Pop Tingz’s Top 2022 songs
The year’s almost at its end, and what a year it was for music!
2022 saw many acts launch their debuts successfully making space for themselves in the music industry, while many big artists (some of which were on hiatus) also released new projects with new sounds. While narrowing down the list of best songs released this year is an extremely difficult task, it’s important to note that the choices made are subjective and are up to personal taste, however, the criteria were songs that are timeless and will be remembered years from now, but also powerful and creative production, lyrics and vocals.
Without any particular order, here are Pop Tingz’s best songs released this year:
Out of Time - The Weeknd
The Weeknd has perfected the formula for making fantastic pop songs, but the real magic lies in how that formula is reworked and remodeled into unique standalone tracks. Like so many of his previous hits, the ‘80s-inspired song is equal parts fresh and familiar, with all the indefinable qualities of feeling instantly timeless, as its title might suggest, and the new smooth vocals Abel lays down on the track. And that creepy-yet-soothing Jim Carrey outro? The icing on the cake.
Bad Habit - Steve Lacy
“Bad Habit” is about missed opportunities with relationships and regret. The rhythm, instrumentals, and relatable lyrics truly make this smooth song one of the best this year. The song encapsulates the feeling everyone had when they missed out because of a lack of action. From the start, the music sweeps the listeners right into the rhythm and lyrics, kicking off with the line “I wish I knew you wanted me.” Though there’s magic in the song’s simplicity and relatability, its true charm is in the flawless blend of R&B, Alternative, and Soul with Lacy’s exceptional voice.
2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) - Lizzo
Although overshadowed by Lizzo’s hit “About Damn Time”, “2 Be Loved” is ultimately a more powerful song. The song itself suggests that it’s good to be realistic and view self-love as a lifelong project, rather than mutually exclusive to a romantic relationship. The song contains Lizzo’s classical uplifting production and witty lyrics, but this song in particular, which sees Lizzo soaring an octave higher each time she sings the chorus a-la Beyoncé in “Love on Top,” incorporates disco and pop in such a way that they become one.
So Good - Halsey
This particular song caused quite a controversy online. Halsey took to Instagram to call out her label who were barring her from releasing the song and music video before she heavily teases it on TikTok. After a lot of back and forth, the song and music video finally got released and they did … okay. While the song didn’t particularly stick, its power is undeniable. Halsey lets us into her personal life, presenting her relationship with her partner in both the song and the visuals, which is admittedly difficult to do with a catchy song - and yet Halsey achieves it. Her vocals lift the production into a satisfying climax compelling you to just bop your head and jump up and down.
Alien Superstar - Beyoncé
Beyoncé, once again, surprised the world with her mastery of yet another genre with her dance album RENAISSANCE. The album yielded so many standout hits and different fan favorites so it was difficult to narrow it down. ALIEN SUPERSTAR is definitely one the most danceable self-love anthems of the year. The last minute of the song alone could earn this song a spot on this list with its immaculate bridge, spoken word, and brilliant outro, but we digress. The song’s booming bassline, high out-of-this-world synths, and genius wordplay, truly make this track “U-N-I-Q-U-E” as Beyoncé claims she is.
Envolver - Anitta
Further cementing her worldwide conquest, Brazilian pop icon Anitta’s hit “Envolver” dominated the world. The reggaeton and EDM mashup became a worldwide favorite and topped the charts. However, what makes this song one of the best this year, is its confidence and sexuality. Anitta is known for her sexual wit and owning her body, but this song takes the cake. The track oozes sexuality as Anitta hypnotizes you into an ass-shaking trance with her mesmerizing voice.
You’re On Your Own, Kid - Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s surprise “Midnights” album took the world by storm as it broke all streaming records there were to break. Her album was another immaculate look into her personal life and artistry, and while Taylor is known as one of the best songwriters of our generation, this song is a perfect example of that. The song’s ability has an amazing element that keeps building up the production and beat until the perfectly written bridge (another thing Taylor does exquisitely) becoming one of Swift’s most emotive.
TV - Billie Eilish
Billie surprise dropped “TV” as part of her mini-EP, Guitar Songs. The EP seemed more of a cathartic endeavour for Billie, who, it had seemed, was not going to release anything new this year. Although the song has a simple production, it’s Eilish’s voice and lyrics that really make this song captivating. References to things that occurred and were hot topics throughout the year like overturning Roe v. Wade and movie stars on trail make the song all the more powerful. Its somber tone highlights the worse of this year and showcases a bleak look at where one stands amongst all the madness. The ending of song plays Eilish’s audience singing “Maybe I’m the problem” back at her giving the track an eerie but collected feeling.
As It Was - Harry Styles
Undoubtedly one of the biggest songs this year, “As It Was” dominated the charts and radios becoming the most streamed song in 2022. On a macro scale the song presents everyone questioning their place post-pandemic, but on a micro scale Harry confesses drugs, his relationship with now ex Olivia Wilde and his ongoing mental health struggle as church bells chime with an unforgettable beat.
We Go Up - Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s 2022 return contained a lot of droplet singles which appeased fans until the rap genius worked on her upcoming album. “We Go Up” features Fivio Foreign but Nicki is the actual star of the song; you might even forget Fivio was on the track. The NY Drill-style song takes an overdone subgenre of rap and transforms it into something fresh and exciting. The track also features some of Minaj’s best bars this year including “This week, 'Rari, next week, Lambo” and the “Messy/Testy” combo. If the song is any indication to where Minaj is headed then please reserve us a seat to see the Queen of Rap do her thing.
No One Dies From Love - Tove Lo
The strength of Tove Lo’s post-breakup synth-pop fantasia “No One Dies From Love,” rests in her ability to straddle the delicate line of electronic production with her grim lyrics while still being her crass self. The couplet “No one dies from love/ Guess I’ll be the first” keeps stringing in your mind as it sucks you in. Tove’s voice collapses in resignation, the final syllable elongated to demonstrate a level of sadness that, in her mind, is biologically unprecedented. It’s one of the best pop moments of the year, within a gem of a lead single.
Blind - SZA
SZA definitely surprised the world with the release of her album “SOS.” The release finally marked SZA’s full return to music and it could not have been better. SZA is as real and stylistically electric as ever on “Blind,” musing over lush violins and delicate guitars. Cascading down vocal runs in her sparkling light falsetto, SZA materializes beauty from turmoil, turning delusion and obliviousness into divine revelation.
Glimpse Of Us - Joji
In its sincerity, spare instrumentals, and vocal focus, “Glimpse of Us” creates a hypnotic and transcendent lyrical experience that pierces listeners down to their cores. A messy, but honest, cluster of crippling jealousy, heartache, and exhaustion, the song is a bona fide masterpiece, showcasing not only Joji’s musical versatility but validating his spot as a foundational architect of modern-day elegies.
Persuasive - Doechii
“Persuasive” is a cool ode to late nights and partying just a little too hard. Doechii has drawn comparisons to hip-hop trailblazers like Missy Elliot — deploying her signature flow as she sings about smoking marijuana. With this song, Doechii further cemented her status as a rising artist with a unique and undeniable presence. During the track’s hook, she transforms into a seductress, her voice sultry and hypnotic voice completely grabs you.
Virgo’s Groove - Beyoncé
No artist could have hoped to record a song as luxurious, as sparkling, as impossibly rich as this. The song, which can only be described as a culmination of unprecedented talent and genius production, could easily snatch the crown as Beyoncé’s best. Beyoncé pushes her vocals to new areas throughout RENAISSANCE, but VIRGO’S GROOVE finds her switching tempo and tone with remarkable fluidity. The rest of the album radiates outwards but this song in particular shines far above the rest of them.
