Top 20 Albums of 2022

December 12, 2022December 22, 2022

2022 was filled with an abundance of high quality releases in blues rock. Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2022 was compiled with the fans/readers counting for 50% of the vote and the Blues Rock Review staff, who reviewed the music during the course of the year, counting for the other 50%.

Here are Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2022.

20. Elles Bailey: Shining In The Half Light

“If you like your coffee brewed somewhere between an Americana and the Blues, then Elles Bailey is the caffeine hit (and subsequent burst of dopamine) you need. With a voice smokier than a Nicaraguan puro, she rolls in the flavors of heartbreak, anger, joy, and incredulity on her heavily-awaited third installment Shining In The Half Light.” – Breton Towler

(Buy: Amazon)

19. Katie Henry: On My Way

“Singer/multi-instrumentalist Katie Henry shows off a modern-yet-classic rock sound on On My Way, her album of melodic, often country-tinged tunes that showcase her voice and musicianship. The result is something with a contemporary crispness, but an aged wisdom. It’s all there, on the album, for everyone to appreciate.” – Steven Ovadia

(Buy: Amazon)

18. Jeremiah Johnson: Hi-Fi Drive By

“St. Louis native and natural-born blues rocker Jeremiah Johnson has stood out greatly in recent years on the scene. Hi-Fi Drive By is a roots-oriented album focused on reclaiming and celebrating the core and already long established elements of blues and rock. The magnetism and quality of Johnson’s passionate approach are undeniable.” – Fidel Beserra

(Buy: Amazon)

17. Aynsley Lister: Along For The Ride

“Lister continues to deliver some of the gutsiest blues tunes around, with his 13-track LP combining his experienced writing and new anthemic sound to assemble an emotive masterpiece. A resounding album full of emotion and imposing guitar-work, Along For The Ride provides some of Aynsley Lister’s most visceral work to date, with help from producer Scott McKeon and his impressive band.” – Mike Owen

(Buy: Amazon)

16. Justin Saladino Band: Honest Lies

“Honest Lies is another solid Justin Saladino album and demonstrates his evolution as he explores new musical avenues. Musically engaging and lyrically thoughtful, the record’s intimate and heartwarming approach should appeal to those familiar with the Canadian artist and new listeners alike.” – Fidel Beserra

(Buy: Bandcamp)

15. Robin Trower: No More Worlds To Conquer

“At 77 years of age, Trower is a phenomenon that still carries the torch of that 70s texture and heavenly tone. He continues to dazzle and evolve, but there’s never any let-up in quality control.” – Breton Towler

(Buy: Amazon)

14. Beth Hart: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

“It’s tough to cover Zep all by yourself, but Beth Hart does a tremendous job in maintaining the emotional hard-rock ethos of the composers while adding her own undeniable signature. The two medleys alone are worth the price of admission. Open–minded music fans will find far more attributes than detriments on A Tribute To Led Zeppelin. It’s an inspired interpretation of perhaps the biggest blues rock band of our time.” – Willie Witten

(Buy: Amazon)

13. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band: Trouble Is… 25

“Kenny Wayne Shepherd was a phenomenal guitar player when he was 18 years old and he is still just as proficient if not more 25 years later in 2022. The album is as perfect as one can get along with the documentary and concert DVD.” – Bob Gersztyn

(Buy: Amazon)

12. Steve Hill: Dear Illusion

“While Steve Hill will always remain the “one-man blues rock band”, his decision to expand upon his sound is one which paid dividends throughout Dear Illusion. Working alongside The Devil Horns and drummer, Wayne Proctor, Hill succeeded in implementing new dimensions on tracks such as the nostalgic “Follow Your Heart”. His boldest, most introspective work to date, Hill’s uplifting instrumentation and themes of hope ensure the Canadian’s highly anticipated album was certainly worth the wait.” – Mike Owen

(Buy: Amazon)

11. Larkin Poe: Blood Harmony

“Blood Harmony is yet another album that solidifies Larkin Poe as one of the premier acts of the global blues rock scene, in addition to expanding their musical identity. Spending some quality time listening to it is recommended.” – Fidel Beserra

(Buy: Amazon)

10. Marcus King: Young Blood

“Whether he’s playing the Ryman Auditorium with Billy Strings, opening for Chris Stapleton, or sitting in with Eric Clapton, he is a true musical force to be reckoned with. Marcus has done a seemingly effortless job of weaving through different genres of music whether it be rock, blues, soul, or country. Young Blood is an incredible rock record, and will surely catapult his career to new heights.” – Jamie Warden

(Buy: Amazon)

9. Eric Gales: Crown

“The great accomplishment of Crown lies in its unique collection of songs and especially sounds. Eric Gales writes music that pulls in various styles and blends them in such a way that would handcuff other artists. Shifting from metal-tinged blues into a rap-driven verse, delivering a capella intros, or his seamless use of eccentric guitar sounds are things that Gales can do that many other talented artists can’t. On Crown, every song has the ability to stand on its own merit, and as a through-composed album it performs even better. It may be Gales’ best effort to date.” – Willie Witten

(Buy: Amazon)

8. Walter Trout: Ride

“Respected by the old guard and revered by the young guns, Walter Trout has courageously tried to reconcile with his past, accept his future, and live in the present as it plays out. As the talismanic figure himself said, “But, really life is kind of a ride too, isn’t it? And I want to live mine to the fullest.” This is the sound of an artist certainly doing just that.” – Breton Towler

(Buy: Amazon)

7. Joanne Shaw Taylor: Nobody’s Fool

“Nobody’s Fool is a body of work that stretches Joanne Shaw Taylor in every direction as she demonstrates her ability to proficiently cross genres from guitar driven blues rock to smooth pop oriented tunes. Her latest body of original work captures the performance of eleven songs through her polished vocals and exquisite guitar work.” – Bob Gersztyn

(Buy: Amazon)

6. Buddy Guy: The Blues Don’t Lie

“Do yourself a favor and go pick up a copy of The Blues Don’t Lie, and go see Buddy live if you get the chance. The Blues Don’t Lie is one of his best works in a vast career of great releases. It is an incredible record. It may just be the cure for the blues.” – Jamie Warden

(Buy: Amazon)

5. Edgar Winter: Brother Johnny

“Brother Johnny is arguably one of the greatest tribute albums of all time. Passionate and enthusiastic, the record celebrates Johnny Winter and introduces his music to newer generations with an outstanding selection of star guests and classic songs.” – Fidel Beserra

(Buy: Amazon)

4. Cardinal Black: January Came Close

“A collection of songs inspired by their intriguing, and perhaps turbulent experiences, January Came Close is an album that embraces freedom and revels in all its warmth. With all four members working together in harmony, a combination of their wisdom and musical proficiency has conjured up an enthralling body of work with immaculate production. Having embraced the historical challenges of recording at the famous Abbey Road studios, the boys from Cardiff prove their worth, delivering a polished debut album which certainly lives up to the hype.” – Mike Owen

(Buy: Amazon)

3. Anthony Gomes: High Voltage Blues

“Whether you’re a long-time Gomes fan or you’re just discovering him, there’s plenty to dig into with High Voltage Blues. It’s a fitting title as it takes Gomes’ previously written tracks and shoots electric energy into them. You can’t go wrong with the new tracks and the overall production might be the best of any Gomes album to date. High Voltage Blues is another winner from Anthony Gomes.” – Pete Francis

(Buy: Amazon)

2. Dan Patlansky: Shelter of Bones

“One of the things that really sticks out about Dan Patlansky’s music is how fresh it sounds. Yes, he plays blues rock which has been around for many years, but he gives it a modern spin that is distinctively Dan. There are few artists that deliver the entire package like Dan Patlansky. He’s a killer guitar player but more importantly, Patlansky crafts high quality songs and uses the guitar to complement those songs, not overpower them.” – Pete Francis

(Buy: Amazon)

1. Larry McCray: Blues Without You

“Blues Without You is a damn near perfect blues record. This release is not just about great vocals, great musicianship or great songs, it’s about Larry McCray the artist. This is a record that comes along once in a lifetime for any artist. The songs, emotion, and artistry on this release are the encapsulation of decades of hard work. Blues Without You is truly an incredible record and should become a record that blues enthusiasts are listening to and talking about for years.” – Jamie Warden

(Buy: Amazon)

Previous Top 20 Lists: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
*Editor’s note: Live albums and EPs are not included in the Top 20*

Original Article