2022 was a big year for new music. We were blessed with new releases from music powerhouses including Beyonce, SZA, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and many others. Indie artists could also make their mark with breakthrough albums or projects that helped them increase their audiences, such as Big Thief, Kurt Vile, Black Country, New Road, Alvvays, and Alex G. Social media has allowed these album releases to be highly anticipated. Teens have been listening to and keeping up with the newest music, including our own Millbrook Wildcats. They have listened, and as the year comes to a close, they have spoken on what they believe to be the best album of the year. 

  Students had a variety of albums they seemed to love, ranging from country to rap, to indie-pop, and anything in-between. When it comes to new releases, a few popular choices stood out. It’s no question that Taylor Swift always has huge album releases, but “Midnights” really blew it out of the water. Breaking Spotify and billboard records, Swift continues to stay on the top of the charts, and at the top of people’s minds. Some students said that other Swift albums were their favorite of the year, including “Red (Taylor’s Version) and “folklore.” Other pop stars that were common favorites were Harry Styles with “Harry’s House,” Drake with “Her Loss,” and SZA’s highly anticipated “SOS.” There was no lack of new favorites this year, that is for sure.

   Rap fans devoured Metro Boomin’s new album. “Heroes and Villians.” This is no surprise as the project included features from 21 Savage, Travis Scott, and the Weeknd. Some other honorable mentions that I received when interviewing Millbrook students were “American Heartbreak” by Zach Bryan, “Rocks” by TV Girl, and “K-12” by Melanie Martinez. Every student has different tastes, which makes our school so diverse and creative. Whether listening on Spotify, Apple Music, or Soundcloud, there is something for everyone, and there are no two playlists that are alike. 

  This wouldn’t be a true Millbrook music synopsis without surveying our own Wildcat Staff. Our history department had some favorites of their own, and they brought out some oldies and goodies. Mr.Beller pulled out the jazz stops and shared that his favorite album of the year was “A Tribute to Jack Johnson” by Miles Davis. When asked what makes this album so special, he said “it’s all about the groove.” Across the hall, Mr.Grow had an opinion of his own. He favored more of an emotional tone and said his number 1 album was “The Ballad of Dood and Juanita,” by singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, released in 2021. He described the western bluegrass ballads as “ a good story – tough and sad.” Sometimes sad songs are the best songs. 

  As 2022 comes to a close, we can reflect on all of the music that was our soundtrack for the year. No matter the genre or artist, music has the ability to bring back memories and special times in our lives. There are always the classics and a never ending flow of new music on the way. May your playlists of 2023 be the best ones yet!