50 Best Songs of 2022 | Playlist 🎧

50. Ethan Bortnick, “Engravings”

🎵 “Engravings” • 🏷 Ethan Bortnick / Columbia • 📅 2022

“Eyes, blood, bones / Stuck in your rainbow clothes / Rest my case / If it’s not rearranged.” That’s dark, mysterious, and utterly intriguing! 🎙 Ethan Bortnick, a child prodigy blessed with exceptional piano skills and perfect pitch is utterly intriguing! His single, 🎵 “Engravings”, likewise, is truly special.  The musicianship is exceptional. Ethan is beastly on the keys, wowing with killer, agile, scaler lines and timely tone clusters!  Furthermore, the sound and production are fresh and throwback, given the classical music sensibilities. Further amplifying Bortnick’s musicianship are compelling pipes. His tone on “Engravings” is cool because it gives it an air of enigma. The songwriting is compelling features dark, poetic lyrics, which blend seamlessly with the colorful, enigmatic backdrop. “Not one bite / Stomach knots from our fight,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “Can’t do shit / The puzzle pieces don’t fit.” The centerpiece of “Engravings” is the chorus:

“All the pain is underneath, I’m listenin’

To everything, please tell me everything

I’ll put my hand up on your chest

So you forget your engravings.”

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 E Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
• Awesome Songs: July 2022

49. Rihanna, “Lift Me Up”

💿 Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2022

“Lift me up / Hold me down / Keep me close / Safe and sound.” 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B/pop artist 🎙 Rihanna (Robyn Fenty) returned in 2022 with 🎵 “Lift Me Up”, the promo single from 💿 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By. Fenty pays tribute to the late actor 🎭 Chadwick Boseman who starred in the lead role of the original 🎦 Black Panther.  Vocally, Rihanna sounds utterly sublime.  Her lower register has a bite and an edge that is stunning.  Her upper register, including some falsetto moments is also impressive.  The backdrop by 🎛 Ludwig Goransson is warm and feels like a proper memorial and tribute, much like the simple but thoughtful lyrics: “When you depart, keep me safe / Safe and sound.” “Lift Me Up” marks a strong return for Rihanna.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 11 Songs U Need 2 Listen UP 🆙 2
• Awesome Songs: November 2022

48. Kendrick Lamar & Taylour Paige, “We Cry Together”

💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2022

Among many showstoppers that grace 💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is 🎵 “We Cry Together,” where 🏆 Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper 🎙 Kendrick Lamar is joined by actress 🎙 Taylour Paige.  Paige steals the show, serving up a dynamic, emotional, and utterly raunchy performance.  There’s nothing spiritual about this rough, verbal altercation between two lovers.  Both treat each other like $HIT.  It is one of the most profane records you’ll ever hear, with the chorus playing out with both oscillating between “Fuck you, bitch” and “Fuck you, nigga.” The issues raised often transcend the gutter language including feminism, toxic masculinity, and hypocrisy. Also, shout out that glorious 🎙 Florence + The Machine sample and the production overall!

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: May 2022

47. Mitksi, “Love Me More” 

💿 Laurel Hell • 🏷 Dead Oceans • 📅 2022

“If I keep myself at home / I won’t make the same mistake / That I made for fifteen years.”.  On 🎵  “Love Me More,” a highlight from her 2022 album, 💿 Laurel Hell, singer/songwriter 🎙 Mitksi (Mitski Miyawaki) goes deep.  She’s vulnerable, referencing her problems, loneliness, monotony, and of course, the need for love. Analyzing “Love Me More” effectively is a tall task. So many of the lyrical passages carry tremendous weight or require more context.  That speaks to the brilliance of the songwriting. One extremely compelling lyric: “But when I’m done singing this song / I will have to find something else / To do to keep me here.” Generally, “Love Me More” highlights the importance of love and how it makes you feel better and stronger.  There’s no better example of the significance of love on Mitski than the chorus, where Miyawaki sings, “I need you to love me more… / Love enough to fill me up / Fill me up, fill me up / … Love enough to drown it out / Drown it out, drown me out.” “Love Me More” is a terrific song.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 More Songs Filled with Considerable Love 💘
• Awesome Songs: February 2022

46. Beyoncé, “Church Girl”

💿 RENAISSANCE • 🏷 Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia • 📅 2022

“Nobody can judge me, but me / I was born free.” True, 🎙 Beyoncé received ample controversy with her phenomenal album, 💿 RENAISSANCE.  🎵 “Church Girl” rubbed some Christians the wrong way. Why? Bey and her production team construct a soulful, gospel-tinged backdrop, which delivers churchy vibes.  Furthermore, one of the four samples used arrives courtesy of renowned gospel collective, 🎙 The Clark Sisters (🎵 “Center of Thy Will”). The problem is that many disapprove of the likes of “She gon’ shake that ass and them pretty tig ol’ bitties’,” as well as THOT-driven lyrics like “I’ll drop it like a thottie, drop it like a thottie,” which do not align with such values. Regardless, songwriter (and Clark sister) 🎙 Twinkie Clark thanked Beyoncé for sampling it! Others have defended it too. “Church girls actin’ loose, bad girls actin’ snotty!” Woo!

Appears in 🔻: 

• Beyoncé, “Church Girl”: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 20 (2022)
• Church ⛪: 5ive Songs No. 44 (2022)
• Awesome Songs: August 2022

45. Kehlani, “Everything”

💿 blue water road • 🏷 TSNMI / Atlantic • 📅 2022

🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 Kehlani sings beautifully, expressively, and most of all, authentically on 🎵 “Everything”.  Listening to the standout from 💿 blue water road, you do not feel like Kehlani is holding back – she is giving her true feelings and best performance.  The chorus is the centerpiece: “‘Cause, baby, it’s the everything for me  / For me, yeah, for me /…‘Cause, baby, it’s the everything, no tryin’ / You be shinin’, my silver linin’.” Safe to say, Kehlani is vibing with this woman,  complimenting her in the verses.  The second verse, in particular, confirms these ‘everything’ feels.  All told, this is a terrific R&B song and, a great addition to the LGBTQ+ catalog.  Also, shout out 🎛 Pop Wansel and Happy Perez for the chill, radiant production work.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Kehlani, “everything”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 24 (2022)
• 13 E Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
• 11 Epic Songs That Are Everything!
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 1

44. Oliver Sim, “Hideous”

💿 Hideous Bastard • 🏷 Young • 🗓 2022

“I’m ugly / I’m up and down right now, I’m down and bloody…” That is incredibly heavy, 🎙 Oliver Sim!  🎵 “Hideous” appears on his debut album, 💿 Hideous Bastard.  Sim continues singing in the first verse, “But I don’t feel as though I’ve been unlucky / I have people in my life that really love me.” A support system is a necessity for this handsomely talented man, who gets uber personal, revealing  at the end of the record, “Been living with HIV / Since seventeen / Am I hideous?” Sim not only shows vulnerability as an HIV+ person but shows bravery and courage in telling his story.  In the second verse, Oliver sings, “Oh, I hide / Though the company at home can be unkind / Yet I live alone and refuse to go outside.” “Hideous” is about how he has felt living with a disease with incredible stigma, particularly among gay men.  He never forces things vocally; his baritone is potent without gospel histrionics.  Furthermore, with colorful production by 🎛 Jamie xx behind him, the lush music – incredibly creative and distinct – speaks volumes.  One of the song’s best moments is a 🎙 Jimmy Somerville feature (“Follow my voice / Sweet natured boy  / Just to keep you safe / Listen for me / Be brave, have trust / Just be willing to be loved”). The vulnerability and bravery Sim exhibits speak volumes.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Oliver Sim, “Hideous”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 25 (2022)
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 1

43. Dove Cameron, “Boyfriend”

🎵 “Boyfriend” • 🏷 Disruptor / Columbia • 📅 2022

In her song 🎵 “Boyfriend,” 🎙 Dove Cameron urges a girlfriend who has a boyfriend to, um, change sides. “I could be a better boyfriend than him,” she sings in the chorus, continuing, “I could do the shit that he never did / Up all night, I won’t quit /… Plus, all my clothes would fit.” Ooh-la-la! “Boyfriend” brought excitement to playlists everywhere in 2022.  Even better, Dove Cameron wasn’t straight about the excitement, if you catch my drift.  She’s excited her and her prospect are alone in the first verse, asserting in the first pre-chorus, “The universe must have divined this / What am I gonna do? Not grab your wrist?” She gives sound advice, at least from her perspective, in the second verse, singing,  “I would leave with me tonight.”  Dove sees that her boyfriend isn’t treating her right, and, she knows she could atone and be better than he ever could.  It’s an absolutely intriguing theme.  Furthermore, Dove sounds great over a jazzy, vintage-pop infused backdrop (shout out to producer 🎛 Evan Blair).

Appears in 🔻:

• Boyfriend: 5ive Songs No. 75 (2022)
• 14 Exceptional LGBTQ Songs from 2022

42. Drake, “Jimmy Cooks” (Ft. 21 Savage)

💿 Honestly, Nevermind • 🏷 OVO / Republic • 📅 2022

“Heard you with a shooting guard, just let a nigga know / I would have you courtside, not the middle row.” Woo! Depending on whom you ask, the opinions vary on 💿 Honestly, Nevermind, the 2022 album by 🎙 Drake.  Honestly, Nevermind is a more melodic, house-driven project for the 🏆 Grammy winner, but he does drop surefire rap banger with 🎵 “Jimmy Cooks.”  “Jimmy Cooks” features awesome production work (🎛 Vinylz, Tay Keith, CuBeatz, and Tizzle) including using two samples. In this concluding cut, Drizzy taps 🎙 21 Savage for the assist, who appears in the second verse backed by a mean beat switch.  True to self, 21 Savage bites hard, coming off as unapologetic AF (“This Glock 45 came with a switch / If I was Will Smith, I would’ve slapped him with a stick”). Of course, Drake is on-point himself, dropping his fair share of ear-catching lines including “Hoes say I’m suave, but I can’t get RICO’d.”  Say what you will about Honestly, Nevermind, but it is hard to deny the enjoyability and strength of “Jimmy Cooks.”

41. Kendrick Lamar, “Worldwide Steppers”

💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2022

The controversial 🎙 Kodak Black introduces one of the best songs from the long awaited 🎙 Kendrick Lamar album, 💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers: 🎵 “Worldwide Steppers.” Despite Black’s appearance, Kendrick is the main attraction of this intense, minimally produced gem (🎛 Tae Beast, 🎛 J.LBS, and 🎛 Sounwave). Lamar nails the chorus, which references the viciousness of cancel culture: “I’m a killer, he’s a killer, she’s a killer, bitch / We some killers, walkin’ zombies, tryna scratch that itch…” Kendrick has plenty to say throughout the verses, with one of his more intriguing subjects being his infidelity, including having sex with white women (“Whitney asked did I have a problem / I said, ‘I might be racist’ / Ancestors watchin’ me fuck was like retaliation”).  Lamar is always thought-provoking and “Worldwide Steppers” ranks among the most interesting records of 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: May 2022

40. Lizzo, “Special”

💿 Special • 🏷 Nice Life / Atlantic • 📅 2022

“Fame is pretty new, but I’ve been used to people judgin’ me / That’s why I move the way I move and why I’m so in love with me.” 🎵 “Special”, the title track from Lizzo’s sophomore album, is a reaction to the criticism she has received for seemingly everything.  Her authenticity and honesty truly shine: “If it wasn’t me, then would you even get offended or /Is it just because I’m black and heavy? Y’all don’t hear me though.” Even though she has had ample, unfounded negativity thrown her way, she doesn’t wallow in pessimism – she opts for optimism, encouraging herself, encouraging others, and taking the high road. The self-love is lit on “Special” where Lizzo turns the frowns into confident, empowered smiles!

“In case nobody told you today

You’re special

In case nobody made you believe

You’re special.”

She adds on the utterly sublime chorus, “I’m so glad that you’re still with us / Broken, but damn, you’re still perfect.” Don’t we all need to hear that we are loved and special, even when we are flawed? 🎵 “Special” marks one of the truly elite records from 💿 Special.

Appears in 🔻:

• Lizzo, “Special”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 5 (2022)
• 13 Lit 🔥 Songs To Lift You Up

39. Panic! At The Disco, “Viva Las Vengeance”

💿 Viva Las Vengeance • 🏷 Fueled By Ramen • 🗓 2022

“Someone did me wrong, stole my favorite song, yes, it really hurt (Really hurt) / Stepped on every chord, fell on every sword, yes, Excalibur (Excalibur).” Anytime 🎙 Brendon Urie sings, it’s ‘kind of a big deal’ in my eyes! 🎙 Panic! At the Disco returned with a vengeance, releasing 🎵“Viva Las Vengeance”, the promo single from the band’s seventh studio album, 💿 Viva Las Vengeance. Ultimately, this 🎛 Jake Sinclair-produced joint is another welcome addition to the P!ATD collection. Vocally,  Urie is a gift we are so blessed to have.  Besides his prodigious instrument and the distinct production, the lyrics stand out.  There is no shortage of unique happenings and references to be unpacked. Some of those references include the plight of fame and perhaps the slippery nature of the music business.  Notably, in the first pre-chorus, his desires are simple: “On a sofa with Sativa / Living the dream.” Interestingly, in the memorable chorus, we get the titular lyric, which seems metaphorical, all told.  All told, 🎵 “Viva Las Vengeance” is stellar. Urie seems to get riper with age.  This one’s a fun one.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: June 2022

38. Arctic Monkeys, “Body Paint”

💿 The Car • 🏷 Domino • 🗓 2022

“So predictable, I know what you’re thinking.” After a four-year hiatus, 🏆 Grammy-nominated alternative collective 🎙 Arctic Monkeys returned with their seventh studio album, 💿 The Car. 🎵 “Body Paint” served as the absolutely, utterly stupendous second single. The music is gorgeous, with warmer keys (and synths), strings, and eventually, a more raucous electric guitar. Arctic Monkeys never fail in the instrumental department.  Furthermore, 🎙 Alex Turner serves up sublime vocals and colorful lyrics.  Honestly, not just anybody could commence a record with, “For a master of deception and subterfuge / You’ve made yourself quite the bed to lie in.” It doesn’t stop there either.  In the second verse, “My teeth are beating, and my knees are weak / It’s as if there’s something up with the wiring.” Yep, that is some serious pain, particularly that toothache! Uniquely, the chorus is one line – “So predictable, I know what you’re thinking” – while there is also a bridge, instrumental break, and a refrain.  What is Turner getting at thematically? It seems to be a mix of covering up and masking feelings, deception, and cheating. All told, 🎵 “Body Paint” is a cleverly written, well-performed, and well-produced.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 Songs Associated with the Body, Vol. 2
• Awesome Songs: October 2022

37. Orville Peck, “Daytona Sand”

💿 Bronco • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2022

“So, rack ‘em up, big blonde / I think I could’ve been your man / We watch the surfers as they whip on the strand / Ah, Daytona sand.”  Gay South African, Canadian-based country musician 🎙 Orville Peck commences his 2022 sophomore album, 💿 Bronco, superbly with 🎵 “Daytona Sand.”  According to Peck, the “Daytona Sand” was written about a cowboy born in Mississippi who grew up in Daytona, Florida.  Peck spells out Mississippi at the end of the record.  Peck sings with a beautiful tone that is colorful, nuanced, and incredibly masculine.  For better or worse, when it comes to male country musicians, there is an expectation to deliver a heaping dose of masculinity.  Peck doesn’t disappoint, wowing with those ultra-expressive pipes. STILL, he doesn’t shy away from his sexuality, either. Yee-haw, cowboy 🤠!

Appears in 🔻: 

• Sand: 5ive Songs No. 17 (2022)
• 13 D Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

36. Ghost, “Darkness at the Heart of my Love”

💿 IMPERA • 🏷 Loma Vista • 📅 2022

“There’s a darkness at the heart of my love / That runs cold, runs deep.” Poetic, thought-provoking lyrics for sure! Darkness and love should be two starkly different things, right? Perhaps, but 🎙 Ghost makes them related on the marvelous 🤩 🎵 “Darkness at the Heart of my Love.” “Darkness at the Heart of my Love” has a strong argument for the crowning achievement of 💿 IMPERA, the fifth studio album by the 🏆 Grammy-winning Swedish metal band.  The lyrics are cynical and critical of those who say they’re filled with love (and God) yet are hypocritical to the n^th degree. Anti-Christian themes are commonplace in Ghost’s music.  Staunch believer or unapologetic atheist, there is something to be said about the points 🎙 Tobias Forge makes. There’s plenty to be said about the musicianship – the performance, the melody, the production. There’s something celestial about this hellish cut.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: March 2022
• 13 D Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

35. Zach Bryan, “Something in the Orange”

💿 American Heartbreak • 🏷 Belting Bronco / Warner • 📅 2022

“Please turn those headlights around,” 🎙 Zach Bryan begs on 🎵 “Something in the Orange.” Uh-oh –  it’s those pesky matters of the heart at work! “Something in the Orange” appears on the country’s singer’s gargantuan, two-hour-long, triple-disc album, 💿 American Heartbreak.  So, what’s going on with Zach’s relationship on “Something in the Orange?” Well, it seems as if Bryan is working hard to mitigate damage, if the damage isn’t already too severe. Throughout this superbly penned, heartfelt number, Bryan tries to convince her to say and that “Somethin’ in the orange tells me [him] we’re not done.” He states,  “It’ll be fine by dusk light, I’m tellin’ you, baby,” but it seems to be easier said than done. He makes it clear that she means the world to him – “To me, you’re all I am.”  Furthermore, without her, he is hopeless.  Sadly, he realizes, “I poisoned myself again, somethin’ in the orange / Tells mе you’re never comin’ homе.” The orange, of course, is the sun.  Oh, that American Heartbreak stings something awful, but the song itself is epic!

Appears in 🔻: 

• 15 Songs Characterized by Their Colors, Vol. II

34. Arctic Monkeys, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball”

💿 The Car • 🏷 Domino • 🗓 2022

“Yesterday’s still leaking through the roof / That’s nothing new…” Um, okay. 🎵 “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” has a strong argument as the best song from 💿 The Car the 2022 album by 🎙 Arctic Monkeys. 🎙 Alex Turner and company deliver some creative ideas, nice musical touches, and undisputed beauty in this single, even if it takes a couple of listens to fully process.  Written by Turner, 🎛 James Ford produces the gem which includes a jazzy drum groove, warm strings, and piano. It is ear-catching from the onset – left of center and unique, though ultimately, radiant. Eventually, “There’d better Be A Mirrorball” settles into a ballad with a consistent groove, and some rhythmic hits straight out of the jazz/soul book. Turner’s vocals are as nuanced as ever. He sings the poetic lyrics, which include references to the car, with ample expression, hypnotizing: “So, if you wanna walk me to the car / You oughta know I’ll have a heavy heart / So, can we please be absolutely sure / That there’s a mirrorball.”  This song is weird but utterly refreshing.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: September 2022

33. Perfume Genius, “Ugly Season”

💿 Ugly Season • 🏷 Matador • 🗓 2022

“I’m hideous / Raving / Feeling my fantasy.” 🎵 “Ugly Season” arrives as the sixth track on 💿 Ugly Season, the sixth studio album by 🎙 Perfume Genius (🎙 Mike Hadreas).  Hadreas hits differently on this experimental, avant-garde highlight. Musically, “Ugly Season” has a quirky, reggae vibe. The record feels dirty and horny intentionally – incredibly left of center. Furthermore, it feels very queer (nothing wrong with that).  Hadreas serves up a performance that is unrefined and not concerned with elegance, finesse, or pitch for that matter. One must listen closely, ideally with the lyrics in front of you, to fully comprehend what he is singing. Early on, as the first verse suggests, the ugliness is front and center. He follows up with an even more sus pre-chorus, asserting, “Turned from God / Sick with rot / Thick as Vaseline / Knee deep and filthy.” Woo! “Bitch, it’s ugly season,” he asserts in the chorus, “And I love it.” “Ugly Season” is utterly fascinating. The post-chorus is the section to beat, with its ear-catching lyrics. Furthermore, melodically, it serves as the most tuneful section of the record: “Notice the tongue / Notice the shape / Don’t look away / Notice the tongue / Split, black, pit / Notice the tongue.” “Ugly Season” thrives from its experimental vibes and queerness.

Appears in 🔻:

• Perfume Genius, “Ugly Season”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 36 (2022)
• 14 Exceptional LGBTQ Songs from 2022

32. Megan Thee Stallion, “Plan B”

💿 Traumazine • 🏷 1501 Certified Entertainment / 300 Entertainment • 🗓 2022

“Dear fuck nigga, still can’t believe I used to fuck with ya / Poppin’ Plan Bs ‘cause I ain’t planned to be stuck with ya.” Ooh-wee, 🎙 Megan Thee Stallion! On 🎵 “Plan B” (💿 Traumazine), the men don’t stand a chance! “I never put my faith in a nigga, bitch, I’ma die independent.” While it’s rough around the edges, like other Megan joints, the big takeaway is female empowerment.  Sure, there is ample profanity and references to sex, ultimately, “Plan B” is about NOT letting these men treat you wrong – “I’d rather be in jail before a broke nigga cuff me.” The chorus says it all, with memorable lines like “Ladies, love yourself, ‘cause this shit could get ugly / That’s why it’s, ‘Fuck niggas, get money’,” and the more risqué, “You better get on your knees and eat this pussy right / … Dick don’t run me, I run dick / Nigga, yeah, you’s a bitch.”  All of this over an old-school backdrop, which samples the 1995 🎙 Jodeci hit, 🎵 “Freek ‘N’ You”. Megan Thee Stallion comes through again.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: April 2022
• 11 Songs That Stick to the Plan

31. Maren Morris, “Circles Around This Town”

💿 Humble Quest • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2022

🏆 Grammy-winning country singer/songwriter 🎙 Maren Morris shines on 🎵 “Circles Around This Town”, the first single from her album, 💿 Humble Quest. On “Circles,” she co-writes with a talented crew: 🎼 ✍ Jimmy Robbins, Julia Michaels, and her husband, Ryan Hurd. Furthermore, ‘it’ producer 🎛 Greg Kurstin works behind the board.  Vocally, Morris sounds strong. Besides being assertive and exhibiting a great tone, she also gives ample personality.  She plays to her country fan base, but pop fans will enjoy it too. Among my favorite lyrics occurs in the second verse: “So many times, I thought about lеavin’ / Got my ass kicked tryin’ to compete with / Everybody else’s ones that got away.” Thematically, Maren reminisces on her ‘come up’ – how hard it was to get where she is now moving to Nashville.  Even though she’s made it, she acknowledges she’s “Still got the pedal down / Drivin’ circles around this town.” Of course, those awesome lyrics hail from the chorus, which is big and memorable.  Ultimately, “Circles Around This Town” is a terrific song.

Appears in 🔻:

• These 15 Songs are About THIS
• Awesome Songs: January 2022
• Circles: 5ive Songs No. 72 (2022)
• 11 More Circular Songs to Keep You Goin’ ‘Round in Circles

30. Jack Harlow, “First Class”

💿 Come Home The Kids Miss You • 🏷 Generation Now / Atlantic • 🗓 2022

“I been a (G), throw up the (L), sex in the (A.M.), uh-huh / (O-R-O-U-S, yeah).” 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper 🎙 Jack Harlow knows how to make a hit (a no. 1 hit specifically)!  He packs a serious punch with 🎵 “First Class”, the crowd-pleasing single from 💿 Come Home the Kids Miss You. Harlow’s delivery is chill and laid back. He rides a 🎙 Fergie sample (🎵 “Glamorous”) like a boss. In the chorus, he lets Fergie do some of the heavy lifting 💪! Still, he gets his point across, involving S-E-X.  There’s also surefire confidence and drip involved too (“Uh, I got plaques in thе mail, peak season”), but we know exactly what Harlow has in mind with “Pineapple juice, I give her sweet, sweet, semen.” Ultimately, Jack is cool as a cucumber yet potent.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2022
• 1^st: 5ive Songs No. 23 (2022)
• 13 Compelling 1^st, 2^nd + two 3^rds’ Songs
• 15 F Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

29. Camila Cabello, “Bam Bam” (Ft. Ed Sheeran)

💿 Familia • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 2022

Breaking up = perfect inspiration for a song! 🎙 Camila Cabello experienced a high-profile split with 🎙 Shawn Mendes.  The end of an era deserves a soundtrack, hence, 🎵 “Bam Bam” from her third album, 💿 Familia.  She gets personal while also serving up personality.  On this fun, therapeutic post-break-up joint, she’s assisted by 🏆 Grammy-winning British pop singer/songwriter, 🎙 Ed Sheeran. “You said you hated the ocean, but you’re surfin’ now / I said I’d love you for life, but I just sold our house.” Cabello is referencing Mendes, trying to move beyond the past. Following an abrupt start, rhythmic guitar accompaniment enters, solidifying the identity of the record. As “Bam Bam” progresses, the production further fills out, fully establishing itself.  Cabello’s verse is intriguing, but the crème de la crème is the chorus and post-chorus, infectious as albeit with its Latin/tropical influence. Sheeran arrives for the second verse, sounding great as he sings about moving beyond the storm. Even better is when they join forces, coupled with full instrumentation, including bright, articulated horns.  “Bam Bam” = total vibe!

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: March 2022
• 13 B Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

28. Beyoncé, “Alien Superstar”

💿 RENAISSANCE • 🏷 Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia • 🗓 2022

“I’m too classy for this world, forever, I’m that girl.” 🎙 Beyoncé keeps 💿 RENAISSANCE – arguably the best album of 2022 – captivating with the standout, 🎵 “Alien Superstar.” Bey goes extraterrestrial, not only with the lyrics but also, with the production.  She’s backed by an instrumental that screams cosmic and outer space vibes, while the beat continues to incite body movement.  Beyoncé embraces her uniqueness and continues to exude self-assuredness – no self-esteem issues to be found in the least!  It would not be far-fetched to call this one of the most unique songs the Queen has ever recorded.  What more is there to say but “Bow down, bitches”!

27. Future, “Wait For U” (Ft. Drake & Tems)

💿 I NEVER LIKED YOU • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 2022

“I will wait for you, for you…” 🎙 Future had a solid year in 2022.  💿 I NEVER LIKED YOU topped the Billboard 200 and marked a resurgence of sorts for the 🏆 Grammy winning rapper.  Among the best moments from I NEVER LIKED YOU is the no. 1 Hot 100 hit  🎵  “Wait For U,” featuring 🎙 Drake and 🎙 Tems.  Tems’ role arrives via sample, specifically her 2020 song, 🎵  “Higher”.  As for Future and Drake, both drop verses, beginning with Future (“You pray for my demons, girl, I got you / Every time I sip on codeine, I get vulnerable”).  That is deep for Future, something he continues to showcase in the chorus, albeit infused with pills and drink.  Given the love and feels-oriented nature of “Wait For U,” Drake complements Future perfectly in the second verse. “Supposed to be your dog, but you done put me in a kennel,” he spits, adding, “Girl, put a muzzle on it, all that barkin’ over dinner.” There is something magical about this chill record.  It is worth of acknowledgement among the best of 2022.

26. Björk, “Atopos” (Ft. Kasimyn)

💿 Fossora • 🏷 One Little Independent • 🗓 2022

“Are these not just excuses to not connect? / Our differences are irrelevant.” 🏆 Grammy-nominated Icelandic singer/songwriter 🎙 Björk never fails to compel.  That is the case on 🎵 “Atopos”, the promo single from her 10^th studio album, 💿 Fossora.  On “Atopos,” she’s assisted by 🎙 Kasimyn on this distinct, truly one-of-a-kind opener. The eventual groove is nothing short of infectious.  Prior to the groove commencing, however, listeners are blessed with an atmospheric introduction. Soon enough, those distinct, powerful vocals of Björk enter.  Safe to say, she remains a once-in-a-lifetime singer. The music is quirky – left-of-center quality – following that warm intro. The timbre is unique, due in part to the use of a clarinet choir (including multiple bass clarinets). Even as enigmatic and odd as “Atopos” (Greek for absurd, out of place, unusual) is, there are some gorgeous melodic moments.  Lyrically, “Atopos” is intriguing as well: “If we don’t grow outwards towards love / We’ll implode inwards toward destruction.” All told, the Icelandic standout delivers with the must-hear 🎵 “Atopos”, which sounds like NOTHING else released in 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: September 2022

25. Lucky Daye, “Feels Like”

💿 Candydrip • 🏷 Keep Cool / RCA • 📅 2022 

“Manipulate me, baby / Make me do what you want me to.” 🎵 “Feels Like” is a vibe from the start.  The record is a highlight from 💿 Candydrip, the 2022 album by 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B singer, 🎙 Lucky Daye. Daye commences “Feels Like” confidently, delivering sensual, ripe falsetto vocals (“So complicated / This should be plain and simple, yeah”).  The modus operandi is LOVE (sex…): “Don’t have to say shit, hush / ‘Round and ‘round and ‘round we go / At my tempo.” During the course of “Feels Like,” Daye is supported by awesome production work (🎛 D’Mile). There’s a soulful groove and of course, colorful keyboard/synth work.  The best section of the song is the simple but potent, catchy chorus: “It should feel like love whenever we touch / But we can’t get stuck in the color of lust / Don’t it feel like love, love? / Feels like love, love.” Notably, there is a unique change of pace in the final minute-and-a-half of the song in the third verse. Daye moves away from the lit falsetto to deeper rapped and spoken word vocals. All told, “Feels Like” is a marvelous R&B record.

Appears in 🔻:

• Lucky Daye, “Feels Like”: After Dark 🕛 🌃 45 (2022)
• 13 Feeling Songs That Make U Feel Some Type of Way

24. Mary J. Blige, “Good Morning Gorgeous”

💿 Good Morning Gorgeous • 🏷 Mary Jane Productions Inc • 📅 2022

🎵 “Good Morning Gorgeous”, released in December 2021, represents the crowning achievement of 💿 Good Morning Gorgeous, the 2022 studio album by 🎙 Mary J. Blige. Blige delivers commanding vocals and has a fine melody to work with.  Melodically, it’s rhythmic, particularly in the second verse. Thematically, she reflects on past pain and vows not to let it bring her down now.  She’s resolved to uplift herself, exemplified in the chorus, where she’s supported by superb backing vocals, upping the ante.

“I wake up every morning and tell myself

‘Good morning gorgeous’

Sometimes you gotta look in the mirror and say,

‘Good morning gorgeous’

No one else can make me feel this way

‘Good morning gorgeous.’”

Worth noting, “Good Morning Gorgeous” was written by an elite team, including  Blige, 🎼✍ 🎛 D’Mile, and  🎛 H.E.R..  As far as the production (D’Mile and H.E.R.), the sound embodies slow, soulful R&B with old-school vibes.  I love the use of a lilting, six-eight meter as well as a robust bass line. Blige sounds potent and powerful as ever.  This song plays to her strengths, reminding us why she’s among the best in the game.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: December 2021
• Morning: 5ive Songs No. 53 (2022)

23. Bad Bunny, “Moscow Mule”

💿 Un Verano Sin Ti • 🏷 Rimas Entertainment • 📅 2022

Latin music has been on fire in 2022.  One of its biggest success stories is 🏆 Grammy-winning, Puerto Rican artist, 🎙 Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny’s 2022 album, 💿 Un Verano Sin Ti, exploded onto the Billboard 200, easily debuting at no. 1 and dominating the charts throughout the year. Un Verano Sin Ti has plenty of highlight including 🎵 “Moscow Mule,” a surefire vibe the minute you hear it.  Sure, it’s less about an alcoholic beverage than a horny Bad Bunny expressing his sexual desires, but that doesn’t matter.  This is a lushly produced record (🎛 MAG, Mick, Scott, and LaPacienca) with colorful keys and synths, anchored by a lit reggaeton beat. Bad Bunny serves up beautiful, expressive vocals, flaunting a tone that never seems to grow old. He balances smoother moments and more agile, rhythmic ones.  The chorus is awesome, regardless of if you don’t understand a lick of Spanish!  Ultimately, the sexy “Moscow Mule” is a superb way to commence Un Verano Sin Ti.  Cheers to that!

22. Joji, “Glimpse of Us”

💿 SMITHEREENS • 🏷 88rising / Warner • 🗓 2022

“She’d turn the rain to a rainbow / When I was living blue,” 🎙 Joji sings in the first verse of the stunning 🎵 “Glimpse of Us”, which appears on his album, 💿 SMITHEREENS. He continues, “Why then, if she’s so perfect / Do I still wish that it was you?” The gifted Japanese musician recalls expired love that he still desires despite being in a new relationship.  His pain is our listening pleasure in this utterly stupendous ballad. Joji’s vocal performance thrives off its subtlety; he never gets too high yet comes off quite expressive from the start.  Almost on the same level as those radiant vocals are the authentic, honest, and relatable lyrics.  He is NOT over his past love, even though he is now with someone else. The chorus sums up his feelings masterfully: “‘Cause sometimes I look in her eyes / And that’s where I find a glimpse of us / And I try to fall for her touch / But I’m thinkin’ of the way it was…” The production (🎛 Connor McDonough) on this piano ballad matches the radiance of Joji’s tone and those vulnerable lyrics.  The subtlety allows for the vocals and lyrics to shine. “Glimpse of Us” is easily among the most beautiful songs released in 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: June 2022

21. Weyes Blood, “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody”

💿 And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow • 🏷 Sub Pop • 🗓 2022

“Oh, it’s not just me, it’s not just me / It’s not just me, it’s everybody.” 🎙 Weyes Blood (Natalie Mering) returned in 2022 with her fifth LP, 💿 And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow. The epic, six-minute-plus single, 🎵 “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” marks one of the truly great moments from the epic album.  Written by Mering, she produces the record alongside 🎛 Ben Babbitt and 🎛 Jonathan Rado.   “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” commences marvelously and enigmatically. It opens with a crescendo of lush strings, prefacing a groove and warm piano chords.  Mering then enters, singing radiantly and expressively. Throughout the course of the record, she never over-sings, maintaining poise while bringing just the right oomph.  The songwriting, alongside the refined music backdrop, is the biggest selling point.  Mering sings relatable, poetic, thoughtful lyrics with incredible authenticity.  “Sitting at this party / Wondering if anyone knows me / Really sees who I am,” she sings at the beginning of the first verse, continuing, “Oh, it’s been so long since I felt really known.” Similarly, lines like, “Living in the wake of overwhelming changes / We’ve all become strangers” (verse two) and “Yes, we all bleed the same way” pack a sizable, ultra-relatable punch. The six-minute-long record thrives thanks to expressive vocal performance, elite songwriting, and stellar production work.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Everybody: 5ive Songs No. 54 (2022)
• 11 Incredible JUST Songs, Vol. 2
• Awesome Songs: September 2022

20. Florence + The Machine, “Dream Girl Evil”

💿 Dance Machine • 🏷 Universal Music Operations Limited • 📅 2022

“Am I your dream girl? / You think of me in bed / But you could never hold me / And like me better in your head.” Ah – strong feminine energy! 🎙 Florence + The Machine made a superb return with their fifth studio album, 💿 Dance Machine with one of the best moments being the sixth track, 🎵 “Dream Girl Evil.” Here, 🎙 Florence Welch’s vocals are  playful and powerful. “Make me evil / Then I’m an angel instead / At least you’ll sanctify me when I’m dead / Dream girl, evil.” Welch penned “Dream Girl Evil” while she collaborates with 🎛 Dave Bayley, Jack Antonoff, and Thomas Bartlett on the production. The backdrop is stunning, packing a punch with its old-school rock/pop sensibilities.  The groove drives, carried by the drums and rhythm guitar. Additionally, the vocal harmonies are stunning, sitting atop the gargantuan production during the chorus.  Thematically, Welch reflects on the expectations set for women, often unfairly.  Throughout, she satirizes to highlight the bigger picture that women should not have to go through more hoops than men and be treated as equals.  An awesome, transcendental message, and an utterly sublime song.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: May 2022

19. ROSALÍA, “Saoko”

💿 MOTOMAMI • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2022

🏆 Grammy winner 🎙 ROSALÍA returned epically in 2022 with 🎵 “SAOKO”, which appears on her superb album, 💿 MOTOMAMI. The title (and keyword), interestingly, does not have an English translation; it is Puerto Rican slang.  Even without understanding the slang, “SAOKO” is a surefire bop – ear-catching from the opening tip and infectious to the n^th degree. “SAOKO” distinguishes itself from other Latin pop because of its experimental, innovative spirit. The assertive, aggressive approach that ROSALÍA employs is terrific – more rapped, chanted performance. Lyrically, “SAOKO” focuses on transformation, something the chorus highlights especially well. Where sound is concerned, “SAOKO” features sensational production work by ROSALÍA, 🎛 Noah Goldstein, Dylan Patrice, and Michael Uzowuru. It incorporates skeletal ideas, keys (including jazz piano), and a banging beat. “SAOKO” samples the 🎙 Wisin record, 🎵 “Saoco” featuring 🎙 Daddy Yankee.  ROSALÍA pays ode to classic reggaeton which is a plus.  All told, “SAOKO” is short but incredibly sweet.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: February 2022

18. Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”

💿 Midnights • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2022

“I have this thing where I get older, but never wiser,” 🏆 Grammy winner 🎙 Taylor Swift sings on 🎵 “Anti-Hero,” a gem and no. 1 hit from her 10^th album, 💿 Midnights. Swift continues singing in the first verse of the single, “Midnights become my afternoons.” That’s just one instance of the poetry of her pen, which seems endless on this particular record.  See the second pre-chorus where she sneaks in words like narcissism and altruism perfectly. Beyond the impeccable lyricism, Swift delivers a respectable vocal backed by sound production (a fine collaboration with 🎛 Jack Antonoff).  The centerpiece of “Anti-Hero” is the chorus, something that Swift has excelled at since the beginning of her career.  In the chorus, Swift asserts, “I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror / It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.” Woo! Her honesty is epic in itself.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Hero: 5ive Songs No. 64 (2022)
• Awesome Songs: October 2022

17. Orville Peck, “C’mon Baby, Cry”

💿 Bronco • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2022

🎵 “C’mon Baby, Cry” has a strong case as the best song record from 💿 Bronco, the sophomore album by South African, Canada-based, gay county musician, 🎙 Orville Peck. Like other songs from Bronco, Peck does a bang-up job resurrecting and preserving the country music of old.  These retro country stylings are incredibly refreshing in a time where country-pop is dominant and bigger-named musicians seem well out of new ideas. The biggest selling point on “C’mon Baby, Cry” is that soaring voice, which is truly mesmerizing to listen to.  Peck fearlessly combats toxic masculinity thematically.  “But you’ve been smiling for so long / A thousand teardrops can’t be wrong, no,” he sings at the end of the first verse, adding in the chorus, “I don’t want you to be afraid / Let me see you cry /… Call me up anytime / C’mon, baby, cry.” It’s amazing how Peck’s music is idiomatic of classic country, yet seamlessly incorporates queer elements.  I love the fact that he doesn’t mask sexuality but rather embraces it. “C’mon Baby, Cry” is utterly sublime.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2022
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 1

16. Pusha T, “Diet Coke”

💿 It’s Almost Dry • 🏷 Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 2022

“Imaginary players ain’t been coached right / Master recipes under stove lights / The number on the jersey is the quote price / You ordered Diet Coke, that’s a joke, right?” From the jump of 🎵 “Diet Coke” (💿 It’s Almost Dry) 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper Pusha T is locked-in and on autopilot. The three-minute-long “Diet Coke” is NOT about the soft drink – it’s coke aka cocaine rap, people! As always, Push’s flow is agile, commanding, and sound.  Following the intro, he drops an awesome chorus.  His second verse references drugs including lyrics such as “Snows are must, the nose must adjust,” and “The crack era was such a Black era / How many still standin’ reflectin’ in that mirror.” Push was a drug dealer, hence why crack is a fixture in his rhymes.  Besides mentioning the stove, snow, and coke, Pusha T pays an ode to fellow Virginia rapper, 🎙 Missy Elliott (“Miss was our only misdemeanor”).  Also, besides the brilliant rhymes, what about that gorgeous piano-fueled production (🎛 Kanye West and  88-Keys)? “Diet Coke” is LIT 🔥.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: February 2022
• 13 D Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

15. Rina Sawayama, “This Hell”

💿 Hold the Girl • 🏷 Dirty Hit • 📅 2022

Just know, “This hell is better with you / We’re burning up together / Baby, that makes two.” 🎙 Rina Sawayama returned ferociously in 2022 with 🎵 “This Hell” (💿 Hold the Girl). Although things are utterly hellish, the ear candy and musical excellence that Sawayama serves up is anything but! “This Hell” commences with energetic production (🎛 Paul Epworth and Clarence Clarity) in the form of a compelling groove and a lit melodic guitar line.  Post intro, when Sawayama begins singing, the sound changes, revealing a couple of unexpected tricks. Ultimately, the verses have a different harmonic scheme compared to the pre-chorus and chorus, which the instrumental intro highlights.  In the verses, Sawayama keeps things real. “Saw a poster on the corner opposite the motel,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Turns out I’m going to hell if I keep on being myself.” She’s basically like, ‘fuck it,’ “God hates us? Alright then / Buckle up, at dawn, we’re riding.” Similarly, in the second verse, Rina flips birds, criticizes the paparazzi for how they’ve destroyed countless female celebs, and shows incredible resolve: “That Satan’s looking thirsty, not even he can hurt me.” Even though she has got her “Invitation to eternal damnation,” Sawayama responds by saying, “Get in line, pass the wine, bitch.”

Appears in 🔻: 

• 11 Gloriously, Infernal HELL Songs
• Awesome Songs: June 2022
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 1

14. Pharrell Williams, 21 Savage & Tyler, The Creator, “Cash In Cash Out”

🎵 “Cash in Cash Out” • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2022

“Cash in, cash out, cash in, cash out.” There will always only be one 🎙 Pharrell Williams. Sometimes, his creations are far beyond our planet (and galaxy), but he exhibits a clear musical identity.  In an unexpected collaboration with 🎙 21 Savage and 🎙 Tyler, The Creator, 🎵 “Cash in Cash Out”, Pharrell is true to self.  That includes the iconic four-count and one of the most badass beats you’ve heard all year.  Williams leaves the rapping up to 21 and Tyler. 21 Savage shares the simple, repetitive chorus early on.  The verses by 21 (first verse) and Tyler, The Creator (second) are more notable. 21’s flow in verse one is confident and electric as he brags about drip, specifically, fashion.  Among his best lines is totally inappropriate: “She swallow all my kids, she a bad babysitter / Kim Jong-Un, in my pants is a missile.” Tyler, The Creator is not outdone – he is as colorful in his delivery as ever: “Nah, I ain’t heard off that, I hit the beach in a furry hat / She got a guy but she purrin’ back, I’m lookin’ like, ‘Where he at?’” There are pop-cultural references (Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Rihanna and “Umbrella”), a reference to bisexuality (“Goin’ both sides, yeah, you could say I’m B-I (Hey, hey)”), and, of course, money and fame (“I got offered two-point-five for the last show (Last show, nigga) / I declined ’cause the stage didn’t match my ethos”). What happens when three 🏆 Grammy-winning musicians come together?  Sheer Magic!

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: June 2022

13. Kendrick Lamar, “N95”

💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2022

🏆 Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper 🎙 Kendrick Lamar shines on 🎵 “N95,” a banger from 💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, whose title references masks yet the subject matter transcends. Masks, of course, were one of many divisive things that went down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the first verse, Lamar urges us to “take off” various things. In the second, he appears to specifically reference the pandemic and beyond, asserting, “The world in a panic, the women is stranded, the men on a run / The prophets abandoned, the law take advantage, the market is crashin’…” Woo!  In the mix, particularly in the third verse, is religion, a common topic for the rapper.  “Would you sell your bro for leverage,” he spits, a Biblical reference.  “N95” bangs thanks to its production (🎛 Baby Keem, Jahaan Sweet, Boi-1da, and Sounwave) and K-Dot’s flow. “N95,” another thought-provoking gem from Kendrick.

12. Omar Apollo, “Tamagotchi”

💿 Ivory • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2022

“Bitch, this Tamagotchi…” 🎙 Omar Apollo, are you really referencing a toy in 🎵 “Tamagotchi” from 💿 Ivory? Yup!  Apollo has ample swagger and furthermore, if possible, only amplifies his sexiness on this 🎛 The Neptunes-produced joint.  With The Neptunes behind him, Apollo has a badass backdrop.  The fresh factor and groove go next level. Adding to that freshness is this young, fearless pop star, who sings in both Spanish and English without missing a beat. Apollo references that toy, but he also brags about drip (“Bitch, I’m making bread”), his artistry (“Sound like Pavarotti”), and sex (“Your body is on me, you touching up on me / We cum at the same time”).  Basically, for Omar, life is G-O-O-D.  The only rub – he hasn’t seen his babe “in months or more” and, he “ain’t tryna front no more.” Understandable! 🎵 “Tamagotchi” = surefire magic – music excellence!

Appears in 🔻:

• 15 T Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
• Awesome Songs: April 2022

11. Bad Bunny, “Titi Me Preguntó”

💿 Un Verano Sin Ti • 🏷 Rimas Entertainment • 📅 2022

🎙 Bad Bunny did the damn thang in 2022, period. 💿 Un Verano Sin Ti was the sugar honey iced tea – muy caliente! Arguably, the crème de la crème of the LP was 🎵 “Titi Me Preguntó.” On the fourth track from Un Verano Sin Ti, the Puerto Rican superstar is backed by an electrifying beat and production.  Honestly, there is no way you listen to “Titi Me Preguntó” and fail to nod your head.   Essentially, Bad Bunny presents himself as a man-whore.  He has lots of girlfriends, admitting to having one today and a different one tomorrow, etc. When did Bad Bunny’s dating life begin? Apparently, kindergarten.  He then goes on to mention Colombian, Mexican, San Antonio, and Dominican girlfriends. With no shortage of big dick energy, per the English translation, Bad Bunny says, “The one from Barcelona that came by plane / And says that my dick is fire…” Bad Bunny admits desire to fall in love but can’t – he has a lack of trust in himself in a committed relationship, hence his need for a revolving door when it comes to women.  “Titi Me Preguntó” may lack class, but this song where Bad Bunny gets plenty of ass sure kicks a lot of – wait for it – @$$!

10. Gunna & Future, “pushin p” (Ft. Young Thug)

💿 DS4EVER • 🏷 Gunna Music LLC / Young Stoner Life / 300 Entertainment • 🗓 2021

On 🎵  “pushin P”, 🎙 Gunna and 🎙 Future deliver a surefire banger – NO CAP 🔥! This highlight from Gunna’s 2021, no. 1 album, 💿 DS4EVER, keeps it real. It is a musical occasion where the vibe is enough to carry the song without being able to decipher what Gunna, Future, or featured guest, 🎙 Young Thug are rapping.  Examining the lyrics, what Gunna, Future, and Young Thug are going for makes more sense… sort of. These rappers are pushing the truth and of course, ample drip.  Following an intro that shouts out producer 🎛 Wheezy, Gunna and Future kick the first verse off with a bang. “Pointers in the Patek and my piece, I’m pushin’ P,” Gunna asserts, with Future following up with, “Copped new hammers for my P, we don’t want no peace.” Woo! There is no shortage of outlandish lines, with one of my favorites being “She not a lesbian, for P, she turn Pesbian 😏 (Pushin’ P, I’m pushin’ P).” As for Young Thug, he’s in a world of his own. Mostly he drops ample ‘P’ talk, such as, “Okay, bought her a P, not a pill, a Porsche,” and the colorful, “I just fucked a cup of water (I did).” He closes with a KO on this hard-flexing gem: “Take the P out the alphabets, nigga, try to sort it out.”

Appears in 🔻: 

• Gunna & Future, “pushin P”: Rap BNGRZ 🔥 4 (2022)
• Awesome Songs: January 2022
• P Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

9. Beyoncé, “Cuff It”

💿 RENAISSANCE • 🏷 Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia • 📅 2022

“I feel like fallin’ in love (Fallin’ in love) / I’m in the mood to fuck somethin’ up (Tonight, I’m fuckin’ somethin’ up, baby).” Ooh wee, 🎙 Beyoncé! Go on and do the day-um thang, gurrlll! The 🏆 Grammy winner is open about her intentions and what she desires on 🎵 “Cuff It”, a surefire highlight from 💿 RENAISSANCE. The best way to describe how she’s feeling: sexy AF!  When we think of cuffing, we think of locking down that partner exclusively. All indications on “Cuff It” suggest this sexy joint is monogamous.  That said, monogamy doesn’t have to be vanilla either.  Clearly, Beyoncé is having a hell of a night, and the feeling should be the same for the audience listening to this slickly produced pop joint.  See the third verse: “Hypersonic, sex erotic / On my body, boy, you got it / Hit them ‘draulics while I ride it / Got me actin’ hella thotty.” Woo! Jesus! If you have any plans to “fuck up the night,” allow Queen Bey and “Cuff It” to serve as the soundtrack.  It’s one of the best songs from the totally stacked RENAISSANCE.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Beyoncé, “Cuff It”: After Dark 🕛 🌃 58 (2022)
• Awesome Songs: August 2022

8. The Weeknd, “Sacrifice”

💿 Dawn FM • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2022

“The ice inside my veins will never bleed.” Canadian R&B superstar 🎙 The Weeknd continues his shine on his fifth studio album, 💿 Dawn FM. Among the best songs from Dawn FM is 🎵 “Sacrifice”.  “Sacrifice” ranks among the grooviest, most infectious records of his career.  His tenor is ‘on’, singing with incredible ease over a backdrop you can imagine Michael Jackson would’ve eaten up had he lived in the 2020s.  It doesn’t stop with the lit production (Tesfaye, 🎛 Swedish House Mafia, Max Martin, Oscar Holter) either! The melody is tuneful, the lyrics memorable, and while “Sacrifice” is set in a minor key, it is exuberant, drawing the listener in from the onset.  Here, The Weeknd tells his lover, “I sacrificed / Your love for more of the night.” Woo – what a bad, bad boy he’s been! He follows up, asserting, he does NOT “wanna sacrifice / For your love.” Again, “Sacrifice” ranks among the crème de la crème of Dawn FM.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: January 2022

7. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”

💿 Gloria • 🏷 Capitol • 📅 2023

“Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot / At the body shop / Doing something unholy.” Gah-day-um!  🎵 “Unholy” arrived as the second single of 2022 by 🏆 Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary singer/songwriter, 🎙 Sam Smith.  From the first note, it is clear that Smith is changing up their sound and evolving.  On “Unholy,” set to appear on Smith’s 2023 album, 💿 Gloria, they are assisted by German pop singer, 🎙 Kim Petras, who fits the unholiness perfectly. “Unholy” commences unexpectedly with big a cappella vocals by Smith (with vocal effects).  Unknowingly, upon first listen the intro is the eventual chorus of the record.  Ultimately, that chorus ends up being a vibe that you can’t get unstuck. Besides the epic intro and alluring chorus, “Unholy” features incredibly sleek production work courtesy of Smith, 🎛 Ilya, Cirkut, Blake Slatkin, Omer Fedi, and Jimmy Napes. Although the chorus does a fabulous job of summing up the sus happenings, the verses by Smith and Petras superbly fill in the blanks.  In the first, Smith sings, “Dirty, dirty boy / you know everyone is talkin’ on the scene / I hear them whisperin’ bout the places that you’ve been / And how you don’t know how to keep your business clean.” As for Petras,  in playful and sassy fashion, she asserts, “You gon’ need to bag it up ‘cause I’m spendin’ on Rodeo (Woo) / You can watch me back it up, I’ll be gone in the A.M.” All told, “Unholy” is short but ultimately sweet.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: September 2022
• 14 Exceptional LGBTQ Songs from 2022

6. Omar Apollo, “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me)”

💿 Ivory • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2022

🎵 “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me)” is the crème de la crème of 💿 Ivory, the debut album by 🎙 Omar Apollo (Yes, 🎵 “Tamagotchi” might have something to say about that). The intro of this soulful, heartbroken record says it all: “He don’t love / Me no more.” Most of Ivory focuses on a relationship that Apollo has participated with another man and the various ways it has affected him.  “Evergreen” might be the biggest moment, as he can’t get him and the rejection off his mind. “Evergreen, he controls me / Was there something wrong with my body?” he asks in the first verse.  In the second, more light is shed: “She don’t know you like me / She could never love you more / More than me.” Apollo was so infatuated with him that he sometimes pray his ex falls in love. Nobody wants to see this incredibly gifted, handsome man in pain, but his pain on “Evergreen” is our listening pleasure.  Adding to the pleasure is the epic live version, 🎵 “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) [Live At NPR’s Tiny Desk]”, the highlight of his Tiny Desk concert for Latinx Heritage Month.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2022
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 2
• 13 E Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
• 15 Songs Characterized by Their Colors, Vol. II

5. Lizzo, “About Damn Time”

💿 Special • 🏷 Nice Life / Atlantic • 🗓 2022

So, what makes 🎵 “About Damn Time” a top-five track from 2022? Well, there is magnificent production (🎛 Blake Slatkin and Ricky Reed) constructed with rhythm guitar, robust bassline, and a killer groove. The sound has a retro quality – think old-school R&B. This backdrop suits 🏆 Grammy-winning pop sensation 🎙 Lizzo, who, from the onset, is confident AF.  It is her attitude and high-flying vocals that make “About Damn Time” the hit that it is.  The chorus is incredibly catchy, led by that damn good titular lyric.  Also, what about that switch to rap in the second verse, which provides contrast? Furthermore, the bridge/outro is fun AF (“I’m coming out tonight” with its “oohs”). Ultimately, Lizzo ‘comes through’ on this  fun, groovy ear-worm that unsurprisingly received ample radio rotation and streams.  It is utterly infectious with a legitimate case as the BEST song of 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2022

4. Kendrick Lamar, “The Heart Pt 5”

💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2022

“I come from a generation of pain, where murder is minor…” 🏆 Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner 🎙 Kendrick Lamar made his return in 2022 official with 🎵 “The Heart Part 5”. His first new solo single in five years arrived ahead of 💿 Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, eventually added to the comeback LP. “The Heart Part 5” runs an ambitious five and a half minutes.  It’s five and a half minutes of #WINNING. The opening portion of the record is spoken word.  Kendrick thanks his fans and listeners. He begins rapping about 40 seconds in, backed by strong production work by 🎛 Beach Noise. The backdrop is soulful and hella groovy, thanks to a sample of 🎵 “I Want You” by 🎙 Marvin Gaye. The chorus highlights the beloved classic.  The main attraction, however, is Lamar, who, as always, drops an electrifying flow.  I applaud the variations in the production when Lamar tells producers to “take the drums out” (nearing three-and-a-half minutes). Eventually, “The Heart Part 5” is rebuilt featuring rhythm guitars, lush strings, and of course, that signature Gaye groove.  It is another example of a song with a legitimate case as the best of 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: May 2022 

3. Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit”

💿 Gemini Rights • 🏷 L-M / RCA • 📅 2022

“I wish I knew you wanted me.” Ugh, we all wish that we had that knowledge, 🎙 Steve Lacy. 🎵 “Bad Habit”, a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, highlights Lacy’s incredible musicianship on his sophomore album, 💿 Gemini Rights. The timbre of his voice is radiant as he expresses regret about not expressing feelings to a potential lover.  “If I knew I’d be with you  / Is it too late to pursue?” he asks in the first verse. In the second, he seeks transparency, singing, “I wish you wouldn’t play with me / I wanna know.”  While it seems, he’s pointing the finger during the verses, in the chorus, he takes some responsibility, asserting, “I bite my tongue, it’s a bad habit / Kinda mad I didn’t take a stab at it.” Beyond the chorus and regretful post-chorus, the bridge is intriguing, mostly a cappella, leading to a unique break – a change of pace. There is also a compelling outro, which hearkens back to the hip-hop soul/neo-soul era. Ultimately, “Bad Habit” is well-written, with a relatable theme and lyrics.  It is well-produced with a palette of soulful but non-anachronistic sounds that fit the aesthetic in 2022.  Lacy sounds amazing, perfectly capturing this regretful, love-oriented sentiment perfectly.  Impressive to the n^th degree and another capable contender for the BEST song of 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: July 2022
• Habit: 3 or 4 BOPS No. 18 (2022)
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 1

2. Beyoncé, “Break My Soul”

💿 RENAISSANCE • 🏷 Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia • 🗓 2022

After six long years, the most awarded woman in 🏆 Grammy history, 🎙 Beyoncé, began her 💿 RENAISSANCE. She got off to an electrifying start with 🎵 “Break My Soul”, which features no shortage of writers including  🎼 ✍ Terius The-Dream Nash and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, who also produce. The boisterous intro by 🎙 Big Freedia gets you hyped for what’s to come (sampling 🎵 “Explode” from 2014). “Break My Soul” establishes itself as a house-driven pop/R&B joint, contrasting what Beyoncé has served up in the past. The record features an infectious, danceable groove, led by beloved house keys, bass synth, and beat. Lyrically, “Break My Soul” features its fair share of inspirational lyrics, including the titular lyric – “You won’t break my soul” – as well as exudes confidence. (“Motivation / I’m lookin’ for a new foundation, yeah / And I’m on that new vibration / I’m buildin’ my own foundation, yeah / Hold up, oh, baby, baby”). Besides singing, Beyoncé also serves up a rapped verse, keeping things interesting.  Furthermore, cannot fail to mention those lovely, harmonized backing vocals. Honestly, there’s lots to heart on this bop, ready-made for summer, or fall, or winter, or spring! Could be the BEST song of 2022 too!

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: June 2022

1. Harry Styles, “As It Was”

💿 Harry’s House • 🏷 Erskine / Columbia • 📅 2022

“I want you to hold out the palm of your hand / Why don’t we leave it at that?” 🏆 Grammy-winning pop musician 🎙 Harry Styles has the song to beat in 2022: 🎵 “As It Was”.  “As It Was” is a bright spot from his brilliant third studio album, 💿 Harry’s House.  “As It Was” finds Styles exploring a different 80s synthpop/New Wave with positive results. Furthermore, “As It Was” is incredibly catchy, particularly the chorus. Styles penned this record with 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson who also produce.  Thematically, he explores loneliness and likely, a break-up. “‘Harry, you’re no good alone / Why are you sitting at home on the floor?” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “What kind of pills are you on?” Also, Harry seems to conclude he’s no longer the same as he was. He could be referring to the defunct relationship in the chorus as he asserts, “In this world, it’s just us / You know it’s not the same as it was.” Ultimately, Styles sings well, the songwriting captures authentic, relatable emotions, and the production is incredible. “As It Was” IS my pick for the best song of 2022 against stiff competition.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2022