Our 8 favorite albums (and one EP) by Brooklyn artists in 2022

By Max Kalnitz

Has there ever been a bad year for music in Brooklyn? (Don’t answer that.) It’s no secret that the borough has birthed some of the biggest names in music: hip-hop artists Jay-Z, Biggie, GZA, and Mos Def; indie band Grizzly Bear; and rock legends Lou Reed and Neil Diamond all come from here.

In 2022 there was an embarrassment of riches from new and established local artists. From rap to ambient to indie music, here is a completely incomplete list of some of our favorite releases from Brooklyn musicians this year, in no particular order.

“Momentary Presence”
GIFT
If you like Tame Impala, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard — or really, any modern psych bands — “Momentary Presence,” the debut album from Brooklyn psych rockers GIFT, is right up your alley. The five-piece group shines on tracks like “When You Feel It Come Around,” which features a spaced-out oscillating synth line and fuzzy vocal filters; the surf- rock-inspired “Gumball Garden;” and “Here and Now (Time Floats By),” an epic seven-minute jam that sounds like it belongs on Tame Impala’s “Lonerism.”

After a sold-out album release party at The Sultan Room and a stint opening for fellow psych-rock outfit Frankie and The Witch Fingers, GIFT is quickly positioning themselves to become a force in the psych-rock realm.

“Love Of The Tiger”
Dida Pelled
On her fourth album, Dida Pelled offers a beautiful collection of love songs that signals a new trajectory for the jazz guitarist and singer-songwriter’s career.

The lead single, “Sylvia (lost her sense of being a woman),” is an elegy for the singer’s former self. The optimistic refrain, “from now on it only gets better,” seems like a nod to both the pandemic and to post-breakup blues. “Skinny” sees Pelled talking to her younger self, while “Come To Me (I can’t come to you)” is an easygoing make out song featuring lush backup vocals from singer-songwriter Twain.

“COMETA”
Nick Hakim
The Brooklyn-based crooner Nick Hakim shines on his latest release, “COMETA,” a collection of warm love songs that reinforces his position as one of the best singer-songwriters to call the borough home.

Songs like “Ani,” “Slid Under,” and “Happen” all convey the giddiness of being in love with someone — and how lucky Hakim feels to have that love reciprocated. But it’s the tune “Something” that caught our attention. A plea for time to slow down, Hakim reckons with imperfection, his relationship with his father, and the desire to feel something meaningful.

The album boasts some big- name features by the likes of Alex G, Helado Negro, DJ Dahi, and Andrew Sarlo — but it’ is Hakim, of course, who maintains our attention throughout.

“Water Your Flowers”
Moon Mullins
Ambient and electronic producer Moon Mullins’ sophomore album, “Water Your Flowers,” has been one of the most entertaining releases of the year. Each of the album’s 11 tracks creates its own soundscape portraying a wide-ranging spectrum of emotions and moods. “The Slip,” for example, transports you to a groovy cocktail lounge, while “Claude’s Backyard” brings to mind imagery of staring out the window on a rainy day.

Almost a modern-day spin on Mort Garson’s seminal ambient masterpiece “Mother Earth’s Plantasia,” the album is perfect to play in the background while working, cooking, or doing some household chores, like watering your plants.

“ShaaBiggaa & Hiii Siddity”
Girll Codee
Girll Codee’s seven-track debut EP is everything we could have hoped it to be. From the moment that rapper and radio host Sway introduces ShaaBiggaa and Hiii Siddity — the female rappers who comprise the duo — on the opening track, Girll Codee’s slick lyricism is on display. As is their range of styles and authenticity. And being unapologetically Brooklyn has, in no small part, made watching their come-up so enjoyable.

Highlights from the project include “Chaa Chaa Chaa,” an energetic drill/dancehall tune with support from HoodCelebrity, and “Codee World,” the duo’s anthem alerting the world that they have officially arrived.

“no roof no floor”
Scout Gillett
One of the most exciting new artists to emerge in the Brooklyn indie scene has been Scout Gillett. On her debut album, Gillett uses the impressive range of her vocals as a vehicle to take listeners on an intimate journey through love, loss, and personal rediscovery.

On the melancholy opening track, “lonesome dove,” the singer’s flowery falsetto is on full display, while the upbeat track “signal” offers garage vibes juxtaposed against a pop synth line. On “western eyes,” perhaps the standout track of the album, smooth slide guitar and sultry vocals blossom into a beautiful love song.

“Prism”
Say She She
The collaborative nature of Say She She is apparent in everything the Brooklyn-based band does — from their writing process to the trio’s dizzying, operatic harmonies — and comes to full fruition on their debut album, “Prism.”

“Out on the Ohio-based Colemine Records’ imprint Karma Chief, ‘Prism’ is a dreamy record of ‘discodelic soul’ that’s part Chic, part sultry Santigold, and is easily at home on a New York dance floor circa 1979,” Jessica Lipsky wrote in her piece on the band earlier this year. Check out the album’s titular track for a prime example of the band’s sleek and sexy sound.

“Aethiopes,” “Church”
billy woods
It’s hard to pick a place to begin talking about Brooklyn rapper billy woods’ momentous year. In April he dropped the critically-acclaimed album “Aethiopes.” Five months later, woods surprised fans by dropping his second album of the year, “Church.”

First, let’s talk beats. On the former album, New York producer Preservation serves up a masterful array of beats ranging from jazz samples to hang drums, and flutes for woods to craft his bars around. On the latter album, Baltimore producer and longtime woods collaborator Messiah Musik creates the perfect soundscape to allow the rapper’s dark lyrics to shine. Second, let’s talk concepts. On “Aethiopes” — an ancient European word for “Africans” — woods explores the Black experience both domestically and in Africa, which was surely informed by his time spent in Zimbabwe as a child. “Church” is even more self-reflective as he again references his childhood in Africa while including strong motifs of love and faith throughout his lyrics.

Both albums merit multiple listens, as woods’ lyrics have many layers waiting to be peeled back. Highlights from “Aethiopes” include “Asylum,” “The Doldrums,” and “Remorseless,” while “Paraquat,” “Fever Grass,” and “Schism” are a good launching point for “Church.”

With additional reporting by Jessica Lipsky