Music has always been the place where possibilities happen. If there is one thing that this year has shown us, it is that those possibilities are endless.
From perfect Pop songs to dazzling R&B gems, and reflective Hip-Hop hooks, many artists showed up and showed out this year. Some were subtle in their delivery and others took to the dance floor to dance away the angst.
Whatever the occasion may be, these artists crafted the year’s best songs.
Find out which artists and songs made the cut for the best songs of 2022…
Beyonce – Virgo’s Groove
After landing on our list of the best albums of the year, there is no surprise that a song from Beyonce’s critically-acclaimed ‘Renaissance’ album would end up here. Buried among all the jewels is the hidden ‘Virgo’s Groove,’ a hypnotic R&B-meets-disco jam that stands among ‘Renaissance’s best songs.
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FLO – Cardboard Box
From the opening notes of ‘Cardboard Box,’ it is clear that FLO not only pay homage to groups of the past, but also bring something new and special to the table. Featuring tight harmonies like Destiny’s Child, FLO deliver a classic kiss-off anthem that proves they are the next big girl group.
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Jazmine Sullivan – Hurt Me So Good
With the release of ‘Heaux Tales’ last year, Jazmine Sullivan finally got the recognition that she has so longingly deserved. So, when she released the deluxe version of the project this year, it unsurprisingly contained one of the best songs of the year. One of the new tracks called ‘Hurt Me So Good’ finds her struggling with her feelings for someone who she can’t seem to let go of. Her exceptional vocals truly give the listener the full emotional experience and dare we say…even chills.
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The Weeknd – Less Than Zero
The final full song on ‘Dawn FM’ is also its best. This sun-soaked ballad is as heartbreaking as The Weeknd has ever been. With lyrics such as “Now you’d rather leave me than to watch me die in your arms,” he pulls on the heartstrings all the while an upbeat synth progression plays the perfect juxtaposition to the lyrics. Make no mistake, this is not a ‘Blinding Lights’ 2.0, rather it is its own entity, one that is destined to become as big as the ones before it.
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Burna Boy – Last Last
The term Song of the Summer is oft overused – usually as a marketing tool for releases vying for said status. However, there’s no denying that Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ unquestionably holds the title for 2022. A delicious slice of Afro-Pop built around an infectious sample of Toni Braxton’s ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough,’ this bop was inescapable on a global scale – and rightfully so.
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Kendrick Lamar – Mother I Sober
An evocative piano ballad, ‘Mother I Sober’ is an exposure of emotion not seen in a Kendrick song thus far. Exploring themes of childhood abuse, he takes aim at past traumas from not just him, but the ones that have plagued the family for years. Hands down one of his best songs ever, ‘Mother I Sober’ is a prime example as to why he is his generation’s poet.
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Megan Thee Stallion – Anxiety
Arguably the most vulnerable that Megan has ever been, ‘Anxiety’ not only sees her advocate for mental health but create an anthem for it in the process. A warm welcome to hear her tackle her mental health with such authenticity, it is one of the most authentic songs that she has ever made.
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Taylor Swift – You’re On Your Own, Kid
Swift’s track 5’s are infamous for being the most vulnerable on her albums and ‘You’re On Your Own, Kid’ is no different. A muted beginning soon builds to a snowball demolishing everything with vulnerable lyrics until it hits the album’s supreme crescendo and delivers one of Swift’s best bridges.
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Rina Sawayama – This Hell
Serving as the lead single for her upcoming sophomore album ‘Hold the Girl,’ her song ‘This Hell’ is a call to arms for the girls and the gays and anyone who has been told that they will eventually go to Hell. Mixing elements of Shania Twain’s ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman’ with ‘Born This Way’ era Lady Gaga, Rina Sawayama is on her way to become as legendary as the ones who came before her.
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Bad Bunny – Después de la Playa
It only makes sense that Bad Bunny – who release one of the year’s best albums – also makes this list for having one of the year’s best songs as well. The one to take that place on this list is none other than ‘Después de la Playa,’ a fast-paced mambo and merengue fusion that was recorded with a live band. The most energetic song on the album, it perfectly represents everything a song of the summer should and could be.
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Muni Long – Hrs & Hrs
Yes, it was recorded in 2021 and appeared on her EP ‘Public Displays of Affection,’ however, it was not released as a single until this year, therefore ‘Hrs & Hrs’ is eligible for this list. It is a titillating ballad that tells the story of Long and her partner loving one another until the end of time. After a decade of making hits for other artists, Long finally steps into her own on ‘Hrs & Hrs’ and becomes the superstar she was always destined to be.
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Wild Card Pick
Ethel Cain – American Teenager
Serving as the third single from her exquisite ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ album, ‘American Teenager’ takes a detour from slow-burning ballads to deliver a sizzling slice of heartland pop-rock that is a no holds barred take on the fading American dream as well as the traditional values that once ruled this nation. One of the most scathing and emotional songs released this year, ‘American Teenager’ is truly a work of art.
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Do you agree with our picks?
The only two good songs on this list are Megan and Taylor.
Cuff it also should have been on list
Virgos Groove is def my song of the year. Exceptional vocals combined with fantastic production that draw you in and make you forget the song is 6+ mins long. Not just Renaissances best track, but one of Beyonces best tracks period. Great stuff.