Hello, and welcome to my Top 50 singles of 2022 blog! In this list, I am going to take you through my favorite singles of the year and rank them from #50 to #1. This was a difficult list to make as there were a lot of contenders, but I had fun making this, and I hope you have fun reading it!
Before we begin, here are a few things to keep in mind. When I say "singles," I am talking about songs that were either released before an album as promotion, released on the same day as the album or songs that were released on their own without a tie to a specific project. I am not counting songs that were turned into singles after their respective albums were released. Because of that, songs like "CUFF IT" by Beyonce or "Kody Blu 31" by JID won't be on this list, even though they would absolutely be on here otherwise. On top of that, I am only including one song per artist/band. If I didn't, the top ten would be entirely taken up by like three artists, which is definitely not fair. Also, these are all my opinions. You may hate every single one of these songs, and that's okay. I am not here to sway you in any way. I'm just telling you why I like these tracks.
If you want to hear any of these tracks, click on the song names! Doing so will take you directly to the song/music video on YouTube, where you can listen to your heart's content. I also have a Spotify playlist! If you want to hear each song here, as well as some other great songs that didn't make the list, click here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0mkcYujPhLHEeiRVEY6tNd?si=94fedfbbca3f4308
With all of that said, let's begin! Here are my top 50 singles of 2022!
50. MUNA: "Anything But Me"
Release Date: March 15
Genre: Indie Pop / Synthpop
Album: MUNA
This is a fun, beautiful and uplifting bop about giving an ex support and the hope to change, all the while refusing to stick around. It's an interesting perspective for a break up song, and it works dividends.
49. Logic: "Vinyl Days (feat. DJ Premiere)"
Release Date: May 20
Genre: East Coast Hip Hop
Album: Vinyl Days
On the title track for his latest album, Logic tells us that he's got something to prove in the most laid back way possible. Excellent beat, great flows, well written wordplay... this is some good hip hop.
48. Paramore: "This Is Why"
Release Date: September 28
Genre: Dance Punk / New Wave
Album: This Is Why (2023)
Paramore goes in a dance punk direction with this song, and it is awesome. The angular guitar riffs are sick. The drums are punchy and captivating. Hayley William's vocals are still fantastic. And that chorus... HELL YEAH!
47. Ibibio Sound Machine: "17 18 19"
Release Date: March 7
Genre: Afro-Funk / Electro
Album: Electricity
Easily one of the most danceable songs of the year. Love the cross-section of disco, Afrobeat and funk happening here. It's groovy and a hell of a fun listen. I dare you to listen to this without moving at least a little. It's impossible.
46. Regina Spektor: "Up the Mountain"
Release Date: April 29
Genre: Art Pop / Chamber Pop / Progressive Pop
Album: Home, before and after
This is one of the most unexpectedly weird songs of the year. The progression is so odd, yet it's poetry, driving bass, horn and string hits and overall underlying menace makes this song so captivating. I simultaneously delighted and intimated, all while dancing along to the beat.
45. Arctic Monkeys: "There'd Better Be A Mirrorball"
Release Date: August 30
Genre: Chamber Pop / Baroque Pop / Traditional Pop
Album: The Car
Arctic Monkeys' take on traditional pop didn't always work on The Car, but when it did, it knocked it out of the park. This song right here is the best example of that. The string arrangement is gorgeous, the writing is lovely and Alex Turner's vocals are on point. It's a shining moment on an otherwise mixed bag of an album.
44. The Weeknd: "Sacrifice"
Release Date: January 7
Genre: Dance Pop / Synth Funk / Synthpop
Album: Dawn FM
This really should have been a WAY bigger hit than it was. Insatiably groovy and beautifully produced, all while Abel channels his inner Michael Jackson in a fun, danceable and sexy tune? I mean, what's not to love?
43. Viagra Boys: "Ain't No Thief"
Release Date: April 20
Genre: Dance Punk / Industrial Rock
Album: Cave World
This is one of the most hilarious bangers of the year. It's a driving, wild jam of a song with noisy instruments, a catchy as hell riff and ingenious lyrics about being a delusional asshole. They're essentially painting a character that constantly says "how dare you accuse me of stealing this thing you own that I obviously stole?" It's a blast.
42. Julien Baker: "Guthrie"
Release Date: July 7
Genre: Singer-Songwriter
Album: B-Sides (EP)
This leftover from last year's excellent Little Oblivions is a heartbreaking yet beautiful acoustic cut about hitting rock bottom. The guitar is played so well, and Julien's singing and songwriting is so sad and so gorgeous. It's simple, but the impact it has is big.
41. deadmau5: "My Heart Has Teeth (feat. Skylar Grey)"
Release Date: August 5
Genre: Synthwave
Album: Resident Evil Netflix Soundtrack
I think we can all agree that this song is the only good thing to come out of the new Resident Evil Netflix series. This is an excellent, dark and ominous club track with fantastic production and a deliciously sinister vocal performance from Skylar Grey. I would gladly get eaten by zombies if this was the soundtrack that was playing.
40. Faye Webster: "Car Therapy"
Release Date: April 13
Genre: Chamber Pop / Singer-Songwriter
Album: Car Therapy Sessions (EP)
Faye is so good at eliciting this melancholic loneliness through her music, and this song is no exception. However, by going in a fully orchestral route, she has given us one of her prettiest songs to date. The orchestration is gorgeous, and Faye's hushed vocals tie everything together perfectly. It sounds like a classic Disney song, except sung by a clinically depressed princess. Fantastic stuff.
39. PinkPantheress, Sam Gellaitry: "Picture in my mind"
Release Date: August 10
Genre: Dance Pop / Nu-Disco
Album: n/a
Sure, this is a deviation from the drum-and-bass sound of her debut mixtape, but I prefer this SO much more. I love the pianos and bass and the subtle warping effect placed on them. It makes the song bright and glossy while also slightly trippy. This song also has one of my favorite choruses of the year, as well as PinkPantheress's best vocals to date. I can't wait to see her career progress from here.
38. The Beths: "A Real Thing"
Release Date: February 9
Genre: Indie Rock / Power Pop
Album: n/a
As much as I love their latest album, it's their non-album single that wowed me the most. The riff is punchy and energetic, the vocals are killer, the lyrics are delightfully gloomy and the band as a whole has such excellent chemistry with each other. I also like how the chorus switches up the pace a bit. It hits hard, and it's a shame that this song was cut from the album.
37. Beyoncé: "BREAK MY SOUL"
Release Date: June 21
Genre: House / Dance Pop
Album: RENAISSANCE
I don't need to tell you that this song is an absolute bop. You already know that this song is one of the catchiest, grooviest, most fun and best produced hit songs of the year. And yes, Beyoncé is as incredible as ever as a singer; full of passion, power and charisma. You already know all of that. And even if you don't, you know it's true. It's okay. I'm here for you. You don't have to be in denial any longer.
36. G Jones & Eprom: "R.A.V.E."
Release Date: October 12
Genre: Hardcore EDM / Breakbeat
Album: Illusory Tracks (EP)
In my opinion, the best club tracks don't just make you want to dance. They make you want punch the person dancing next to you in the face. Then they make you want to start fighting as many people as you can until the entire dance floor is a bloody mess. Then they make you want to run up to the DJ and tackle him, throw him out into the audience and slam into his stomach elbow first, completely snapping his spine in half. That's what this song is like. Also, that's why I'm not invited to any clubs within a 1,000 mile radius.
35. Gorillaz: "Cracker Island (feat. Thundercat)"
Release Date: June 22
Genre: Electropop / Alternative Dance
Album: Cracker Island (2023)
It's songs like this that remind me why Gorillaz is one of my favorite bands of all time. The production is fantastic, the groove is sensational and the macabre lyrics about cults are some of the most captivating in the entire Gorillaz catalogue. Also, the Thundercat feature might be the best feature of the year. The bass is funky and his vocals add so much to this song. This is one of their best songs in years, and I love their last album. I'm so excited for the new album.
34. Lizzo: "About Damn Time"
Release Date: April 14
Genre: Nu-Disco / Dance Pop / Synth Funk
Album: Special
In my opinion, this is the hit song of the year. It is a perfect modern disco track, complete with an amazing bassline, a great groove, some nice production and a commanding performance from Lizzo. Sure, the lyrics can be corny, but I don't care. I will sing about it being bad bitch-o'clock and thicc thirty any day of the week. It's catchy, fun, uplifting, funny and a fantastic listen. Usually, the chart topping pop hits grow old for me fairly quickly. Not this one.
33. Black Country, New Road: "Snow Globes"
Release Date: January 19
Genre: Post-Rock / Slowcore / Free Improvisation
Album: Ants From Up There
God, this song hurts. It is one of the most emotionally potent songs of the year, and at 9 minutes long, it is a journey. The build is slow, but it is beautiful with how it gradually adds more instruments until it hits you with the flurry of drums that completely overpower the mix. It is cathartic, yet it just screams of pain. This song is the equivalent to sobbing uncontrollably without really even knowing why. Listen to it, and you'll see what I mean. Powerful, powerful stuff.
32. Father John Misty: "Funny Girl"
Release Date: January 5
Genre: Baroque Pop / Singer-Songwriter
Album: Chloe and the Next 20th Century
This was the first single of the year that I fell in love with. It's a beautiful piece of baroque pop harkening back to the 1940s big swing era. The strings are luscious, the horns add a nice bit of atmosphere and the whole song progresses like it soundtracks a Criterion Collection film. On top of that, the storytelling is sweet and the singing is quite pretty. Though I didn't care for Tillman's latest album, this song still holds up.
31. Carly Rae Jepsen: "The Loneliest Time (feat. Rufus Wainwright)"
Release Date: October 7
Genre: Disco / Dance Pop
Album: The Loneliest Time
This is such a good bop! The production is this perfect melding of disco and modern synthpop, combining into a euphoric, delightful and fun track. It sounds fantastic, and Carly and Rufus have really good chemistry with each other. Also, this is SUCH an excellent chorus. It is written so well. This song is such a blast from start to finish, and I will yell out "I'm coming back to you" at any point I can from here on out.
30. Sudan Archives: "Homemaker"
Release Date: March 26
Genre: Contemporary R&B / Dance Pop / Art Pop
Album: Natural Brown Prom Queen
This is one of the most buttery smooth R&B cuts of the year. The instrumentation has such a nice build to it, and it gives this air of suspense throughout the runtime. The combination of instruments here manages to be so pretty yet creative all at the same time. And Sudan Archives has such a command on the mic. She rides the beat so well, and she aids in giving this track a somewhat mysterious feel. It is an excellent R&B cut with great vibes, phenomenal pacing and an excellent groove.
29. Grentperez: "Absence of You"
Release Date: January 14
Genre: Chamber Pop / Alternative R&B / Singer-Songwriter
Album: Conversations with the Moon (EP)
Break up tunes don't get much more romantic than this. I know, weird juxtaposition, but Grentperez took a song detailing a break up and writes and performs it in the sweetest, most endearing way possible. His voice is smooth as hell on top of these intoxicating acoustic guitars and that sexy drum beat. Seriously, if it weren't for the lyrics, this would make for some excellent candle-lit dinner music. It is a beautiful, beautiful song, and certainly one of the more underrated cuts of the year.
28. Fleet Foxes: "A Sky Like I've Never Seen (feat. Tim Bernardes)"
Release Date: November 9
Genre: Chamber Folk / Baroque Pop
Album: n/a
I'm definitely a sucker for anything Fleet Foxes, so don't be shocked when I say that this song is excellent. It contains the typical gorgeous crooning from Robin Pecknold, with help from Tim Bernardes, over luscious and vibrant folk music. The music is so wonderfully arranged as it swells into a gratifying climax that I can't get enough of. This song makes me feel like I'm standing out in the wilderness on a perfect day, just soaking in the atmosphere. It's a great feeling, and the music sounds incredible throughout. I love this band.
27. Black Thought & Danger Mouse: "Strangers (feat. A$AP Rocky and Run the Jewels)"
Release Date: August 9
Genre: East Coast Hip Hop / Hardcore Hip Hop
Album: Cheat Codes
This is music to rob banks to. To put it simply, this is a collaboration between five artists that are all masters at their crafts. You get four hyper aggressive, well written and immaculately performed verses over one of the dirtiest and most hype beats of the year. It is the prime definition of a banger.
26. Daniel Rossen: "Unpeopled Space"
Release Date: February 22
Genre: Chamber Folk / Indie Folk / Progressive Folk
Album: You Belong There
I will always have a soft spot for prog because that is the genre I grew up with, and this right here is some excellent progressive folk. The guitar work here is probably the best of the year. It is so intricate and complex, yet it sounds amazing. There's this whole mysticism that surrounds the track for the entire 6 minute runtime that grows more and more captivating as it goes on. This song is impressive in so many ways, and I love coming back and picking up new details with each listen.
25. Quadeca: "Born Yesterday"
Release Date: September 19
Genre: Dream Pop / Folktronica / Art Pop
Album: I Didn't Mean To Haunt You
This song should not work. It is overwhelming, fairly loosely structured and often claustrophobic. There are points when the production sounds like a barrage of noise, giving off a really uncomfortable vibe. But this song is amazing. It all comes together to make one of the most original and haunting songs of the year. This song really does sound as ghostly as the concept Quadeca is playing with. It's a dark and sad song, but if you want one of the most unique, bold and creative mixes you will ever find, then you should absolutely listen to this. It may be overwhelming, but is executed perfectly, and the payoff is excellent.
24. Plains: "Hurricane"
Release Date: October 12
Genre: Alt-Country / Americana
Album: I Walked With You a Ways
Sometimes, you don't need to get weird with it. Sometimes, you need a sweet and comforting country tune with beautiful instrumentation, lovely vocals and moving lyrics about being loved through all their flaws. That is this song in a nutshell. It makes me happy.
23. Algiers: "Bite Back (feat. Billy Woods & Backxwash)"
Release Date: September 13
Genre: Post-Punk / Hardcore Hip Hop / Art Punk
Album: Shook (2023)
Alright, let's get weird with it again. This track is an oddball cross between post-punk, hardcore hip hop, abstract hip hop and gospel. It is such a strange combination, but it creates one of the most disturbed and brooding atmospheres of the year. The production hits hard, the progression manages to be gripping throughout and Billy Woods and Backxwash body their guest verses. This whole song is creepy in the best way possible. I can't wait for their upcoming album based on this song alone.
22. U.S. Girls: "So Typically Now"
Release Date: July 26
Genre: Nu-Disco / Electropop
Album: n/a
U.S. Girls are so underrated in the realm of synthpop. They have such creative takes on the genre, this track included. The United States Girls have pulled from the 80s to give us a groovy disco number with an banger of a beat, some of the thiccest synths of the year and some of the most clever lyrics on the pandemic I've seen yet. It's a bop from front to back, and I hope the United States of America Girls become more successful, because they so clearly deserve it.
21. Phoebe Bridgers: "Sidelines"
Release Date: April 15
Genre: Singer-Songwriter / Indie Folk / Chamber Pop
Album: n/a
This song is sad. I mean, it's Phoebe Bridgers. Of course it's sad. However, there's something that is so purely devastating about this track, more so than her other songs. It's weird, because this is technically a love song, but it is presented in such a dour yet gorgeous way. The pianos and strings are all beautifully arranged, and Phoebe sounds as wonderful as ever, yet it's the build and the subject matter of the song that keep me coming back to it and keep me tearing up each time. Nobody does sad girl vibes like Phoebe, and I can't wait to hear what she does next.
20. The Mountain Goats: "Training Montage"
Release Date: June 2
Genre: Indie Rock / Folk Rock
Album: Bleed Out
You like action movies? Well, you're probably gonna love this. John Darnielle has given us an up-tempo, optimistic and fun rock song about a character enacting a "training montage" to hone their skills so as to save the day and enact justice at the climax of the story. It's a punchy blast of a song full of great riffs, solid storytelling and so much pep. This is one of the most fun songs of the year, and I can't recommend it enough.
19. Daisy: "HUBBA BUBBA"
Release Date: April 21
Genre: Indie Pop / Indie Rock
Album: n/a
Question: who is this and why is this so good? I mean, this is probably the most unknown song on this entire list, and it is kick ass! The groove is sweet as hell, the guitars are infectious, the drums have a lot of pop and the vocals... oh man, the vocals! She's an R&B singer doing indie pop. That's all I need to say about that. This is one of the most surprising tracks of the year, and I implore you to check it out because too few people know about it. Definitely the most underrated song of 2022. 100%.
18. Kamasi Washington: "The Garden Path"
Release Date: February 2
Genre: Jazz
Album: n/a
Ya like jazz? If you do, then check this out. Kamasi Washington is an excellent saxophonist, and he has assembled himself a killer band to give us this grand, epic and chaotic jazzy jam session. The pianos, the drums, the group vocals, the trumpets and, of course, the saxophones, all come together to give us one of the most insane songs of the year. Jazz lovers will absolutely get a lot out of this, but even if you aren't that big on the genre, still check it out. There's a lot to appreciate here.
17. Ethel Cain: "Strangers"
Release Date: April 7
Genre: Dream Pop / Slowcore
Album: Preacher's Daughter
If there's any album I regret not checking out this year, it's the new Ethel Cain album. This track, which is supposed to be the closer, is phenomenal. It is a reverb soaked ballad with one of the most tragic and powerful performances of the year. The lyrics are so sad, and they are amplified by how washed out all of the instruments are. The track does a great job at building, because once the climax hits at the end... wow. Truly mind-blowing. This is one of those songs where you need to be in the right headspace to listen to, because if not, it will mess you up. That's kind of why I avoided the album in 2022. However, I will give the album a chance soon. At least I have this incredible song to tide me over until then.
16. Death's Dynamic Shroud: "Judgment Bolt"
Release Date: January 18
Genre: Vaporwave / Glitch Pop
Album: Darklife
Speaking of mind-blowing, I have literally NEVER heard anything like this. This has some of the most creative production I've ever heard in my life. The bass is thick and fuzzy, the melody is dystopian and wild, the pitched vocals are epic... it's such a strange combination, but it works. This song sounds like it would take place in an intergalactic battle in a sci-fi movie. It is badass from front to back, and I cannot stop listening to it. If you want your EDM weird and bombastic, then give this a shot. It's one of the most unique pieces of the year, and it deserves to be remembered as such.
15. Nilüfer Yanya: "the dealer"
Release Date: February 28
Genre: Indie Rock
Album: PAINLESS
THAT GROOVE, THOUGH!!! Man, the first time I heard this song, as soon as that drum pattern came in at the top, I was hooked. And lo and behold, it's the best indie rock single of the year. The guitars are sticky, the bass comes in at the perfect time, the vocals are captivating and the hook is fantastic. It's one of those earworms that I can't get out of my head no matter how hard I try. Oh yeah, and also THE GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE! I would die for this groove! Okay, not literally, but you know what I mean.
14. Joey Bada$$: "Survivor's Guilt"
Release Date: July 7
Genre: Conscious Hip Hop / East Coast Hip Hop
Album: 2000
Content warning: this song is about suicide. Joey wrote this song for his childhood friend and rapper Capital Steez and his cousin Junior B, both of whom took their own lives. If listening to a song about this topic is too much, I completely understand. Mental health is very important, and the fact that it can push somebody to suicide is such a heartbreaking reality, and I get not want to listen to this track for that very reason. With that said, Joey does a great job at honoring their lives and showing them his love with some of the most powerful and well written verses of the year. I also love the organ-lead beat and the simple yet effective hook. This is one of the most potent songs of the year, while also being one of the most heartbreaking. It's a sad yet powerful statement, and I respect the hell out of Joey for tackling the topic with such taste. Rest in peace to both Capital Steez and Junior B.
13. ROSALÍA: "SAOKO"
Release Date: February 4
Genre: Neoperreo / Reggaeton
Album: MOTOMAMI
In just a little over 2 minutes, ROSALÍA comes out SWINGING. With one of the most insane beats of the year, consisting of a dirty guitar riff over a booming reggaeton beat, and one of ROSALÍA's most insane performances ever as she raps in Spanish with a gargantuan amount of charisma, you get one absolute banger of a track. It is energetic, sexy and an absolute adrenaline rush with each listen.
12. Caroline Polachek: "Billions"
Release Date: February 9
Genre: Art Pop / Trip Hop
Album: Desire, I Want To Turn Into You (2023)
Man, Caroline Polachek is so good at creating moody pop bops. This song especially, because it might be my favorite of hers so far. I love the production here, particularly the instrument that sounds like reversed bells. It gives the track such a lovely ethereal feel. Caroline's vocals are also on point. How she manages to have that much power through her angelic voice is beyond me. Sonically, this is pure serenity from start to finish. It's a euphoric kind of sound that puts me at peace with each listen. If this track doesn't even slightly relax you, or at the very least make you smile, then there's something wrong with you.
11. The Smile: "Free In The Knowledge"
Release Date: April 20
Genre: Art Rock / Chamber Folk
Album: A Light for Attracting Attention
I am a huge Radiohead fan, and if you told me that this was a part of Radiohead's back catalog, I would 100% believe you. The Smile, which consists of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, as well as Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner, released a gorgeous art rock track with some of the most serene sounding production of the year. The use of strings and pianos completely fill up the mix in such a lovely way, and Thom's vocals add a lot of sadness and uncertainty to the track. This is such a pretty tune, and it is truly up there with some of Radiohead's best material. I really do mean that.
10. DOMi & JD BECK: "TAKE A CHANCE (feat. Anderson .Paak)"
Release Date: July 6
Genre: Nu-Jazz
Album: NOT TiGHT
Chorus of the year. Without question. This is easily one of the most beautifully written and executed choruses I have heard in a long time. It is so smooth and elegant, and both DOMi and JD BECK sound great together not only with their instruments but their singing voices. And the rest of the track is great too. Anderson .Paak gives a wonderful guest performance, the pianos are sweet and the drums keep a nice groove. I also love the slight breakdown at the tail end of the song. It shows us the chemistry that DOMi and JD BECK have with each other as musicians. This is simply an excellent song from front to back, and it's one of those songs that I can picture everyone liking.
9. JID: "Dance Now (with Kenny Mason)"
Release Date: August 9
Genre: Southern Hip Hop / Trap
Album: The Forever Story
This song is just pure hype. With an excellent sample laying the foundation for a killer beat, JID raps with so much wordplay and so many double-entendres, as well as one of the most effortlessly fluid flows you will find. Seriously, the way JID raps on this is so damn good, he makes it look easy even though what he's doing is clearly not. Top that off with a great pre-chorus and hook, and you get one of the best bangers of the year.
8. black midi: "Welcome to Hell"
Release Date: May 9
Genre: Avant-Prog / Experimental Rock
Album: Hellfire
I mean, with a title like that, I bet you're expecting this to be something really twisted. Well... you would be right. However, this is also Black Midi at their absolute best. The band is so in-sync with each other, giving each other some of the most insane and wild guitar riffs and drum patterns in their entire catalogue. The progression of the track keeps taking twists and turns while being engaging, weird and badass throughout. I also love the spoken word vocals. They're so cartoony and goofy, yet there's a strong amount of disturbed menace there that I can't get enough of. But really, what makes this song outstanding is the story being told. It's a harrowing tale about war, manipulation and debauchery told from the perspective of an evil drill sergeant. It's brilliant storytelling and songwriting, and it is right up my alley.
7. Weyes Blood: "God Turn Me Into a Flower"
Release Date: November 16
Genre: Ambient Pop / New Age / Singer-Songwriter
Album: And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow
In 2019, Weyes Blood showed us she can blow us away with a slow burn in "Movies." Now, 3 years later, she does it again with "God Turn Me Into a Flower." in 6 and a half minutes, Natalie gives us a transcendent musical experience as it blends ambient music and baroque pop. The instrumentation is very simple, but the way it builds is so beautiful. I love the way the organs and the vocal harmonies swell and blend in with each other. The lyrics and vocals are also stunning, especially for how minimal they are. But really, it's the second half of the track that turns it into a showstopper. There are no lyrics; just pianos, harmonic vocals and birds chirping in the breeze. It is the most gorgeous song of the year, and it puts me in a trance with each listen.
6. Kendrick Lamar: "The Heart Part 5"
Release Date: May 8
Genre: Jazz Rap / Conscious Hip Hop / West Coast Hip Hop / Funk
Album: n/a
After being away for 5 years, Kendrick Lamar returned and came SWINGING. The fifth part of his "The Heart" series is truthfully one of his best songs ever. The jazzy instrumental grabs your attention upon the first two notes and it does not let go at all. When the horns and the drums come in at the chorus, the song just explodes. As for Kendrick himself, of course he's excellent. He's one of the best rappers of this generation. His writing and his flows are unmatched in my eyes. On top of that, there is a lot of strong emotion here. He tackles a lot of topics like racism, unity, culture and more on a track about a call to bring people together. Of course, that's a very basic description. Like every Kendrick song, there's a lot to unpack here; more than I can do justice. Here's what I will say: throughout the 2010s, Kendrick proved himself to be one of the best, and his return is not him doing a victory lap. Instead, it's him giving us words of wisdom and words of love, and I think that is special. This right here is a special track, and it stands as one of the most important songs of 2022.
5. Big Thief: "Simulation Swarm"
Release Date: January 19
Genre: Indie Folk / Folk Rock
Album: Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You
Fun fact: according to my Spotify Wrapped, this was my most streamed song of the year. Honestly, I get it. This song is enchanting. The guitar riff and the way it plays with the fretless bass is so hypnotic... it's almost dizzying. The progression is gorgeous, as the subtle build into the chorus feels so natural. It's as if this song wasn't simply written but came to be. Adrienne Lenker's vocals and writing are simple, yet they are so sweet on the ears. And that guitar solo is so, for a lack of better words, noodly! Yes, that's a good thing. The fuzz makes the guitar sound brittle, but in contrast with how loose and wet the rest of the instrumentation sounds, it is gorgeous. This is one of those songs that sounds like it wrote itself due to how much every little thing here makes sense. It is a beautiful little folk tune that I will listen to time and time again for the years to come.
4. Jockstrap: "Glasgow"
Release Date: June 14
Genre: Folk Pop / Progressive Pop / Chamber Pop / Art Pop
Album: I Love You Jennifer B
Don't take this out of context: I love Jockstrap. Yeah, I know, it's a pretty sus statement, but I'm talking about the band. This group is the freshest face in art pop, and songs like this are a prime example why. The plucky instrumental passage at the start does a great job at setting up this elegant mood, and Georgia sounds so good over it. But then, the song transitions into to this gorgeous folk pop ballad with beautiful acoustic guitars, weird yet captivating effects and some sticky vocals. Also, the strings at the post-chorus are yummy! Okay, that was more sus than my opining statement. Sorry. This is a gorgeous song throughout, giving us a nice ounce of oddity in an overall stunning progression. I love this song more and more with each listen, and I love pulling out new details each time I do. Check this out, and then listen to Jockstrap. They are worth the hype.
3. Denzel Curry: "Walkin'"
Release Date: January 24
Genre: Southern Hip Hop / Conscious Hip Hop / Boom Bap
Album: Melt My Eyez, See Your Future
This is one of the most addicting songs I've heard in a long time. Like, I cannot stop listening to it, and when I do, I still think about it a lot. It is such an impressively made rap song that I can quote just about every word to (except for a select few obvious ones). The vocal sample that plays throughout the track is hypnotic, and the two different beats that play over it only enhance the trippy and psychedelic vibes. Denzel's flows are at their best here. He commands the mic throughout, and his verses are so compelling and relatable. He portrays himself as a nomad walking through this "dirty, filthy, rotten, nasty little world we call our home," and it is excellent. Plus, the beat switch? And the part where he breaks the fourth wall? Yes, please. This song is pure genius from start to finish, and it is my rap song of the year.
2. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: "The Dripping Tap"
Release Date: March 8
Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Garage Rock
Album: Omnium Gatherum
If this song tells me anything, it's that I absolutely HAVE to see King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard live. What they have produced here was born to be played in concert. It is easily the band's biggest, grandest and wildest statement to date. This is an 18 minute jam session full of wailing guitar riffs, a driving beat and some of the catchiest refrains I've heard all year. Seriously, I will catch myself humming "drip, drip from the tap, don't slip" every once in a while, and this song came out in March. It is a blast from start to finish, exploding with nothing but pure energy and adrenaline. The band sounds like they are having a blast here, as they are all performing so well. Their chemistry is outstanding, and that chemistry is oozing out with each note. This is easily one of the most fun listening experiences you will get. It's raucous, exciting, wild and pure joy from start to finish.
1. Björk: "Ancestress (feat. Sindri Eldon)"
Release Date: September 22
Genre: Art Pop
Album: Fossora
This song hurts to listen to. It is about the death of Björk's mother, and it is as poetic as it is nakedly honest. It is not an easy listen in the slightest because of how heavy the subject matter is. Also, the pacing of this track is odd. Following the time signature is hard because it always sounds like the music is matching the tempo of the vocals instead of the other way around. This is a dense, heavy and intentionally meandering song. With all of that said... wow. I am blown away. I don't think I have ever heard a song like this. It is so intricate, grand and disorienting in the absolute best way possible. I love the progression of the track and how it gradually builds into an explosion of strings and heavy drums that cut through the mix, as well as how everything quiets down again at the end. I love Björk's singing and how raw and emotive it is. I love the use of strings. The way they swell and warp as the track progresses gives the song such an ethereal and unnerving effect. I love the use of bells and synthesizers and that powerful snare. It is such a strange, surreal and gorgeous combination of sounds, and it makes for a powerful and mind blowing listen. This song is my number one of the year because not only is it the most sonically gripping and beautiful tunes I heard in 2022, but because it hit me in ways no other song did. This track makes me sad but in a good way. This track is pain, grief and sorrow wrapped in a delicate yet overwhelming orchestral bow. It is certainly not the easiest listen of year, but for me, it is the best.
Thank you for reading! And be sure to check out my Top 20 Best Albums of 2022 list, which is coming VERY soon.
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