Over the last couple of days we have been counting down our top Americana albums of 2022 and we have now reached the top two – two albums which are both worthy contenders for the title of album of the year, but only one can take the crown. Check back tomorrow when we look at some other great albums which didn’t quite make our top 10.
Runner-up: Bonny Light Horseman “Rolling Golden Holy”
AUK’s Album of 2022: The Delines “The Sea Drift”
The Delines’ narrative song style was new to me when I heard ‘The Sea Drift’. The words seep into your soul after a while along with the sublime music. It’s been a constant listen throughout the year, and I can’t imagine that stopping anytime soon. (TM) Willy Vlautin’s incredible writing and Amy Boone’s emotional vocals are the obvious attraction of The Delines, but it’s the sensitive playing by the band which really makes what they do so memorable. It’s the sound of desperation holding on and of misfits not fittting in. (JA) Amy Boone’s vocal is utterly absorbing and characterful. Willy Vlautin’s lyrics are poetry. Each song, peopled by well-drawn characters, is a captivating narrative, a novel condensed into a few lines that convey so much textured meaning. Musically, the album is an incredibly coherent and atmospheric piece of art, especially absorbing when listened to in its entirety. The word ‘cinematic’ is overused but it perfectly describes the sound, mood and stories in these songs. It’s beautiful stuff and I knew it would be my album of the year from the very first listen. (AF)
Check back tomorrow when we’ll be looking at those albums which just bubbled under our top 10 list.
