29 Best Songs From 2022

2022 was full of beautiful music. From club bangers to songs with a deeper meaning, we got it all! This year saw new acts break into the mainstream, as well as many big names making a comeback.

Read on to learn more about the standout records and landmark releases that graced the airwaves, the best songs from 2022.

“California Breeze” by Lil Baby

Song Year: 2022

“California Breeze” is the standout track from Lil Baby's much-anticipated third studio album, “It's Only Me.” Lil Baby flaunts his trademark cadence, complemented by catchy Mars and Murda Beatz-produced tracks.

The rapper recounts his journey from an impoverished Atlanta background to a new life soaking in California's breeze in his Bel Air home. The song became an instant hit, summiting hip-hop charts globally.

“As It Was” by Harry Styles

Song Year: 2022

Harry Styles released his much-anticipated single “As It Was,” which met his fans' expectations. It's exceptionally fast-paced music with a catchy riff instrumental motif and gorgeous 80s-style melodies.

Harry Styles' emotional songwriting saw him struggle for stability amid breakups and internal upheavals, rediscovering strength in a rekindled relationship with himself. It's a bold musical departure for Styles, contrary to anything he's done previously.

“Virgo's Groove” by Beyoncé

Song Year: 2022

Love was a staple theme in 2022's good music, and Beyoncé crowned the theme with “Virgo's Groove” from her new “Renaissance” album. The shimmering sand limitless melodies of Virgo's Groove convey all the excitement and mystery of club bangers.

But delve more profound, and it's also electrifyingly unique. While Beyoncé stretches her vocals to new heights throughout the album, Virgo's Groove sees her adjusting rhythm and tone with surprising ease.

“Less Than Zero” by The Weekend

Song Year: 2022

Arguably modern pop's greatest, The Weekend, made a comeback with his fifth studio album, “Dawn FM.” One of the album's highlights is “Less Than Zero,” which sees the vocalist repenting. The track depicts a party animal's afterlife – an apologetic piece by The Weekend, confessing his undying love and addiction. With an outstanding instrumental, The Weekend transforms one of his darkest tracks into a lovely sing-along.

“Hot in It” by Tiësto and Charli XCX

Song Year: 2022

When two greats work together, magic happens! English pop standout Charli XCX teamed up with the Dutch DJ, Tiësto in an upbeat dance track, “Hot in It.” Tiesto's production, as anticipated, is boisterous and explosive, the ideal fuel for Charli XCX's fire.

In the song, Charli showcases her diverse personality and exudes high confidence. The song is about two minutes only, but it's enough to establish an earworm that you won't be able to shake.

“N95” by Kendrick Lamar

Song Year: 2022

 After five years on the sidelines, Kendrick Lamar released his comeback album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” in 2022. “N95” is the album's highlight, referencing a type of mask made mandatory in the US as a COVID-19 mitigation measure.

However, he doesn't quote N95 anywhere in the song. Instead, the Detroit rapper delivers an anti-pop masterpiece with a call to quit the fakery and quit seeking external approval. The track proves Kendrick's hip-hop king status, featuring a dexterous flow, intriguing wordplay, and irresistible lyrics.

“Tonight” by Phoenix & Ezra Koenig

Song Year: 2022

Phoenix sought to push the indie-pop sound in its seventh studio album, “Alpha Zulu,” but “Tonight” – an alternative rock single – was the album's standout. The band linked with Ezra Koenig, who share a rich history, to form powerful duet trading lines in flawless harmony.

Phoenix's lead singer Thomas Mars addresses his romantic interests using highly etic lyrics in this song. This track perfectly illustrates the Phoenix's identity as a Guitar Band, with crystalline strumming leading between verses.

“Beg for You” by Charlie XCX & Rina Sawayama

Song Year: 2022

The song “Beg for You” would undoubtedly be a great tune, a collaboration between two of the best UK pop artists. The duet, Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama chucked in a terrific sample from September's hit “Cry for You” to deliver something extraordinary.

The track stands out in Charli's fifth album, “Crash,” and Rina's outstanding vocals and melodic harmonies make you yearn for more of her, but that's what you expect when two maestros are at the peak of their game link.

“Fool 4 You” by Michelle

Song Year: 2022

“Fool 4 You” is a standout single from Michelle's second album, “After Dinner, We Talk Dreams.” With its emotional storytelling theme and gentle vocal delivery, the track became popular among pop music lovers in 2022. The last few seconds of the song deviate from most of the song's exquisite and almost overly polite hush, with the vocalist hitting high notes in the track's climax.

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy

Song Year: 2022

Steve Lacy brought the 80's college rock vibe to rock in his “Bad Habit” track from his second album, “Gemini Rights.” The song is a catchy cocktail of pop and Indie-RnB, with a melancholy, online-infected vibe that resonates well with Gen Z.

It explains the song's stellar performance on various 2022 charts globally. Lyrics in the music tell the desire for someone out of reach and attaining them. The song is infinitely replayable, fluid in execution, and delightful for romance and music.

“Cash in Cash Out” by Pharrell, Tyler, The Creator & 21 Savage

Song Year: 2022

American musician Pharrell showcases his distinct production prowess in his “Cash in Cash Out” single, featuring rappers 21 Savage and Tyler, The Creator. The rap banger sees an unexpected collaboration between two modern hip-hop greats, Tyler and 21, laying bars on Pharrell's trademark four-count beat.

In his verse, 21 Savage flexes about his drip and everything fashion with a catchy flow, while Tyler turns it up with his colorful delivery, switching flows throughout his verse.

“The Foundations of Decay” by My Chemical Romance

Song Year: 2022

The iconic rock band from New Jersey, My Chemical Romance, continues to receive unwavering support in 2022 with its fiery comeback tune, “The Foundations of Decay.”

The rock anthem slightly reflects the band's previous projects, starting as a simmering ballad before going full metal – rumbling guitar riffs, roaring choruses, and a gut-punching climax. It's gritty yet inspiring, truthful yet heavy. It combines the band's fantastic qualities with a hint of something completely fresh.

“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2022

“Anti-Hero” is a charming, well-executed lead single from Taylor Swift's 10th studio album, “Midnight.” The maestro songwriter does what she does best: convert relatable events into a stone-cold banger. “Anti-Hero” is fundamentally a self-reflective look at one's flaws and troubles. Swift has never been hesitant to pen songs that criticize other people.

She flips the script in “Anti-Hero,” acknowledging that she contributes to some issues instead of growing past them. Taylor Swift delivers witty lyrics, blending beautifully with Jack Antonoff's simple production.

“Body Paint” by Arctic Monkeys

Song Year: 2022

All tracks from Arctic Monkeys' seventh studio album, “The Car,” could make it into our compilation, but “Body Paint” is the band's standout piece. The sneaky, tense track evokes the feel of a number from a long-lost Cassavetes musical; the story twists a relationship's reciprocal deceit into a bizarre game of cat and mouse.

The rock band's frontman, David Turner, exhibits his velvet-smooth crooning as the song develops to its ecstatic symphonic pop breakdown. However, the song's highlight is its epic outro with screeching guitars and a repetitive chorus.

“Cuff It” by Beyoncé

Song Year: 2022

Beyoncé is no stranger to making global hits, and “Cuff It” is another funky addition to her glamorous catalog from her “Resonance” album. The song was the pinnacle of RnB's global resurgence, topping charts and bagging nominations in various reputable awards. “Cuff It” quickly became a TikTok sensation for its funky-laden vibe and feel-good and let-loose lyrics.

The track is an unanticipated addition to the contemporary RnB canon of all time, with a fan-favorite bridge, seductive string, sassy lyrics, and the disco sparkle that a Nile Rodgers production always provides.

“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna

Song Year: 2022

After years of absence from the musical charts, Rihanna made a superb comeback in 2022 with her “Lift Me Up” track – a soundtrack for a famous sequel, “The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The song is a tribute to the movie's late star actor, Chadwick Boseman, showcasing Riri's ever-evolving style and dynamic delivery. Besides being a heartfelt homage to the late actor, Rihanna provides an exceptional reconnection to her musical origin in the soft ballad, complemented by soothing strings.

“Shirt” by SZA

Song Year: 2022

SZA's single “Shirt,” which appears to be a teaser for her new album, makes the most of one of the crooner's incredible talents: her ability to accentuate the sensual energy and disaffection of passionate love.

Self-awareness bears bittersweet undertones in this track as SZA's velvet-smooth vocals saunter to the “Shirt's” slow-rocking groove. She sings of the never-ending search for self-love, betrayal, and desire. SZA's moving lyrics take an introspective approach while remaining cautiously upbeat and without minimizing the less desirable aspects of self-healing.

“This Is Why” by Paramore

Song Year: 2022

After five years of absence from the music scene, Paramore made its comeback in 2022 with a 2000's pop-punk track, “This Is Why.” The song became a household TikTok name, which has exposed new audiences and Gen Z to the rock band's music.

Taylor York – the lead singer – on guitar, and Zac Farro, on drums, blend effortlessly, as her voice is equally weary and ecstatic, falling into its full vocal strength. The track offered fans what they wanted: an original pop-punk explosion from a band previously behind many hits.

“Chicken Teriyaki” by Rosalía

Song Year: 2022

The Grammy-winning Rosalía continued her inventive streak in “Chicken Teriyaki,” a third single from her awaited studio album “Motomami.” No matter how little Spanish you know, “Chicken Teriyaki” has a fail-safe vibe. As usual, Rosalía amplifies the charisma; she is a badass artist.

The two-minute masterpiece is about flexing, showcasing the singer's knack for good vibes. So, forget the translation and let this blazing beast of reggaeton beats and mad Latin energy consume you!

 “I Ain't Worried” by OneRepublic

Song Year: 2022

One Republic topped the charts globally for the first time in eight years with its “I Ain't Worried” single. The song featured as a soundtrack to the Tom Cruise-starring movie, “Top Gun: Maverick,” a classic-themed blockbuster.

 It's a pleasant, well-produced track with as behemoth of a launchpad as a pop hit can get for inclusion on the film's soundtracks. The song is undoubtedly the sort of cheerful, completely digestible end-of-summer earworm whose life span would extend in line with the sustained popularity of the film.

“Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga

Song Year: 2022

Lady Gaga released a new song called “Hold My Hand” just before the release of the movie Top Gun: Maverick.

Produced by Benjamin Rice and frequent collaborator BloodPop, “Hold My Hand” sounds like any other pop ballad. However, this song tries to convey the sweeping melancholy of the Berlin ballad. It features reverb-drenched vocals, an electric guitar solo, and booming drums.

“This Hell” by Rina Sawayama

Song Year: 2022

Rina Sawayama caught so many people by surprise when she released her song “This Hell,” a lead single from her second album, Hold the Girl.

In this song, Rina talks about how the world sees her and how she feels. The fearless and revolutionary song ushers in the new era with assurance and a crucial sense of empowerment.

“Break My Soul” by Beyoncé

Song Year: 2022

“Break My Soul” by Beyonce is a classy first single from the crooner's “Resonance” album. It's embellished with a lively piano riff and raw-voiced interjections sampled from Big Freedia.

This iconic track ushers in a new era with a historically significant dedication to much-needed dancefloor release. Throughout the song, Beyonce urges the audience to step outside for a minute to refocus and further examine their objectives but gets trapped in certain well-known musical clichés.

“Tomorrow 2” by GloRilla & Cardi B

Song Year: 2022

GloRilla and Cardi B collaborated on one of the best 2022 songs, “Tomorrow 2.” In the most recent version, the two women snap over the same instrumental with deep bass and piano chords as the original version, produced by Macaroni Toni.

The song's nature is braggadocious. These two rappers combine Southern Rap with the Bronx East Coast Drill style.

“Cardboard Box” by FLO

Song Year: 2022

“Cardboard Box” is the lead song for the British girl group FLO, packed with the nostalgic 90's RnB vibe. The girls collaborated with Savannah Jada and MNEK to write the song, who later produced it.

This pop and R&B song combines the group's synchronized voices with a dancehall-influenced beat and sounds from the 2000s. The lyrics describe FLO's relationship struggles and how they moved from their exes.

“Leave You Alone” by Ella Mai

Song Year: 2022

“Leave You Alone” by Ella Mai was a hip-hop smashing hit single. This song was produced by Harmony Samuels and Mustard, who signed her to his record label “10 Summers Records”  in 2015.

In the song, Mai describes her going through a series of bad relationships and how they drive her crazy. If you listen keenly, you'll notice that the song's chorus interpolates “Feenin” by Jodeci. The entire vibe of the song is a perfect fit for Mai's catalog and is reminiscent of her smash single “Boo'd Up.”

“American Teenager” by Ethel Cain

Song Year: 2022

American Teenager is arguably the best song released in 2022, merging pop and rock sounds. It is the most captivating track from Cain's debut album, ‘Preacher's Daughter,' boasting beautiful vocals that blend perfectly with the electric guitar accompaniment to give a small-town America vibe.

Cain draws inspiration from her early life to depict the danger of patriotism, taking a swipe at the much-coveted ‘American Dream.'

“Primadonna” by Moss Kena

Song Year: 2022

Dance-Pop also graced the 2022 music arena, with “Primadonna” by Moss Kena taking the scene by storm. The track became an instant, making Kena a household name globally.

It talks about a gorgeous, irresistible lady who doesn't appreciate your efforts toward her. So instead, she backbites at the nearest opportunity. A catchy pop production complements the relatable lyrics, making the song a top pick from 2022.

“Torture Me” by 100 Gecs & Skrillex

Song Year: 2022

100 Gecs teamed up with Skrillex in “Torture Me” to give Electronic dance music lovers a nostalgic treat. Skrillex combines with the famous hyperpop duo to showcase their experimental music ideas, creating an uplifting composition that reflects the fun this trio had in the studio.

The artists exploit their garish vocals, combining them with prickly synths to evoke the synthpop feel of the 2010s. At the song's end, Skrillex treats his avid fans to her typical hook of metallic clangs and quivering synthesizers, establishing the link from dance to hyperpop in a blink of an eye.

Top Songs From 2022, Final Thoughts

There you go, some of the best songs from 2022! So if you seek to listen to the hits that defined 2022, we got you covered, regardless of your favorite music genre. We hope you enjoyed our compilation and have discovered some tracks you didn't know.