2022 was a year of sonic exploration, delivering a diverse range of musical masterpieces. Sifting through the noise to find the truly exceptional tracks can be a daunting task, which is why we've compiled this definitive list of the best songs 2022 Pitchfork championed. From genre-bending experiments to chart-topping anthems, this curated selection reflects the year's most impactful and influential releases, as judged by the discerning ears at Pitchfork. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado looking to expand your playlist or a casual listener seeking fresh sounds, this guide is your key to unlocking the year's best in music. Discover the tracks that defined 2022, the songs that sparked conversations, and the artists who pushed creative boundaries – all hand-picked based on Pitchfork's expert reviews and insightful analysis. Get ready to rediscover your favorite tracks and uncover hidden gems.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Anti-Hero | Taylor Swift | 209M+ | |
| 2. Sticky | Drake | 39M+ | |
| 3. B.O.T.A |
Eliza Rose Interplanetary Criminal | Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020) | 38M+ |
| 4. Plan B | Megan Thee Stallion | 31M+ | |
| 5. Pull Up | Koffee | 17M+ | |
| 6. Body Paint | Arctic Monkeys | 11M+ | |
| 7. Sincerely Face | Babyface Ray | 8M+ |
1. Anti-Hero - 2025
Production: Anti-Hero's production is meticulously crafted, blending indie-pop sensibilities with Swift's signature polished sound, resulting in a track that feels both innovative and familiar – a hallmark of her continued evolution.
Vocal Performance: Swift's vocal delivery is vulnerable yet powerful, conveying the anxieties and self-deprecating humor of the lyrics with remarkable nuance, making it a captivating listen.
Lyrical Content: The deeply personal lyrics, exploring themes of self-doubt and societal pressures, resonated deeply with listeners and critics alike, solidifying its place among 2022's most emotionally resonant tracks.
2. Sticky - 2025
Sound: Drake's signature blend of mellow R&B and trap beats creates a hypnotic, irresistible groove in "Sticky" perfectly showcasing his production prowess in 2022.
Vocals: His laid-back delivery and confident flow are effortlessly cool, adding to the song's overall seductive atmosphere, a hallmark of his style that Pitchfork critics recognized.
Emotional Impact: The track expertly balances sensual lyrics with a relaxed vibe, resulting in a track that's both captivating and comfortably sophisticated—a winning combination for any "best of" list.
3. B.O.T.A - Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)
Sound: B.O.T.A.'s driving bassline and crisp percussion create a relentlessly catchy, forward-moving groove, perfectly suited for late-night drives or energetic dancefloors.
Vocals: Eliza Rose's vocals are smooth yet assertive, adding a touch of soulful grit to the track's otherwise upbeat energy; her delivery is both playful and confident, fitting the overall vibe perfectly.
Impact: The song's infectious energy and memorable hook cemented its place as a standout hit of 2022, a testament to its undeniable quality and staying power within the broader musical landscape.
4. Plan B (Megan Thee Stallion - 2025)
Sound: Plan B's production is crisp and undeniably catchy, showcasing Megan Thee Stallion's signature blend of hard-hitting beats and infectious melodies – a perfect fit for Pitchfork's discerning ear.
Vocals: Megan's assertive delivery and confident flow are on full display, showcasing her unique vocal talent and lyrical prowess that elevates the track beyond typical trap bangers.
Emotional Impact: The track’s defiant energy and unapologetic attitude resonate deeply, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of 2022.
5. Pull Up (2022)
Sound: Koffee's "Pull Up" boasts a laid-back yet infectious reggae-infused beat, perfectly capturing the breezy vibes of summer 2022.
Vocals: Koffee's signature smooth vocals are effortlessly cool, delivering a captivating performance that elevates the track beyond a typical summer jam.
Pitchfork's 2022 Context: The song's effortless cool and catchy melody likely resonated with Pitchfork's discerning audience, making it a standout choice amongst the year's best.
6. Body Paint - 2025
Sound: Arctic Monkeys' "Body Paint" showcases a characteristically sharp, driving rhythm section, underpinned by a subtly psychedelic soundscape that sets it apart from their earlier work.
Vocals: Alex Turner's vocals are effortlessly cool and confident, delivering lyrics with a detached yet engaging intensity that perfectly complements the song's overall mood.
Pitchfork Context: The track’s experimental edge and undeniable groove align perfectly with Pitchfork’s penchant for highlighting innovative and sonically adventurous music, securing its place amongst 2022's best.
7. Sincerely Face
Production: Babyface Ray's "Sincerely Face" boasts a polished, yet undeniably gritty production that perfectly captures the vibe of a Pitchfork-approved 2022 track; the beat is both modern and nostalgic, a testament to the artist’s skill.
Lyrical Content: The lyrics are sharp and insightful, offering a glimpse into Ray's experiences with a level of honesty that resonated deeply with listeners and critics alike.
Overall Impact: Its memorable hook and confident delivery solidified "Sincerely Face" as a standout track, showcasing Babyface Ray's evolution as an artist and contributing to the overall landscape of 2022's best songs.
8. Circles Around This Town
Maren Morris' Vocals: Morris delivers a powerhouse vocal performance, showcasing both vulnerability and strength, perfectly fitting Pitchfork's taste for emotionally resonant music.
Catchy Melody & Production: The song boasts an undeniable hook and a crisp, modern production that stays fresh and avoids feeling dated, aligning with 2022's trends highlighted by Pitchfork.
Lyrical Depth: "Circles Around This Town" offers insightful lyrics about navigating the complexities of the music industry, a theme often explored and appreciated by Pitchfork's discerning audience.
9. What It Is (Amber Mark)
Sound: Amber Mark's "What It Is" boasts a captivating blend of soulful R&B and subtly experimental production, making it a standout track for its sonic complexity and memorability.
Vocals: Mark's distinctive vocals are the undeniable centerpiece, delivering both raw emotion and impressive technical skill, perfectly fitting Pitchfork's taste for nuanced artistry.
Emotional Impact: The song's introspective lyrics and melancholic yet uplifting melody create a powerful emotional resonance, solidifying its place among 2022's most affecting tracks.
10. Western Wind (Carly Rae Jepsen - 2025)
Sound: Western Wind's shimmering synths and breezy production create a sonic landscape perfectly suited for summer playlists, aligning with Pitchfork's taste for innovative yet accessible pop.
Vocals: Carly Rae Jepsen's effortlessly captivating vocals deliver a performance that's both delicate and powerful, showcasing her vocal range and emotional control.
Emotional Impact: The song's airy melody and wistful lyrics evoke a feeling of bittersweet longing, creating a captivating atmosphere that resonates with listeners.
11Coochie
Shygirl
2022
12What They Call Us
Fever Ray
2022
13Big Time
Angel Olsen
2022
14Home Maker
Sudan Archives
2022
15Spud Infinity
Big Thief
2022
16Bad Love
Dehd
2022
17Baking Soda
MAVI
2022
18Problem With It
Plains,Waxahatchee
2022
I Walked With You A Ways
19keisha
Yaya Bey
2022