2022 was a year of incredible music, a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse genres and unforgettable sounds. But with so much new music released, how do you navigate the deluge and discover the truly exceptional tracks? That's where we come in. This isn't just another "best of" list; we've meticulously curated the ultimate guide to the best songs of 2022 NPR critics championed, drawing from the insightful reviews and playlists of the nation's leading public radio station. Forget endless scrolling and agonizing choices; we’ve done the hard work for you, selecting songs that not only topped charts but resonated deeply, reflecting the year's cultural shifts and emotional landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado seeking fresh discoveries or a casual listener looking for the soundtrack to your life, this curated collection of NPR's top picks will resonate with your soul and expand your musical horizons. Get ready to rediscover 2022, one unforgettable song at a time.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. As It Was | Harry Styles | Harry's House | 749M+ |
| 2. Bad Habit | Steve Lacy | Un Verano Sin Ti | 148M+ |
| 3. Bandana |
Fireboy DML Asake | 145M+ | |
| 4. About Damn Time | Lizzo | 142M+ | |
| 5. Something in the Orange | Zach Bryan | Zach Bryan | 131M+ |
| 6. SAOKO | ROSALÍA | 85M+ | |
| 7. L'enfer | Stromae | 81M+ |
1. As It Was (Harry's House)
Driving Beat: "As It Was" boasts a propulsive, infectious rhythm that's both instantly catchy and surprisingly nuanced, making it perfect for an end-of-year best-of list.
Nostalgic Yet Modern Sound: Harry Styles masterfully blends 80s-inspired synth sounds with contemporary pop production, creating a track that feels both timeless and fresh—a hallmark of NPR's best-of selections.
Vocal Performance: Styles' vocal delivery is emotive and controlled, showcasing his range and adding to the song's overall impact and memorability, ensuring its place among 2022's best.
2. Bad Habit (Steve Lacy)
Sound: Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit" captivated with its mellow, hazy production, a blend of soulful R&B and psychedelic undertones that perfectly captured the laid-back vibe of 2022.
Vocals: Lacy's effortlessly smooth vocals are a highlight, conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing that resonated deeply with listeners.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet ultimately hopeful tone made it a relatable anthem for navigating complex emotions, solidifying its place among NPR's best of 2022.
3. Bandana
Sound: Fireboy DML and Asake's "Bandana" boasts a vibrant Afrobeat sound, characterized by its infectious rhythm and layered instrumentation, making it a perfect addition to any 2022 best-of playlist.
Vocals: The contrasting yet complementary vocal styles of Fireboy DML and Asake create a dynamic and memorable listening experience, showcasing both artists' unique talents and further cementing the track's appeal.
Emotional Impact: The song's celebratory and uplifting mood, coupled with its catchy chorus, makes "Bandana" an undeniably feel-good track that resonates with listeners on a positive, energetic level, a key component for any NPR best-of selection.
4. About Damn Time
Upbeat Rhythm: Lizzo's "About Damn Time" features an irresistible, infectious groove that's impossible not to move to, making it a perfect addition to any celebratory playlist.
Vocal Performance: Lizzo's powerhouse vocals are at their best here, full of confidence and sass, delivering a joyful and empowering anthem.
Cultural Impact: The song's undeniable catchiness and celebratory mood resonated deeply with listeners in 2022, becoming a ubiquitous summer hit and solidifying its place in the year's musical landscape.
5. Something in the Orange (Zach Bryan)
Sound: Zach Bryan's "Something in the Orange" showcases his signature raw, emotive vocals alongside a stripped-down instrumentation that lets the lyrics breathe, creating an intimate and affecting listening experience perfect for NPR's discerning audience.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone, coupled with its relatable themes of love and loss, resonated deeply with listeners, making it a standout track for its emotional honesty and vulnerability.
Lyrical Content: The poetic lyrics and storytelling within "Something in the Orange" paint vivid imagery, further enhancing its staying power and confirming its place amongst the best of 2022.
6. SAOKO
Sound: ROSALÍA's "SAOKO" explodes with a captivating blend of flamenco, reggaeton, and electronic elements, creating a sonic landscape that's both innovative and intensely danceable.
Rhythm: The track's driving beat and hypnotic rhythm are infectious, making it impossible to resist moving to its infectious energy.
Vocals: ROSALÍA's powerful and emotive vocals are a highlight, showcasing her impressive range and control while delivering lyrics that are both provocative and playful.
7. L'enfer
Sound: Stromae's "L'enfer" masterfully blends electronic textures with a haunting, almost operatic vocal performance, creating a soundscape both intensely personal and universally relatable.
Emotional Impact: The song's exploration of depression and self-loathing resonated deeply with listeners, its raw honesty making it a powerful and unforgettable listen for NPR's Best of 2022 selection.
Vocals: Stromae's vocal delivery is a standout, showcasing his incredible range and control while conveying the emotional weight of the lyrics with remarkable vulnerability.
8. Shirt (SZA)
SZA's Vocals: SZA's signature breathy vocals are particularly poignant on "Shirt" conveying vulnerability and longing with effortless grace. The intimacy of her delivery perfectly complements the song's introspective nature.
Production: The minimalist production, characterized by sparse instrumentation and a focus on atmosphere, creates an immersive listening experience that prioritizes SZA's emotive performance and allows every nuance to shine.
Emotional Resonance: "Shirt" resonated deeply with listeners in 2022 for its honest exploration of heartbreak and longing, making it a standout track in a year filled with diverse sounds and styles.
9. pushin P (Young Thug ft Future ft Gunna - 2025)
Sound: "pushin P" masterfully blends Young Thug's signature melodic flow with Future and Gunna's hard-hitting delivery, creating a hypnotic and undeniably catchy soundscape that NPR listeners will appreciate for its innovative production.
Rhythm: The track boasts a laid-back yet infectious beat, perfectly complementing the confident and almost nonchalant lyrics. Its rhythmic complexity adds a layer of sophistication without sacrificing its groove.
Cultural Impact: The song's slang and overall vibe resonated deeply within popular culture in 2022, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year and a testament to the artists' influence on contemporary hip-hop.
10. ALIEN SUPERSTAR (RENAISSANCE)
Sound: Beyoncé's "ALIEN SUPERSTAR" boasts a futuristic, shimmering soundscape, blending spacey synths with a propulsive, driving beat that perfectly captures the song's otherworldly energy.
Vocals: Beyoncé's vocal performance is captivating, showcasing her incredible range and power while maintaining an ethereal quality that fits the song's theme.
Cultural Impact: The song's release generated significant buzz, solidifying Beyoncé's status as a pop culture icon and showcasing her innovative approach to sound and style.
11Plan B
Megan Thee Stallion
2022
12This Is Why
Paramore
2023
This Is Why
13Gorilla
Little Simz
2022
14American Teenager
Ethel Cain
2022
15Jackie Down The Line
Fontaines D.C.
2022
16Expert in a Dying Field
The Beths
2022
17F.N.F
Latto,GloRilla,JT,Hitkidd
2022
Traumazine
18Tamagotchi
Omar Apollo
2022
19Runner
Alex G
2022
20What I Want
MUNA
2022
21Iced Tea
KAYTRANADA,Joyce Wrice
2022
22Abilene
Plains
2022
23This Is a Photograph
Kevin Morby
2022
24Happy New Year
Let's Eat Grandma
2022
25Back To the Radio
Porridge Radio
2022
26Pompeii
Molly Nilsson
2022