
July Honorables
August
"Rhododendron" by Bella White - Rhododendron (2022)
I've been a major fan of Bella White ever since I saw her open for Sierra Ferrell back in November of 2021 in Holyoke, MA. Her voice is amazing, the country drawl feels super natural, and her lyrics touch upon some serious truisms that hit deep. She just has a realness about her. A vulnerability that feels genuine. She's not forcing herself into a pop-country sound either, and instead sticks to bluegrass roots. It's the best of the old school in a new school form.
I fell in love with "Rhododendron" right when I heard it, mostly because her first album Just Like Leaving has no drums or percussion instruments, and I'd been hoping that she'd bring a slightly fuller sound to her next project. She makes you wait for about a minute-and-a-half, but once those drums hit holy hell. Talk about folk-country gold.
Plus the yodeling she delivers is absolutely beautiful. And her lyrics are very powerful. "And would a sheep run if she knew she was for the slaughter, or would she simply let her soft wool warm her daughter?" is a question she poses to herself and the listener. It helps drive home the overarching theme of motherhood and suffering for those you love. She is wise well beyond her years.
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| "A New England Beach" - Little Compton, RI (August 7th) |
August Honorables
September
"WAIT FOR U" by Future ft. Drake & Tems - I NEVER LIKED YOU (2022)
This was my favorite song released in 2022. I finally started diving into Future's discography this year and it awakened the monster (on these hoes). He is the king of trap in my opinion, just an absolute beast that has been cranking out hits left and right for years now. And in a variety of ways.
"WAIT FOR U" was one of the first songs I heard by Future where I saw just how much range he has as an artist. It's super chilled-out and contemplative, in contrast to a lot of the heavy af trap bangers he puts out. And his verse is subdued yet powerful. He matches the emotional R&B foundation that Tems's remixed vocals provide, and of course Drake adds a second verse with all the feels. Producer ATL Jacob deserves massive props for the soundscape he's created here.
This has been on repeat basically since I NEVER LIKED YOU dropped back in April. But I found myself playing it a bunch in the early fall. A great song to drive to while pondering your thoughts.
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| "Grumpo" - South Philadelphia, PA (September 4th) |
September Honorables
October
"Potatus et Molassus" by The Blasting Company ft. Audio Clayton - Over the Garden Wall (Original Television Soundtrack) (2016)
October was a hilarious month to look back on. I seesawed between listening to the Over the Garden Wall soundtrack and Dirty South hip-hop from the 2000s/2010s lol. It was a wild spooky season to say the least, with a heavy contrast of tunes.
"Potatus et Molassus" takes home the top prize because it always brings me back to the climactic scene in OtGW (IYKYK). It's one of my favorite scenes of all time, and listening back to this number conjures up heavy emotions. "Grow tiny seed, you are called to the trees" gets me every time (I'm not crying, you're crying).
I also love how much music can compliment visual mediums, and this song and the entire Over the Garden Wall soundtrack are prime examples of that. The OtGW music really goes beyond being complimentary. The songs are immersed within the tale and I find myself reliving the entire story whenever I listen to the album.
Oh and it just so happens that the label this soundtrack came out on is called Mondo. You gotta love it folks. And that's a rock fact!
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| "Indian Cherry Junction" - West Newbury, MA (October 12th) |
October Honorables
November
"You Just Decided" by Shintaro Sakamoto - How to Live with a Phantom (2011)
I bought a house in late summer and had a housewarming party in November with some of my closest friends. To celebrate we decided to do an Asian/Cajun themed potluck, so of course we had to make a playlist that accompanied the buffet.
I had a lot of fun diving into Louisiana-based music and a wide variety of Asian genres. But my favorite discovery by far was Shintaro Sakamoto. His album How to Live with a Phantom got a hold of me big time, and he ended up on repeat all month.
He's got an intricate indie-meets-psychedelia-meets-funk fusion about him. And while I have absolutely no clue what his Japanese lyrics mean, there's a vibe about it that you can dig, despite the language barrier.
It was a cool month of cultural fusion. A friendly and welcomed reminder that art - whether it be culinary or musical or anything in between - is one of the most powerful forms of connection, no matter where you come from.
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| "The Heart of the City" - Springfield, MA (November 11th) |
November Honorables
December
"Candle" by Buck Meek - Two Saviors (2021)
Once in a blue moon a song is sent from the heavens at the exact right time and place. You may not have known you needed it, but once you cross paths in the sonic ether you grab a hold of it in amazement. This December that song for me was "Candle" by Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek.
I started this year with the loss of my father, and ended the year with the sudden and tragic loss of a childhood best friend. Another heartbreaking reminder that every day is a blessing. But I've found solace in reflective tunes like this. "When it's too much to handle, burn me a candle. If you don't have a candle, let me burn on your mind" Buck sings, which deeply touches on feelings of loss and grief and remembrance. Even though we lose loved ones in the physical realm, that candle of memories is always lit. Their soul still flickers in the caverns.
There's also a powerful chorus that is so simple and yet so profound: "Did your eyes change? I remember them blue. Or were they always hazel? Still the same face, with a line or two. The same love, I always knew."
That barebones imagery of looking at an old friends face and being flooded with memories hits deep. It's something that's happened a lot to me this year, whether it be reconnecting with family or childhood friends. And I think the root of what Buck is saying here rings loud and true. We may fall out of touch with people over the years. We may even misremember little details about them and the times spent together. But when you truly love someone, that love is always there. And that love is what matters most.
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| "West" - Wenham, MA (December 30th) |
December Honorables
Thanks for reading folks. I hope everyone had a great year of music in 2022 and am wishing y'all the best heading into 2023. Happy New Year and may the magic of music stay lit within us all.
Todd Bless,
-ZB James
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