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Top 10 Best Songs of 2022

Top 10 Best Songs of 2022
VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
These are the songs that dominated music playlists over the past year. For this list, we'll be looking at the most popular and impactful songs that were released in 2022. Our countdown includes “Cracker Island”, “About Damn Time”, “Break My Soul”, and more!

Top 10 Best Songs of 2022


Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Songs of 2022.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most popular and impactful songs that were released in 2022.

Which of these tunes did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below!


#10: “Cracker Island” (2022)

Gorillaz ft. Thundercat

We don’t know how the Gorillaz do it, but they have crafted some of the most enjoyable dance tunes of recent years. The lead single from their album of the same name, “Cracker Island” was the band’s most successful song since “Feel Good Inc.” It’s easy to see why. This is an impeccably produced number, featuring a groovy bass line from Thundercat and a driving electro beat that is sure to keep people dancing in the clubs. The call and response vocals are incredibly catchy, and the synth line is wonderfully cold. A little bit of disco, a little bit of dance pop, a little bit of whatever it is that Gorillaz do, and “Cracker Island” works beautifully from all angles.


#9: “The Foundations of Decay” (2022)

My Chemical Romance

Those who believe that My Chemical Romance belongs back in the emo pop scene of the 2000s were proved wrong with “The Foundations of Decay.” This is the band’s first single in eight years, and what a comeback it is. Right off the bat, that title portends dark and apocalyptic themes, and it works fantastically in setting the tone for the heavy gothic rock that is to come. With bits of unnerving static, distorted vocals, Gerard Way’s signature emo screaming, and even some references to national tragedy, this track doesn’t make for easy listening. But, it is perfect for some good old fashioned head banging. MCR is back, baby.


#8: “Sacrifice” (2022)

The Weeknd

What a way to start the year. The Weeknd just keeps on hitting and, on January 7, he dropped one of the best albums of 2022 with “Dawn FM.” “Sacrifice” was its second single, and it was a spectacular way to follow up the mega hit that was “Take My Breath.” The Weeknd has been finding incredible success with re-inventing synthy disco funk for the 21st century, and he continues this hot streak with the very Michael Jackson-esque “Sacrifice.” The Weeknd shines on this single, with his vocal melody proving irresistibly infectious and his production coming across clean and smooth. 80s synth-driven music is big right now, but no one is doing it quite like The Weeknd.


#7: “About Damn Time” (2022)

Lizzo

Some artists enjoy a fast ascendancy to pop culture stardom, and Lizzo is one of them. Following the wild success of “Truth Hurts,” it seemed like the artist was everywhere, producing banger after banger, and proving herself one of the modern queens of pop. Riding the modern sensation that is synth-driven disco pop, “About Damn Time” was her first number one on the US Hot 100 since the aforementioned “Truth Hurts.” Everything that makes a memorable Lizzo single is here, including a ridiculously catchy melody, a thick, funky bass line, and brilliant lyrics. Funny, groovy, and uplifting, “About Damn Time” is another Lizzo masterpiece. It even has a flute interlude! What’s not to love?


#6: “Free in the Knowledge” (2022)

The Smile

If you’re looking for something a little different, this is it. The Smile is an offshoot of Radiohead, featuring band members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, as well as their loyal producer, Nigel Godrich. In May of 2022, the band released their debut album “A Light for Attracting Attention.” The entire album is unsurprisingly excellent, with the fifth single “Free in the Knowledge” being a particular highlight. Even though it’s technically not Radiohead, this tune is pure Radiohead. A soft acoustic guitar permeates the track, Yorke emotes beautifully with his signature vocals, and the London Contemporary Orchestra adds some gorgeous strings. We’ll never say no to more Thom Yorke and company.


#5: “Wait for U” (2022)

Future ft. Drake & Tems

This famous mumble rapper enjoyed his second chart topper with “Wait for U,” a beautiful R&B tune that he created with the help of Drake and Tems. The song uses a sample from the latter’s “Higher,” ensuring its status as a bonafide earworm. The production throughout is beautiful, with ethereal sounds and vocals lending the tune a calming atmosphere. Future’s performance is habitually excellent, and Drake makes for a welcome collaborator with an enjoyable guest verse. A soulful single, “Wait for U” continues the two rappers’ hot streaks while introducing Tems to the mainstream.


#4: “N95” (2022)

Kendrick Lamar

The wait was long, but it was well worth it. Kendrick Lamar has been relatively quiet since dropping the Pulitzer-winning “Damn” in 2017, and his fans were getting a little restless. But May of 2022 saw the release of the excellent “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” and, with it, the lead single “N95.” This song is unlike the others on the record, and even unlike anything else in Lamar’s discography. It’s driven by a piercing synth line and spacey production, and Lamar switches up his vocal delivery with each new verse, alternating from quiet and demanding to rapid and technical. The third verse is especially masterful, complete with dense rhymes and Lamar’s effortlessly fluid delivery. The modern master of rap exceeded our admittedly high expectations.



#3: “Bad Habit” (2022)

Steve Lacy

In October of 2022, Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the artist’s first chart topper, which is especially impressive given that it was also his first chart entry. The song features a funky, almost wobbly-sounding synth and a thick bassline that accompanies it perfectly. The music is very playful, making for a perfect piece of lo-fi R&B. Lacy also imbues the song with an enjoyable vocal melody, rendering the chorus particularly catchy and memorable. The song also helps encapsulate the pop culture landscape of the early 2020s, proving how musical artistry and viral social media trends often intersect to create a larger collaboration of creativity.


#2: “Break My Soul” (2022)

Beyoncé

It’s simple - Beyoncé can do no wrong. Serving as the lead single of “Renaissance,” “Break My Soul” has its finger firmly on the pulse of life in 2022. It plays largely on ‘90s nostalgia, with its production taking major inspiration from the diva house genre that permeated the latter half of the decade. Its lyrics also address many topical themes, including the COVID pandemic and the Great Resignation that has seen dissatisfied employees quitting their jobs in large numbers. With this track, Beyoncé is speaking to a generation and giving them the hope they need to continue. It’s great music with a powerful message!


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Sidelines" (2022), Phoebe Bridgers
The Indie Darling Crafts Yet Another Winner


“Lift Me Up” (2022), Rihanna
It Was a Long Time Coming, but Rihanna Is Officially Back with a Banger


“First Class” (2022), Jack Harlow
The Up & Coming Rapper Samples Fergie to Great Success


“Part of the Band” (2022), The 1975
A Beautiful Bit of Folk Pop with Luscious Synths & Strings


“Welcome to Hell” (2022), Black Midi
The English Band Hits with the Best Experimental Rock Track of the Year


#1: “As It Was” (2022)

Harry Styles

If there’s one song that dominated 2022, it was Harry Styles’ “As It Was.” A pleasant bit of synth pop, the song makes for very easy listening and has all the hallmarks of a worldwide megahit. It’s impeccably produced with clean musicianship, it’s short and to the point, and, most important of all, it has a killer chorus that hooks itself in your brain after just one listen. The results were spectacular. The song was an instant success on streaming services, was entered into the Guinness World Records for its performance on Spotify, and reached #1 in over thirty countries. When we look back at 2022, “As It Was” absolutely stands as the sound of the year.
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