As 2022 comes to a close I would like to reflect on a wonderful year of new music. From Weezer's SZNZ to Beyonce's RENAISSANCE, artists across genres released incredible new music. From my top song, album, and artist of the year I will explore what went fabulously - and what flopped.
Album: girls like me don't cry
Artist: thuy
Sub-Genres: #y2k #BedroomPop
Label: Thuy
Non-Airable Tracks: u should feel special
Description:
My pick for album of the year is undoubtedly, thuy's girls like me don't cry. One of the pop picks of the week from my icon, Sofia Trubiano, introduced me to thuy. thuy is a Vietnamese-American pop diva based out of Los Angeles. Citing inspiration from y2k pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, thuy's music takes you to a world of bubbles and glitter. When I listen to this album in the shower I feel like a Bratz doll come to life. As thuy garners attention from magazines like Paper and Billboard, I would like to honor her here on the KAMP site.
The instrumentals in songs like "obsessed" are the reason this album is so good. If you liked sweetener by Ariana Grande, I have a feeling you'll love this album. A true, classic pop album that suddenly haunts you with breathtaking instrumentals. Each song feels unique yet follows a similar trend of y2k sounds and influences. The instrumentals and melodies of each song set them apart. In addition, thuy's voice lends itself perfectly to pop ballads and gentler songs. "playing tricks" is another favorite of mine. thuy's voice works perfectly with the R&B melody. This song reminds me of Mary J. Blige, oddly. This song feels like a hot mug of tea at a cafe in December.
This was a later discovery for me. The album was released in early October and I didn't end up hearing it until a few weeks later at a KAMP meeting. Yet, this album has stuck with me for the past few months as songs have rotated in-and-out of my playlists. I truly believe thuy deserves the top spot with "album of the year." This album was incredibly memorable and I believe rescued pop from being boring and predictable. Congratulations, thuy!
Honorable Mentions - album of the year:
SOS, SZA
Un Verano Sin Ti, Bad Bunny
Midnights, Taylor Swift
Sounds Like:
Britney Spears
Ariana Grande
NIKI
Recommended Tracks:
obsessed
playing tricks
girls like me don't cry
Reviewer's Name: Sophia Troetel
Date of Review: 12/24/2022