Every year, one of the joys for any critic is discovering new artists creating magic or those already semi or fully established, finally trip into the source and find a successful code. Here are this year's outstanding batch:
Troye Sivan:
finally pulled all his disparate urges, desires and dreams into one solid core.
the rest (in no particular order):
Olivia Rodrigo:
I still couldn’t name two songs on her debut but I sure can on this stellar sophomore. Rinsed through 90s teen angst rock, Rodrogo bleeds Gen X fantasy gore in every thrilling track.
Caroline Polachek:
been a long time coming and now a reality.
Ryan Beatty:
been aligned to Brockhampton and particularly Kevin Abstracy for some time but he struck gold solo this time.
Liv. E:
her experimental alternative music starting to take deep root.
RAYE:
this is the best revenge swing and let’s just give her applause.
L’Rain:
the groundswell of all the minute parts coming together for Taja Cheek this year has been so heartwarming.
Bobbing:
you are excused for not knowing who Robert Ross is but here at last is the breakthrough year.
Victoria Monet:
been around a long time writing/producing and bided her time to perfection and now everyone is rightfully talking about her including critics and the Grammys.
Jim Legxacy:
proves that the global influence and reach of hip/hop is still very much a thing.
Yaeji:
all in her own very fascinating lane.
