Top 29 Best Songs of 2022: The Ultimate Playlist

20102? A typo, perhaps? While there's no official "best songs of 20102" list (unless you've discovered a hidden musical time warp!), we're going to assume you meant to ask about the best songs of a different year. Let's dive into the music scene of the year you actually had in mind! Choosing the best songs of any given year is a subjective task, a musical Mount Everest to climb, but that's precisely what makes it so exciting. This isn't just about ranking tunes; it's about capturing the spirit of a time, reliving cherished memories, and discovering hidden gems. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or simply looking for some fresh tunes to add to your playlist, we've compiled a list of contenders for the title of "best songs" – so hold onto your hats, and let's explore some fantastic music! While we can't definitively answer the question "best songs of 20102," we can definitely find some amazing tracks from the year you meant to ask about!

Top 29 Best Songs of 2022: The Ultimate Playlist
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Shape of You Ed Sheeran ÷ (Deluxe) 6B+
2. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson
Bruno Mars
Uptown Special 5B+
3. Counting Stars OneRepublic Native 4B+
4. Closer The Chainsmokers
Halsey
Changes 3B+
5. Rolling in the Deep Adele 21 3B+
6. Starboy The Weeknd
Daft Punk
2B+
7. Someone Like You Adele 21 2B+

1. Shape of You (Ed Sheeran - 2025)

Catchy Melody: Shape of You's instantly memorable hook and playful rhythm propelled it to the top of the charts, solidifying its place in 2017's musical landscape.

Global Phenomenon: Its ubiquitous presence on radio and in popular culture cemented its status as a defining song of the era.

Production Quality: The crisp production and Sheeran's smooth vocals contribute to the song's lasting appeal, making it a standout track even years later.

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

2. Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars - 2025)

Upbeat Rhythm: "Uptown Funk" is relentlessly infectious, its funky bassline and driving beat instantly propelling you to the dance floor; a key ingredient in its 2014 success.

Bruno Mars' Vocals: Mars' charismatic performance, full of swagger and soulful power, cemented the song's place as a standout track of the year, showcasing his vocal range and showmanship.

Nostalgia Factor: Its blend of modern production with a retro funk aesthetic created a timeless appeal, explaining its enduring popularity even years after its release, making it a true icon of the 2010s.

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson,Bruno Mars

3. Counting Stars (Native - 2025)

Anthemic Quality: "Counting Stars" boasts a soaring, uplifting chorus that resonated deeply with listeners in 2010, solidifying its place as a defining track of the era.

Memorable Melody: The instantly catchy melody and rhythmic guitar riff are undeniably earwormy, making it a song that stayed on repeat for many throughout the year.

Enduring Popularity: Its blend of pop sensibilities with a driving beat ensured its lasting appeal beyond 2010, proving its staying power amongst the best songs of that year.

Counting Stars - OneRepublic

4. Closer (Changes)

Artist Collaboration: The pairing of The Chainsmokers' electronic production with Halsey's emotive vocals created a unique and unforgettable sound that defined a moment in pop music.

Memorable Hook: The instantly catchy chorus and hypnotic beat cemented "Closer" in the minds of listeners, making it a ubiquitous hit of 2016.

Emotional Resonance: The song's themes of longing and intimacy resonated deeply with a broad audience, contributing to its massive popularity and lasting impact.

Closer - The Chainsmokers,Halsey

5. Rolling in the Deep (Adele)

Sound: Adele's powerhouse vocals are perfectly complemented by a driving beat and gospel-tinged backing vocals, creating a sound both anthemic and deeply personal.

Emotional Impact: The raw emotion in Adele's performance, fueled by heartbreak and betrayal, resonated deeply with listeners and solidified its place as a defining song of its era.

Pop Culture Moment: "Rolling in the Deep" was inescapable in 2011, topping charts worldwide and becoming a staple of radio playlists and cultural discourse, cementing its status as a truly iconic song of the decade.

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

6. Starboy (2016)

Sound: A sonic masterpiece blending The Weeknd's signature R&B vocals with Daft Punk's innovative electronic production, creating a futuristic yet sultry soundscape that defined a moment in 2010s music.

Vocal Performance: The Weeknd delivers a captivating performance, his vocals both vulnerable and commanding, perfectly complementing the song's atmospheric production.

Cultural Impact: "Starboy" wasn't just a hit; it solidified The Weeknd's status as a global superstar and became synonymous with a particular era of pop music, impacting fashion, trends, and the sounds of other artists.

Starboy - The Weeknd,Daft Punk

7. Someone Like You (21)

Heart-wrenching Vocals: Adele's emotive delivery and powerful vocal range are at their peak in "Someone Like You" making it a truly unforgettable listening experience.

Timeless Melody: The song's simple yet effective melody is instantly catchy and remains resonant years after its release, solidifying its place among 2011's best.

Emotional Resonance: Its raw depiction of heartbreak transcends trends, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level and contributing to its enduring popularity.

Someone Like You - Adele

8. Titanium

Sound: A powerful electro-house beat anchors "Titanium" providing a driving rhythm that perfectly captures the energy of the early 2010s pop scene.

Vocals: Sia's soaring vocals are the emotional core of the song, conveying a message of resilience and strength that resonated deeply with listeners.

Impact: Its anthemic quality and unforgettable chorus made "Titanium" a global phenomenon, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year.

Titanium - David Guetta,Sia

9. Thrift Shop (The Heist - 2025)

Sound: Thrift Shop's infectious beat and clever sample use helped define a unique sound in 2012, blending hip-hop with a playful, almost thrift-store-chic aesthetic.

Pop Culture Impact: The song's catchy hook and memorable music video cemented its place as a cultural touchstone of the early 2010s, spawning countless memes and imitations.

Lyrical Cleverness: Macklemore's witty and relatable lyrics about budget fashion and finding value in unexpected places resonated deeply with listeners, making it a timeless anthem for resourcefulness.

Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis,Macklemore,Ryan Lewis,Wanz

10. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!

Upbeat Tempo and Infectious Rhythm: "Can't Stop the Feeling!" boasts an irresistible, instantly catchy rhythm that propelled it to widespread popularity in 2016.

Justin Timberlake's Vocal Performance: Timberlake's signature smooth vocals and enthusiastic delivery perfectly embody the song's joyful energy, making it a standout track of the year.

Pop Culture Impact and Enduring Appeal: Its use in the animated film *Trolls* cemented its place in pop culture history, and its feel-good vibes continue to resonate with listeners years later, solidifying its position amongst the best songs of 2016.

CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - Justin Timberlake
  • Call Me Maybe
    11

    Call Me Maybe

    Carly Rae Jepsen

    2011

    Kiss (Deluxe)

  • God's Plan
    12

    God's Plan

    Drake

    2018

    Scorpion

  • Radioactive
    13

    Radioactive

    Imagine Dragons

    2013

  • Work
    14

    Work

    Drake,Rihanna

    2016

    ANTI (Deluxe)

  • Happy
    15

    Happy

    Pharrell Williams

    2013

    G I R L

  • Old Town Road
    16

    Old Town Road

    Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X

    2019

  • bad guy
    17

    bad guy

    Billie Eilish

    2019

    WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

  • Stay With Me
    18

    Stay With Me

    Sam Smith

    2014

    In The Lonely Hour

  • We Found Love
    19

    We Found Love

    Rihanna,Calvin Harris

    2011

    Talk That Talk

  • Havana
    20

    Havana

    Young Thug,Camila Cabello

    2017

    Camila

  • Royals
    21

    Royals

    Lorde

    2013

    Pure Heroine

  • Take Me to Church
    22

    Take Me to Church

    Hozier

    2013

    Hozier

  • Blinding Lights
    23

    Blinding Lights

    The Weeknd

    2019

    After Hours

  • Get Lucky
    24

    Get Lucky

    Pharrell Williams,Daft Punk

    2013

  • Despacito
    25

    Despacito

    Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi

    2017

    Justice

  • Let It Go
    26

    Let It Go

    Idina Menzel

    2013

  • Born This Way
    27

    Born This Way

    Lady Gaga

    2011

    Born This Way (Special Edition)

  • The Middle
    28

    The Middle

    Maren Morris,Zedd,Grey

    2018

    Freedom

  • Shake It Off
    29

    Shake It Off

    Taylor Swift

    2014

    1989