2022 was a year brimming with incredible music, and to celebrate the diverse sounds that captivated us, we've compiled a playlist of the year's most outstanding tracks. This collection showcases the breadth and depth of musical talent, highlighting artists who pushed boundaries and delivered unforgettable sonic experiences. From infectious Latin rhythms to soulful ballads and electrifying pop anthems, this playlist offers a journey through the year's most memorable moments. We've included tracks that perfectly encapsulate the energy and emotion of 2022, ensuring a listening experience as varied and vibrant as the year itself. Whether you're a seasoned music fan or just looking to discover new favorites, this curated selection promises a captivating listening journey.
This playlist isn't just a simple collection of popular songs; it’s a testament to the power of music to transcend genres and connect us all. It represents the global tapestry of sounds that defined 2022, showcasing artists who mastered their craft and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The tracks included represent a range of styles, from heartfelt reflections to exuberant celebrations, offering something for everyone. It's our hope that this playlist serves as a gateway to rediscover your favorite moments from 2022 and perhaps even unearth a few hidden gems along the way. Prepare to be transported back to those unforgettable moments, and perhaps even discover a new soundtrack for your future.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Calm Down |
Selena Gomez Rema | 959M+ | |
| 2. Tití Me Preguntó | Bad Bunny | Un Verano Sin Ti | 877M+ |
| 3. As It Was | Harry Styles | Harry's House | 749M+ |
| 4. Cold Heart |
Elton John Dua Lipa PNAU | 559M+ | |
| 5. Last Last | Burna Boy | 296M+ | |
| 6. Unholy |
Kim Petras Sam Smith | 261M+ | |
| 7. abcdefu | GAYLE | 255M+ |
1. Calm Down
Selena Gomez and Rema's "Calm Down" remix deserves a prominent spot on any best-of-2022 playlist. This infectious Afrobeat-pop fusion captivated audiences worldwide, achieving significant chart success, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts internationally. The collaboration seamlessly blends Rema's vibrant Afrobeat rhythms with Gomez's smooth vocals, creating a truly unique sound. The song's memorable melody and lyrics, exemplified by its catchy hook, solidified its place as a global phenomenon. Its critical acclaim, including nominations at major award shows, further underlines its impact and quality, making "Calm Down" a standout track of the year.
2. Tití Me Preguntó (Un Verano Sin Ti)
With its breezy dembow rhythm and infectious melody, Bad Bunny's "Tití Me Preguntó" ("Auntie Asked Me") is a standout track from his acclaimed 2022 album, Un Verano Sin Ti. This genre-bending song, blending Latin trap and bachata, quickly became a global phenomenon, reaching the top of the US Hot Latin Songs chart and peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its playful lyrics, highlighted by the recurring line "hazle caso a tu amiga ella tiene razón" ("listen to your friend, she's right"), explore themes of relationships and societal expectations with a lighthearted yet insightful touch. Named Rolling Stone's best song of 2022, "Tití Me Preguntó" undeniably deserves a place on any best-of-2022 playlist for its infectious energy and cultural impact.
3. As It Was (2022)
Harry Styles' "As It Was" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a poignant reflection on change and resilience that resonated deeply with listeners in 2022. This pop-rock anthem, with its infectious drumbeat and memorable synth riff, captured the zeitgeist, earning widespread critical acclaim and topping charts globally. The song's cyclical melody, visually represented in its music video, mirrors the emotional journey of letting go and embracing the future – a sentiment that deeply connected with audiences facing personal challenges. Lyrics like "Leave America, two kids follow her" hint at a complex relationship, adding emotional depth to the otherwise upbeat tempo. Its blend of upbeat energy and underlying melancholic notes makes it a perfect addition to any "best of 2022" playlist, offering a powerful and relatable anthem for a year of significant transitions. The song’s undeniable impact and lasting appeal solidify its place as one of the year's most significant musical moments.
4. Cold Heart
Does a song exist that effortlessly blends nostalgia with modern energy? "Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)," a dazzling collaboration between Elton John, Dua Lipa, and PNAU, answers with a resounding yes. This dance-pop masterpiece, released in 2021 but maintaining its relevance well into 2022, masterfully interweaves samples from Elton John's iconic hits like "Sacrifice" and "Rocket Man," infusing them with Dua Lipa's vibrant vocals and PNAU's infectious production. The result is a euphoric and undeniably catchy track that topped charts globally, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a cultural touchstone. Lines like "turn the lights down low" evoke the original songs' emotional depth while the overall mood is undeniably upbeat and irresistible. Its undeniable popularity and innovative sound secured its place on countless "best of 2022" playlists.
5. Last Last - 2025
Burna Boy's "Last Last" a vibrant Afrofusion track from his acclaimed album Love, Damini, deserves a prominent spot on any 2022 best-of playlist. Its infectious rhythm, coupled with a melancholic undertone, creates a captivating blend of emotions. Sampling Toni Braxton's "He Wasn't Man Enough," the song masterfully intertwines nostalgic R&B with Burna Boy's signature energetic delivery. The repeated refrain, "Last Last, na everybody go chop breakfast," (meaning, "Eventually, everyone gets their breakfast"—a metaphor for heartbreak), perfectly encapsulates the song's bittersweet narrative of love and loss, resonating deeply with listeners. Its massive popularity, both critically and commercially, solidifies its place as a defining song of the year.
6Unholy
Kim Petras,Sam Smith
2023
7abcdefu
GAYLE
2022
8Anti-Hero
Taylor Swift
2023
9Bad Habit
Steve Lacy
2022
Un Verano Sin Ti
10About Damn Time
Lizzo
2022
11Something in the Orange
Zach Bryan
2023
Zach Bryan
12Oh My God
Adele
2021
30
13Jimmy Cooks
21 Savage,Drake
2023
Honestly, Nevermind
14WAIT FOR U
Drake,Future,Tems
2022
I NEVER LIKED YOU
15Boyfriend
Dove Cameron
2022
16CUFF IT
Beyoncé
2022
RENAISSANCE
17Super Freaky Girl
Nicki Minaj
2022
18Shirt
SZA
2022
Britney (Digital Deluxe Version)
19She Had Me At Heads Carolina
Cole Swindell
2022
Stereotype
20B.O.T.A
Eliza Rose,Interplanetary Criminal
2022
Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)
21pushin P
Young Thug,Future,Gunna
2022
DS4EVER
22Afraid To Feel
LF SYSTEM
2022
23Jungle
Fred again..
2022
24Part of the Band
The 1975
2022