2022 was a year brimming with incredible music, a year that saw the continued reign of pop royalty alongside the emergence of fresh sounds captivating audiences worldwide. This list isn't just a countdown; it's a celebration of the diverse tapestry of sounds that defined the year's sonic landscape. We've curated a collection of tracks that showcase the artistry and emotional depth that made 2022 such a memorable year for music lovers. From the heartfelt vulnerability of certain tracks that resonated deeply with millions, to the infectious energy of others that dominated dance floors, this collection offers something for every listener. We aim to introduce both familiar favorites and hidden gems, ensuring that every song on this list has the potential to become a personal anthem.
The year delivered chart-topping hits that instantly became cultural touchstones, demonstrating the power of catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. It also witnessed the evolution of artists who continued to push creative boundaries, surprising fans with unexpected sounds and deeply personal storytelling. The result is a diverse collection showcasing both the staying power of established artists and the exciting promise of newer talents. This curated list is designed to transport you back to the sounds of 2022, or perhaps introduce you to some musical gems you might have missed – either way, prepare to be captivated by the sheer range and quality of music offered. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip or a discovery of fresh sounds, this list promises an unforgettable auditory journey.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. STAY |
Justin Bieber The Kid LAROI | My World 2.0 | 928M+ |
| 2. As It Was | Harry Styles | Harry's House | 749M+ |
| 3. Heat Waves | Glass Animals | 737M+ | |
| 4. Ghost | Justin Bieber | Justice | 370M+ |
| 5. Shivers | Ed Sheeran | 361M+ | |
| 6. Nobody Like U | 4*TOWN | 332M+ | |
| 7. Light Switch | Charlie Puth | 177M+ |
1. STAY
With its mellow melody and emotionally resonant lyrics, "STAY" by Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI resonated deeply with listeners. The song's blend of pop and hip-hop, featuring both artists' distinctive vocals, created a powerful and addictive sound that propelled it to the top of charts worldwide. The lyrics explore themes of regret, longing, and the desperate plea for reconciliation within a relationship, touching on relatable experiences of flawed love and the desire for forgiveness. This combination of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics resulted in widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination, solidifying "STAY's" status as a global phenomenon.
2. As It Was
Released in 2022, Harry Styles' "As It Was" quickly became a global phenomenon. This infectious pop-rock anthem, with its instantly recognizable drum beat and driving rhythm, resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. The song's emotional depth, exploring themes of lost love and self-discovery, coupled with its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, propelled it to the top of charts globally and earned widespread critical acclaim. "As It Was" cemented its place as one of 2022's best songs due to its potent combination of musicality and relatable lyrical content, offering a poignant yet ultimately hopeful message. Listen to it now: [Insert Link to "As It Was" on a major streaming service here, e.g., Spotify link].
3. Heat Waves (Glass Animals)
Transcending typical genre boundaries, Glass Animals' "Heat Waves" – a song initially released in 2020 but experiencing a phenomenal surge in popularity throughout 2022 – solidified its place as one of the year's best. This indie-pop/alternative track, with its mellow yet infectious melody and introspective lyrics, resonated deeply with listeners across diverse communities, uniting even seemingly disparate groups. Its captivating blend of breezy instrumentation and emotionally resonant vocals earned "Heat Waves" not only widespread critical acclaim but also top chart positions globally, including the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's enduring appeal, marked by its persistent presence on playlists and social media, undeniably cemented its status as a 2022 anthem. Listen now: [Insert Spotify/Apple Music/YouTube Music link here]
4. Ghost (Justin Bieber)
Released in 2022 as part of Justin Bieber's Justice album, "Ghost" is a poignant pop ballad exploring themes of loss and longing. Its heartfelt lyrics and emotionally resonant melody resonated deeply with listeners, achieving significant chart success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's universal themes of grief and the enduring memory of loved ones contributed to its popularity and critical acclaim, making it a standout track of 2022. While not explicitly winning awards, its emotional impact solidified its place as a powerful and memorable song. Listen to "Ghost" on [Insert Spotify/Apple Music/YouTube Music Link Here].
5. Shivers
Dive into the infectious energy of Ed Sheeran's "Shivers" released in September 2021. This pop anthem, with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, quickly cemented its place among 2022's best. Its chart-topping success across the globe, including the UK and US, speaks to its widespread appeal. Sheeran's confident delivery and the song's joyful energy make it a standout track, showcasing a vibrant and evolved sound from the artist. Listen now on [insert Spotify/Apple Music/YouTube Music link here].
6Nobody Like U
4*TOWN
2022
7Light Switch
Charlie Puth
2022
8First Class
Jack Harlow
2022
9WAIT FOR U
Drake,Future,Tems
2022
I NEVER LIKED YOU
10It's Corn
Tariq, The Gregory Brothers, Recess Therapy
2022
11Alaska
Camilo,Grupo Firme
2022
12BREAK MY SOUL
Beyoncé
2022
RENAISSANCE