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Writer's pictureAndrew Doucette
Dec 22, 202216 min read

Top 50 Songs of 2022 Pt. 2 (25-1)



25. SAULT - "Stronger"


Review


Well, SAULT just had to drop 56 new songs right at the end of the year for me to just choose from, and even though there are plenty of songs that could have got this spot, “Stronger” was always one on top of that list. Cleo Sol takes the lead vocals here, and it sounds like it could have fit on her album from last year. The song revolves around a simple, but beautiful guitar loop and Cleo’s gorgeous vocals. The song is about what it means to be strong and face adversity. She puts her faith in the world in God’s hands and knows that no matter what happens to her, He will have her back. While I may not completely agree with this conclusion, her peace is something I want to attain, and “Stronger” shows a blueprint for how some people gain this feeling of peace.



Selling Point: A beautiful track about the adversities in life we all face



24. Kendrick Lamar - "Crown"


Review


This isn’t the song from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers that I play the most, but it’s the most emotionally impactful song on the project to me. This song just consists of a sample loop played on piano for the entire four and a half minute runtime. The only added instrumentation is the layered vocals that come in during different parts of the song. As he says many times during the song, it’s about trying to break free of his savior complex and realizing that the most important thing is to help himself first. This is the turning point of the album in my opinion. This is Kendrick coming to his realization that he needs to focus on himself instead of trying to fix the world. There are plenty of interesting things they do with the vocals, like the high-pitched, Prince-esque vocals added towards the end of the track that make this song sonically interesting as well. It was a risk for Kendrick to make a song like this, but it ended up being a great success.



Selling Point: Kendrick Lamar breaking apart his flaws over a heartfelt piano ballad



23. Lupe Fiasco - On Faux Nem


Review


This might be the most meaningful song I’ve heard all year! Especially when it comes to hip hop, this song critiques basically the entire genre while having some of the cleverest one-liners of the year. The song is about rappers dying and killing each other, and he starts it off by explicitly saying, “rappers die too much”. That line is the entire first verse, as it’s then just the instrumental for the rest of the verse, letting the audience really sit with that statement. Later in the track, he says what might be my favorite line of the year, “How does that transpire to be so damned by God you want your friends to be goddamned liars?” It’s just such a creative flip on a popular phrase, and there’s so much meaning behind it as well. Lupe is a special writer and even after almost two decades of making music, he's still at the top of his game.



Selling Point: An academic look into hip hop’s biggest problem by one of the genre’s greatest writers



22. Westside Gunn - "BDP" (Feat. Rome Streetz & Stove God Cooks)


Review


Westside Gunn has always been a better curator than a rapper, and he’s only gotten better over the years, but even on an album with the biggest features he’s ever gotten, the best song was still a simple posse cut of underground rappers. All three of the rappers paint a vivid and harsh outlook on their past lives of selling cocaine. About the only point of levity in the track is at the end of Westside Gunn’s verse when he says one of his fiends hit the pipe and said, “This is how we do it,” followed by the Montell Jordan hit song for a few seconds. It’s both hilarious and sad at the same time. Stove God Cooks kills another feature yet again with plenty of basketball references. I hope he ends up releasing another project soon, because he has been absolutely destroying every feature he’s been a part of. This song isn’t for everyone, but it’s yet another classic Griselda track.



Selling Point: Another classic grimey hip hop track to Griselda’s impressive catalog



21. NxWorries - "Where I Go" (Feat. H.E.R.)


Review


NxWorries is a duo comprised of Anderson .Paak and the producer Knxwledge. It’s been six years they officially released new music, and this song does not disappoint! People thought the duo was done because of Silk Sonic, but Anderson .Paak proves that his R&B bag is still his best sound. Knxwledge’s production is so soulful, and I especially like the subtle guitar melody that glides over the track. H.E.R’s vocal contribution is also beautiful and works better than I would have thought, but Anderson still steals this track from everyone. He’s really been on point with his recent features and work, and this song is no exception.



Selling Point: One of best and most elegant R&B songs of the year



20. Future - "Holy Ghost"


Review


I’ve had about four different songs from this album, but in the end, I had to go with “Holy Ghost”. The reason I picked this song is because the beat on this song is truly incredible! Of course, there are the rumbling 808s that drive the track, but there are also everything from strings to choirs on this track that helps it play into the “Holy Ghost” title. It absolutely sounds religious-inspired with those extra elements in it. Future’s rapping on here is also outstanding, as he doesn’t even have a chorus or anything on this song. It’s just one long verse that goes on for close to two minutes. This song isn’t for anyone that dislikes trap music, but it’s hard to find a harder song in the genre this year than “Holy Ghost”.



Selling Point: The type of song that makes you want to go 90 mph



19. Steve Lacy - "Bad Habit"


Review


Sometimes the popular songs are popular for a reason. “Bad Habit” is easily Steve Lacy’s biggest song so far, but it’s also my favorite and maybe the best song so far in his career. The songwriting is extremely straightforward and the hook is insanely catchy. His voice isn’t perfect during this song, but that’s part of the appeal. It feels a bit rough around the edges, but the production on here is so groovy, especially with the guitar melody. It’s just awesome to see Steve Lacy get to where he is now. I remember his talking about producing Kendrick Lamar’s “Pride” on an iPhone in 2017, and seeing him go from working with J. Cole, Mac Miller, Tyler the Creator, Kali Uchis, Vampire Weekend, and more to get to where he is now is awesome! It spend 3 weeks at the top song in the country and I wouldn't have been surprised if it was many more!



Selling Point: A perfectly written pop song by one of the most talented young producers around



18. Toro y Moi - "Postman"


Review


Toro y Moi has always been pretty hit or miss with me, and his 2022 album Mahal was no exception. “Postman” hit me in the right spot though from the very first time that I heard it! The song is about exactly what it seems, someone waiting to see what the Postman has for them today. What makes this song so entertaining is the randomness of it, but mainly the meandering bassline and his Prince-esque screams that punctuate the chorus. It’s clear that he had a lot of fun while making this song, and I would imagine that everyone else had the same amount of fun while listening.


Favorite Moment: The funky bassline


Selling Point: A song that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face



17. Rosalía - "Como Un G"


Review


Honestly, any song on Rosalía’s newest opus, Motomami, could be in this spot. I’ve had five different songs written down here over the months, but I’m sticking with “Como Un G”. It might not be the most easily listenable song on the project, but I still can’t shake the image of her performing this song live. It was extremely stripped back, with her just on her knees and then standing in-between two of her dancers. The emotion on her face while performing this song was unlike anything I’ve seen before at a show. She was personifying the song perfectly. She was clearly trying not to cry, but was unable to hide the emotions in her face. The light was even reflecting off her eyes, which were filled to the brim with tears. But she was trying to stay strong, just like the song is saying. I have to put this song in here just for the live performance, but it’s still an amazing song nonetheless.



Selling Point: Likely what all ballads will sound like in 2050



16. Alex G - "Runner"


Review


I’ve still been largely unable to get into Alex G’s music. I’ve listened to multiple albums of his, looked up the context of his songs, and I even saw him at Lollapalooza in 2019, but nothing has stuck with me anywhere close to how this song has. I’m not even sure why this song is the one that has stuck with me, as I still don’t even know what it’s about, but the instrumental is just so captivating that it automatically makes me love the song. The guitars are upbeat and sunny, but the lyrics seem to be painting a dark picture. The pianos on the song are absolutely incredible as well! The weird scream he does towards the end of the song adds just the right amount of character to the track. Even if you haven’t been able to get into Alex G’s music either, “Runner” is worth a listen.



Selling Point: A perfectly crafted indie-rock instrumental



15. Metro Boomin - "Superhero" (Heroes & Villains) (Feat. Future & Chris Brown)


Review


Don’t get me wrong, I think Future’s album this year was great, but this is the best thing I’ve heard Future do in a very long time. Metro’s beat on here is heavy and maniacal, just like all of Future’s best tunes. It feels like the soundtrack for a villain, and Future is the mob boss. Everything about this beat is perfect, but Future’s flow still fits it perfectly. Obviously, his lyrics are not anything special (I don’t think drinking and taking pills would turn you into a superhero), but it doesn’t matter because his flow is incredible. It's so great that it makes me forget that Chris Brown tries to play the victim on the outro of this track. Metro Boomin has said that he has a full collab album with Future that is supposed to be coming out early next year, and if this song is any indication, it could rival Future’s best work.



Selling Point: An instant classic trap banger



14. Vince Staples - "When Sparks Fly"


Review


Not many people can write songs like this. The concept of the song is Vince talking about his relationship with someone, but it is never specified if the song is about his relationship with another human or with a gun. Just one example of this is the line, “Never put you in a jam, hold whatever for you. When you first shot your shot, I knew you would be the one to hit the spot.” He is saying what he would do for the woman and how it was love at first sight, but it is also about his gun not jamming and how he knew this gun would never fail him. Vince Staples is a special writer, and “When Sparks Fly” might be his best written song yet.



Selling Point: The writing here is something that is almost never done in songs, let alone this well



13. Dreamville - "Stick" (Feat. JID, Kenny Mason, J. Cole, & Sheck Wes)


Review


Here we are at the end of the year, and this song still ended up as one of the hardest bangers of the year! It took multiple years to finally get this song, but the wait was worth it. It was originally supposed to be on JID’s album from this year, The Forever Story, but it was given to this Dreamville mixtape and added features from J. Cole and Sheck Wes. The bars are all entertaining as well, but the energy is why people come back to this track. I can’t wait to hear this song played live at J.I.D’s show next year!



Selling Point: This song will improve your personal best by 20%



12. Earthgang - "Power" (Feat. CeeLo Green & Nick Cannon)


Review


I had no idea that the best song from Earthgang’s newest album would be one with CeeLo Green and Nick Cannon on it, but it is. Not by much, as songs like “Amen” and “Billi” are not far behind, but the cinematic instrumental makes this one stand out. “Power” would be a perfect song to be on the Black Panther soundtrack. It feels eerie, futuristic, and perfect for a movie about revolution and conflict. Although lyrically, this track might take Kilmonger’s side instead of T’Challa’s. CeeLo Green drops a great verse as well, I haven’t heard him rap like this since he was on Big K.R.I.T’s opus in 2017. Nick Cannon just gives a little spoken interlude, which is probably for the best. I don’t know how people say Ghetto Gods is disappointing with songs like this on them, this is easily one of Earthgang’s best songs.



Selling Point: One of the most unique groups in hip hop making an unlikely, powerful banger



11. Weyes Blood - "God Turn Me Into a Flower"


Review


I absolutely hate that I had to pick between this song and “Hearts Aglow”. Both of these songs are absolute perfection, but I chose “God Turned Me Into a Flower” because Weyes Blood’s vocal performance here is incredible! She sings fairly subdued on most of the album, but on here, she lets it fly during the final two verses and it ends up perfect. The lyrics on here are also super interesting, as she’s looking at the myth of Narcissus becoming obsessed with his reflection and being turned into a flower. She takes the perspective of Narcissus not realizing that the beauty in the water was actually him and not just another beautiful object. I haven't even talked about the three-minute ambient outro that ends the track in pure bliss. It’s just a really beautiful track inside and out.



Selling Point: One of, if not, the most beautiful song of the year in every single aspect



10. Flume - "Highest Building" (Feat. Oklou)


Review


Palaces tends to be an enjoyable mixed bag of Flume making accessible pop songs and using his incredible talent for sound design, but “Highest Building” is able to combine both of those the best of any song on the album. The melody on the chorus is instantly recognizable, but Flume’s sound design on the drop is what really elevates this track. The subtle usage of texture and panning the sounds really makes this track feel so much fuller than it could have. After reading an interview with Flume, he said that SOPHIE actually inspired some of the sounds he used on this song, which definitely explains why this is my favorite song from this project. While I hope Flume makes more music that is purely sound design-oriented, songs like these scratch the same itch, if not make it better.



Selling Point: An electro-pop song that also has top tier sound design



9. JID - "Raydar"


Review


There are definitely better songs on The Forever Story, but I still love when JID just goes crazy on a song the most. The beat here significantly changes at least four times during the three minute runtime, but JID always fits the new beat perfectly. His flow on this track is second to none, especially with him changing everything from the pitch of his voice to sound effects in the beat that would seemingly trip up any other rapper, but not him. The song also sets up the subject matter of the album with JID talking about the current day place of Black people in American society, how they got to this position, and how they can come together to empower each other. JID is a special rapper, and “Raydar” is up there with his best rap performances yet!



Selling Point: One of the best lyrical bangers you’ll hear in a long time



8. Black Country, New Road - "The Place Where He Inserted The Blade"


Review


Black Country, New Road’s newest album is full of amazing emotional ballads, but “The Place Where He Inserted The Blade” stands head and shoulders above the rest. Isaac’s voice is heart wrenching, especially when he starts to get emotional towards the end. The choir of vocals that sing the refrain towards the end of the song makes this a somewhat optimistic sing-along track, even though it’s a depressing tune about heartbreak. Everything about the instrumental is perfect, whether it’s the saxophone or the meandering drums that give this song a sense of direction. I’m sure Black Country, New Road will continue to make great music, even without Isaac, but I’m glad that we got a final album with him as the lead singer.



Selling Point: The most emotional indie rock track of the year



7. Conway the Machine - "Stressed" (Feat. Wallo267)


Review


If we consider his legendary verse on “The Cow” as a feature, this might be Conway’s best song ever. It’s easily the most open that Conway has ever been, which says a lot considering he’s one of the most open rappers of his time. He talks about being physically abused as a child, losing his own child during childbirth, his cousin committing suicide, and how his deteriorating mental health has lead him to alcoholism. Hearing someone be this self-aware and open about his problems is awe-inspiring, even if you haven't been through the same thing. It says a lot that someone who grew up how he did is now being the person to advocate for mental health. Conway’s a special artist, don’t take personal songs like this for granted.



Selling Point: The single most personal song I’ve heard all year



6. 070 Shake - "Medicine"


Review


“Medicine” is the epitome of what makes Shake’s music special. Yes, she can make incredible pop tunes, but this song just bleeds with emotion. There are layers upon layers of synths, vocals, and guitars that all come together over this prominent vocal performance about a failed relationship where 070 Shake was being depended on too much, almost like she was her significant other’s medicine. These synths create a cinematic atmosphere unlike almost any other song out there. People can try to recreate this, but no one can make it quite like she can. “Medicine” shows that 070 Shake really can become an incredible all around artist, and she is on her way there already.



Selling Point: If the Tom floating up to heaven meme was a song



5. DOMi & JD BECK - "Take a Chance" (Feat. Anderson .Paak)


Review


DOMi and JD BECK are best known for these wild, new-age jazz cuts, but this song with Anderson .Paak might be the most calming track of the year. This is the first time they’ve ever sung on a track, and their melody during the chorus is something special. They obviously aren’t special singers, but the tone of their voices puts a listener in a trance and the melody is instantly sing-able. JD’s drums on the track are another highlight. Even when Anderson is rapping, JD is always doing something sneakily incredible behind him, especially in the second half of the track. It’s also a feat in itself that Anderson can even rap on a track list this as well, but DOMi and JD definitely outshine him on this song. This song proves that they aren’t just special in jazz, but in all of popular music.



Selling Point: Jazz-fusion being made by incredibly talented people



4. Beyonce - "Cuff It"


Review


This was a hit from the very first listen! The infectious disco-esque guitar loop and driving house drums instantly make this song feel timeless. Beyonce’s vocals are both powerful, but restrained enough to not overpower the production. Nile Rogers, Sheila E, Raphael Saadiq, The-Dream, and Honey Dijon all find their way onto this track, which helps explain why it sounds as immaculate as it does. The song is finally becoming a hit after the album being out for almost half a year. I would not be surprised if this song ends up like “Blinding Lights” or “Heatwave”, each of which crawled their way back to the top of the charts many months after they came out. This song feels like an instant classic in Beyonce’s catalog, but hopefully it will finally get the popularity it deserves after the Christmas songs finally leave the charts.



Selling Point: The most dance-able song of the year and a classic song made by a legendary artist



3. KayCyy - "The Sun" (Prod. Gesaffelstein)


Review


I’ve gone full circle with KayCyy as an artist this year. His three song EP with Gesaffelstein at the beginning of the year was great, his mixtape in the middle of the year was solid, but all the singles he’s been putting out are middling at best. Still, when he has a hit, it can be incredible. Case in point, this song produced by Gesaffelstein from the aforementioned EP. Gesaffelstein’s eerie production fits KayCyy’s singing voice perfectly. The vocal melody KayCyy uses on the chorus is intoxicating and atmospheric in the best way possible. If KayCyy continues down this lane of singing/hip-hop music, he could make something really great.


Favorite Moment: Everything about the chorus


Selling Point: An incredible melodic hip-hop song by someone who still has lots of potential



2. The Weeknd - "Less Than Zero"


Review


I am absolutely flabbergasted that this song never became huge. Maybe it’s because there was never a music video for this song, or that the song wasn’t released to radio until six months after the album came out, but it’s still shocking that this was never huge. This song and album almost feel like an underground project from him at this point, even though this is easily the most anthemic song I’ve ever heard from him. Watching him perform this song live in a stadium full of 50,000 people was incredible to hear! It’s a self-deprecating anthem where The Weeknd has cheated on his significant other and he now accepts that he will never be with her. Max Martin has his fingerprints all over this track, but the additional production from Oneohtrix Point Never is weird enough to give it a slight edge. They manage to keep everything extremely simple, but intentional. I will always cherish hearing this song live, and even though it will never reach the popularity of his biggest hits, it will always be one of my personal favorites from him.



Selling Point: A perfect synth-pop song



1. Denzel Curry - "Walkin"


Review


I did not think this was going to be my top song, but it grew on me so much throughout the year. This is easily my favorite Denzel Curry song at this point. On the surface, it’s a very easy hip-hop song to listen to. There is a classic boom-bap first half, and a trap-inspired second half that are both easy on the ears. Each half of the song even has the sample sample of a woman singing that connects both songs. When you dive into the lyrics and theme of the track, it gets just that much better. The simple theme is that you should move with intention and keep walking through life. Don’t let your problems stop you in your tracks, but don’t run from them either. Just keep on walking through them. The song has this cinematic feeling to it that Denzel has said was very intentional. The video shows this as well, with Denzel walking through a desert full of villains. I don’t know if Denzel will ever top this song, but “Walkin” is a song that I think will easily go down as a classic in the years to come and will be one that Denzel will be remembered by.



Selling Point: An absolutely incredible hip-hop track



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