These 10 big Wisconsin artists have new albums in 2022
Piet Levy
With touring resuming across America for the first full calendar year since 2019, a wave of artists are releasing new albums to play shows behind — including many of the biggest acts who hail from Wisconsin.
Here are 10 of the biggest albums from a Wisconsin artist out in 2022, listed in order of release.
‘Dominion,’ Skillet (released Jan. 14)
Featuring Kenosha-based husband-and-wife team John Cooper on lead vocals and bass and Korey Cooper on guitar, and Kenosha-based drummer and vocalist Jen Ledger, Skillet released their 11th full-length album at the start of the year, once again offering adrenaline-fueled anthems that appeal to Christian music fans and hard rock lovers alike. Skillet is playing Summerfest’s Uline Warehouse July 8.
‘Tough Boy,’ Carlie Hanson (released Feb. 18)
The Onalaska native found pivotal early champions in Taylor Swift and Troye Sivan, leading to inclusion in Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list in 2020 and a Warner Bros. record deal. In February, the full-length album “Tough Boy,” arrived, fulfilling that early promise and featuring Hanson comfortably incorporating elements of pop punk into her angsty, outspoken synth-pop sound.
‘Break Me Open,’ S. Carey (released April 22)
Bon Iver’s Lake Geneva-born, Eau Claire-based drummer specializes in his own style of pretty, sometimes pained folk rock, and with “Break Me Open,” Carey has offered his most personal collection to date, informed by his divorce and the death of his father, and guided by the light he found on the other side of that turmoil.
‘Skylar Grey,’ Skylar Grey (released April 28)
The Mazomanie native born Holly Brook Hafermann has never shied away from penning emotionally raw and unflinching lyrics, even on hooks for massive radio hits for other artists, like Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie.” But even by her own high lyrical standards, Grey’s latest self-titled collection reaches new levels of vulnerability, the music emerging after a painful and extended divorce that largely kept her out of the public eye.
‘No Pressure, Pt. 1,’ Lakeyah (released June 17)
The fast-rising Milwaukee-born, Atlanta-based rapper expanded her clout by signing a new deal with Motown Records, through the support of her original label Quality Control, and made about as big a splash as possible in the new era teaming up with Latto for this EP’s defiant lead single “Mind Yo Business.” But the best news about “No Pressure” is that the title indicates a part two is on its way.
‘4 the Last Time,’ BoDeans (released June 24)
Waukesha-born, Austin, Texasbased roots rocker Kurt Neumann played every instrument on the 17th BoDeans album, which, despite the title, is almost certainly not the last from the band. Its release arrived in time for BoDeans homecoming show at Summerfest’s Johnson Controls World Sound Stage July 2.
‘Arkhorn,’ Zola Jesus
The dark wave artist born Nika Roza Danilova, who grew up in northern Wisconsin and lives in Merrill, processed the dissolution of her marriage and ailments in the world through a sort of soul-searching journey that included time at a secluded Wisconsin Buddhist monastery. Her findings were manifested, to an extent, on her sixth studio album. Zola Jesus will play a rare home state show at Summerfest July 9 on the UScellular Connection Stage.
‘The Blonde & Pink Albums,’ Trixie Mattel (released June 24)
This may be the biggest album from a Wisconsin artist this year, a double album from the Milwaukee-born drag superstar creation of Silver Cliff native Brian Firkus that sees her channeling Fountains of Wayne-informed power pop. But the ambitious album lines up with Mattel’s tireless work ethic that’s included popular YouTube videos, a new “Trixie Motel” Discovery+ reality show and more in 2022.
‘R&B Money,’ Tank (coming Aug. 19)
Born Durrell Babbs in Milwaukee, Tank was enjoying some of the biggest hits of his career a few years back, only to go deaf in his right ear and lose hearing in his left. But before ending his music career, Tank is going to release one final 10th album, “R&B Money.” And judging by the early singles, he may be going out on top.
‘Diamonds & Dancefloors,’ Ava Max (coming Oct. 14)
Born Amanda Koci in Milwaukee, Ava Max had a huge hit in 2019 with “Sweet But Psycho.” The song ushered in an upbeat era for pop, and she followed it up with other gems like “Kings & Queens,” the Tiesto collaboration “The Motto” and, most recently, the delightful ex-skewering dance-floor blast “Maybe You’re the Problem,” a highly promising lead single for her next album.
Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.