Clay Hale
Music shined bright in a year of confusion and transition.
Ten songs, in particular, provided a bright spot because of their strong lyrics, meaningful themes or groovy vibes. Here are my picks for the best 10 tracks of the year 2022 from No. 10 to No. 1:
- “More Than Maybe” by Maddie & Tae
Music has the ability to say the things racing through our minds before we can grab a pen and paper to document them ourselves. On the new track from the country duo, listeners are reminded that, in a relationship, a mixed signal becomes a clear signal when set to the tune of twangy harmonies. It’s a simple song lyrically, but sometimes nothing hits harder than common vocabulary and a handful of campfire guitar chords.
- “Praise the Lord” by BRELAND feat. Thomas Rhett
This multi-genre crossover track is a certified bop. When aiming for an earworm, you need the sound, lyrics — everything — to be timeless and universal, and newcomer BRELAND has done just that with this song. Sometimes I find myself restarting songs to relive the intros, but the breeziness accomplished here makes for a musical eartrap throughout.
- “Wait in the Truck” by HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
When I think of stellar story songs, “Whiskey Lullaby” and Carrie Underwood’s catalog come to mind, but I think HARDY and the 2022 Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year put up a really strong effort here. HARDY tells the story through the verses and Wilson leaves a chilling testimony in the chorus.
- “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)” by Lizzo
One thing about Lizzo is that everything she touches turns into an infectious good time, and her newest single is no exception to that rule. If there was ever a song to blast with the windows down, it’s this one.
- “Humble Quest” by Maren Morris
“The line between fulfilled and full of myself / I’m trying to find it and I might need some help” Morris confesses on the title track of her third studio record. After a string of success and notable highs, Morris reveals how vulnerable and honest she can truly be.
- “Golden Hour” by JVKE
If you frequent TikTok, there’s no doubt in my mind that you have heard this song. However, this is not your usual rock-influenced, teen-angst performance the platform tends to highlight. “Golden Hour” is a beautiful love letter to an individual of whom he equates with the most gorgeous time of the day. What’s most memorable is the instrumentation that needs all kinds of recognition — it’s literal perfection.
- “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
With self-sabotage as its core theme, Swift’s latest smash hits home for many people. What’s most notable is that she, in particular, has this unique ability to make the saddest song to ever cross my ears, but then layer it with a very cheerful production.
- “That’s Hilarious” by Charlie Puth
The best breakup song of the year. It encompasses Puth’s classic synth-pop sound, but if I’m being completely honest, it’s so refreshing to hear him add some genuinely meaningful lyrics to his music. I believe a mixture of mindless, good time music and purposeful, healing music is what’s really necessary for an artistry to be complete — and Puth just completed his with this banger.
- “Cannibal” by Marcus Mumford
Marcus Mumford is most frequently known for leading the band, Mumford & Sons, but 2022 saw him dip his toes in the solo artist waters — except, he doesn’t just graze the water, he jumps completely in with his debut single. “Cannibal” is about an encounter of sexual abuse he experienced as a child. It is difficult to fully indulge in the lyrics and return with a pair of dry eyes, but the track’s vulnerability superbly highlights the human condition — something we all need to hear more about.
- “What I Have” by Kelsea Ballerini
It’s not until you lose something that you realize it’s gone. On the album closer to Kelsea Ballerini’s fourth studio album, “Subject to Change,” she reminisces on the things she does have in life, as opposed to the things she doesn’t. “I’m doin’ alright right where I’m at / With what I have.” It’s a beautiful tribute to gratitude with an acoustic sound country and non-country fans alike are bound to enjoy.
