The unequivocal definition of a renaissance is the revival or birth of art. Nonetheless, Beyoncé’s seventh studio album appears like the start of a latest era. RENAISSANCE is arguably considered one of Beyoncé’s best albums thus far. With no-skips, every song is attention-grabbing, hence the primary single “BREAK MY SOUL” and the viral TikTok smash “CUFF IT.” However it’s the magic on “VIRGO’S GROOVE,” the tenderness on “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA,” and the call-and-response energy on “HEATED,” together with the opposite mesmerizing tracks that make this album an immersive experience. Beyoncé manages to sequence RENAISSANCE in a way that flows effortlessly whatever the sonic contrast on each record. Since its July release, RENAISSANCE in its entirety, has been a crowd pleaser at venues across the nation. With elements of dance, house, techno, disco, and bounce the full-length project is a carefree soundtrack to Black, Brown, and queer communities.

The Weeknd’s Dawn FM is a well-executed concept album that takes the listener on an apocalyptic joyride. The fictional “103.5 Dawn FM” is cleverly introduced as an hour-long interlude towards the afterlife. “You’ve been at midnight for way too long, it’s time to step into the sunshine and accept your fate with open arms,” Jim Carrey mysteriously narrates on the title track. Obviously, The Weeknd is a genius in relation to capturing a selected mood, as previously displayed on the After Hours LP. The primary half of Dawn FM begins with a synth-pop sound that’s paying homage to the 80s–evidently on “How Do I Make You Love Me?” Then the album transitions to an alternate sound midway on “Out of Time.” As Dawn FM progresses, it delivers a modernized electro sound within the second half with songs like “Best Friends” and “Don’t Break My Heart.”

SZA’s long awaited album arrived at the top of 2022. And it was well definitely worth the wait. The singer-songwriter has mastered the art of storytelling in a way that resonates with today’s R&B palette. Just like her acclaimed 2017 mainstream debut CTRL, SZA vulnerably narrates her insecurities and heartbreaks, but clearly there’s growth on her sophomore project. TDE’s leading lady confidently reintroduces herself on the album opener “SOS” and follows up with fan-favorite “Kill Bill.” The songstress boasts about her maturity and in the identical breath obsesses over an ex boyfriend, foreshadowing her girl-next-door material. The rest of the comeback LP includes familiar tracks like “I Hate U,” “Shirt,” and “Good Days.” Furthermore, the punk-inspired “F2F” signifies SZA’s progressive musical direction.

Kendrick Lamar returned from his five-year hiatus and dropped a thought-provoking LP in May. The 2-part album marked Lamar’s first release since his Pulitzer prize-winning DAMN, released in 2017. On Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Lamar makes it evident that loads has modified over time. The beloved rapper uses his latest release as a confessional to deal with his childhood trauma, vices, infidelity, shortcomings, and way more. Lamar also sparked cultural conversation with “We Cry Together,” a theatrical domestic dispute, “Auntie Diaries,” an open dialogue about gender and sexuality. And after all, “Savior,” the celebrity culture outcry. With serious undertones on the album, “Die Hard” featuring Blxst manages to shine as considered one of the bops along with “Silent Hill” featuring Kodak Black.