NPR Music’s annual guide to the essential songs and albums of the year.

Photo of The 50 Best Albums of 2022

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Coming Dec. 15

Photo of The 100 Best Songs Of 2022

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Coming Dec. 15

New!

Photo of The Best Rock of 2022

The Best Rock of 2022

New!

Photo of The Best R&B of 2022

The Best R&B of 2022

New!

Photo of The Best Classical Music Of 2022

The Best Classical Music Of 2022

New!

Photo of The Best Hip-Hop of 2022

The Best Hip-Hop of 2022

New!

Photo of The Best Experimental Music Of 2022

The Best Experimental Music Of 2022

New!

Photo of The Year In Jazz

The Year In Jazz

Coming Dec. 13

New!

Photo of The Best Latin Music Of 2022

The Best Latin Music Of 2022

Coming Dec. 13

New!

Photo of The Best Roots Music of 2022

The Best Roots Music of 2022

Coming Dec. 14

Logo illustration by Huston Wilson for NPR; Photos: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images (Amber Mark); Steve Jennings/Getty Images (Nilufer Yanya); Gotham/Getty Images (Rosalia); Derek White/Getty Images for The Recording Academy (Pusha T); Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images (Julia Bullock); Douglas Mason/Getty Images (SG Goodman); Jess X. Snow (ohyung blonde); Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for National CARES Mentoring Movement (Terri Lyne Carrington)