As the year winds down and the Spotify Wrapped lists hit our inboxes, it’s that time. Yes, time to declare what for us were the 10 best songs of the year for 2022. Here’s our totally subjective ranking of the music that moved us this year. If you haven’t listened to these yet, we highly recommend that you do.
the 10 Best Songs of the Year for 2022
10. Jax – Victoria’s Secret.
We dare you to find a funnier and bolder assertion of the right of girls and women to understand that the images of other girls and women we’re bombarded with in the media have traditionally quite often been MADE UP. Or airbrushed, or Photoshopped. Why? To sell products, of course.
The takedown of Victoria’s Secret, the fashion show, the billboards, the magazine ads . . . all of it . . . is total.
I know Victoria’s Secret, And, girl you wouldn’t believe, she’s an old man who lives in Ohio making money off of girls like me. Cashing in on body issues, selling skin and bones and big boobs … I know Victoria’s Secret. She was made up by a dude.
9. Adele – Easy on Me.
A plea for forgiveness and empathy, this song feels as if it was written by someone far older than 30. Go easy on me, I was still a child, didn’t have the chance to feel the world around me, didn’t choose to do what I chose to do, so go easy on me. Live long enough and you’ll find yourself singing this song to someone you love.
8. Rihanna – Lift Me Up.
A very simple melody, equally simple lyrics and RiRi’s gorgeous voice. Like a favorite lullaby, we feel safe and sound after listening to this plaintive and mournful song from the soundtrack of Wakanda Forever.
7. Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero.
We think this song is far from the artist’s best work, but we laugh out loud every time we hear this darkly hysterical tune. Comparing herself to a movie monster or a mother-in-law from hell (literally), we love that Swift always seems willing to be vulnerable and self-deprecating in the most highly entertaining way.
6. Lil Nas X – STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem).
The next time you feel discouraged, overwhelmed and possibly even ready to give up, promise us you’ll play this tune. Listen closely to the opening line: Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’. Like our uncle used to say: while I have breath I have hope.
5. Bad Bunny – Tití Me Preguntó.
We’re gonna keep it real here. We don’t speak Spanish and we have no idea what the lyrics of this song are (we’re told it’s about Bad Bunny and his baby mamas). We just love this song and find it irresistible. Which is reason enough to add it to this list.
4. Lizzo – 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) and About Damn Time.
Two fabulous anthems from an artist who feels like our best girlfriend. Both so good we had to honor both.
About Damn Time is the perfect stress reliever. I’m way too down and under pressure, I’m way too fine to feel this stressed yeah, I’m not the girl I want or used to be – but I might be better.
And after loss and heartbreak, doubt and disappointment, how poignant is it to ask “Am I ready to be loved?” The answer might be no, not yet – and that’s OK, too.
Our picks for best songs of 2022
2 &3. Harry Styles – Late Night Talking and Music for a Sushi Restaurant.
We love Harry Styles for so many reasons: the feather boa, the electrifying stage presence, the sunniness he radiates, the shout-out to his high school guidance counselor at a tour stop in London. We’re here for all of it. Harry’s House was a highly welcome album drop this summer. While As it Was generates a lot of chatter about Olivia Wilde, our personal favorites are these two tracks.
1. Beyoncé – Break My Soul.
We’ve had this song on repeat since it dropped, and somehow it never gets old. “Release the stress!” Oh, yes.
the 10 Best Songs of the Year for 2022
Those are our totally subjective picks for the 10 best songs of 2022, including the ballads and dance tunes that moved us this year. What’s on your top 10 list, dear reader?
