No rankings. Just 50 songs that tell the story of music in 2022’s first half

*all songs were released before a cutoff data of June, 1. Any songs released after that date will be eligible for part 2 of this series

By Ben Leshan

Johnny P’s Caddy- Benny The Butcher feat. J Cole

“Johnny P’s Caddy” blends some of the best lyricism we’ve heard this year with some serious commercial appeal. Buffalo’s Benny The Butcher is on point with throughout the track, and J Cole comes in with a verse of the year contender as a guest. Off Benny’s Tana Talk 4 (one of our Best Album’s Of 2022 So Far) this is the best selling song of his career, and while big fans will likely have songs in his catalog they rank above it, this song is fantastic from the production to the rapping to the guest feature.

Wave Gods- Nas feat. A$AP Rocky, DJ Premier

“Wave Gods” starts hot, with some classic DJ Premier production and excellent hook from the legendary Nas. On the track we see Nas and Rocky go back and forth, a bit of an unlikely pairing that ends up really working. We get Rocky over less experimental production than normal, and Nas trying to craft a more modern sounding track without sacrificing the quality of what he does. This is definitely one of the best rap songs of the year.

The lifeboat’s empty- Chelsea Cutler

Chelsea Cutler has made many appearances on Moonlxte, and she’s back here with another incredible track. The happy production and anthemic nature of the song provide contrast to somewhat depressing lyrics here. Cutler sings about the end of a relationship, but she turns it into a track that you can dance to. The excellent vocals and songwriting we get here should excite fans about releases to come from Cutler.

26- Lauv

This is an introspective track from Lauv, diving into his experiences and perspective on life more than the rest of his catalog. The production is inviting and catchy here, but this is different from a typical Lauv love or heartbreak song. On the track he touches on sobriety, growing up, and having money, being vulnerable about his struggles, but turning it into a catchy pop song. When you really listen, this track shows why Lauv is more than your typical pop star.

Modo Avión- Sebastian Yatra

This track is a great pop-leaning hit from Yatra. Titled “Airplane Mode” in English, the song is about Yatra being shocked by the sudden end of a relationship, saying that his ex entered “airplane mode” overnight and cut off all communication. While the song is about getting ghosted, the production is upbeat and the melodies are infectious, meaning you’ll be singing along and nodding your head even if you understand the meaning of the lyrics.

2012- Saba feat. Day Wave

“2012” is one of the best storytelling tracks of the year. A hidden gem on one of album’s of the year in Few Good Things, this track sees Saba weave a tales about growing up. He’s vulnerable about his mental health, speaks about falling love, and the magic of childhood friendships, doing a deep dive into what it feels like to be young. You’ll find yourself reminiscing about the past and getting immersed in Saba’s world as you listen to this one.

Moshpit- Renforshort

On Moshpit, Renforshort, one of our artists to watch this year, conceptualizes a toxic relationship as a moshpit, something that is supposed to be fun, but actually feels out of control and painful. Beyond the thoughtful concept, the song structure is excellent and the vocals are well-done. The filtered, lowkey vibe of the verses in contrast with the rising pre-choruses and big hooks with layered vocals and heavier drums and guitars make this a catchy rock-leaning pop hit.

Reclaim!- Bakar

Bakar’s “Reclaim” is softly energetic in sound, but a revolutionary anthem in its lyrics. The choice to take an energy and grit that is usually found in hardcore rap or rock music and putting it in the context of more laidback indie music is a great idea, and Bakar executes it. He crafts a song that will have you singing along simply due to its sonic qualities, but when you listen, there is a rousing energy behind the track that makes it feel much deeper than a typical indie track.

Talk- beabadoobee

“Talk” is built on the contrast between beabadoobee’s soft voice (which you might be familiar with from the smash hit “death bed (coffee for your head)” and heavy rock production. The result is incredible, showing a lot of artistry and talent from the emerging 22-year-old artist. The track is all about her going back to someone she wishes she was done with, and that theme creates a frustrated, yet gentle energy that makes this a deeply catchy and emotional track.

Less Than Zero- The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s Dawn FM spawned many options for this list, but “Less Than Zero” sounds the most like a hit that can withstand generations. With a song structure that sounds reminiscent of After Hours hit “Save Your Tears”, “Less Than Zero” uses a successful sound and takes it in a new direction. Built on a consistent guitar strum and drum cadence accented by arpeggiated synths, the production gives the perfect sonic atmosphere for The Weeknd’s irresistible melodies and emotional delivery to shine through.

EAST POINT PRAYER- Vince Staples feat. Lil Baby

“East Point Prayer” sees an unlikely pairing of rappers that really work well together. Baby has made a reputation as a great feature artist, and the Atlanta rapper lives up to it here, turning in a great verse that contrasts with Vince’s style enough to add replay value without straying away from the previous sound of the track. Vince also kills it here, taking slower-paced production and making it feel exciting with his simultaneously nonchalant and hungry delivery of lyrics about life in the streets.

Constant Repeat- Charli XCX

There were many possible picks for this list on Charli’s excellent album “CRASH”, but this one has the best combination or Charli’s cheeky, confident lyrics, fantastic vocals, and quality musicality. The energetic synths and heavy drum hits in the production set the stage for Charli to show off her vocals and get ultra-confident in the lyrics, belting out “You could have had a bad girl by your side” to someone who missed the opportunity to be with her.

DIRTY WHITE VANS//- KennyHoopla

This track sees KennyHoopla take his typical punk style and turn it in more of a hip hop direction, with a mix of rapping and singing over an 808 beat. Hoopla, one of our artists to watch back in 2021, is still on the upward trajectory, and this track shows his range better than anything he has previously released. Built on a guitar lick that sounds like the basis for his punkier tracks, the hip hop drums give Kenny the room to show his take on melodic rap, while maintaining his signature tone, strong vocals, and intensely emotional songwriting.

company- Nilüfer Yanya

“company” is a great standalone track off Yanya’s amazing 2022 album Painless because it shows off her voice and songwriting so well. About having demons inside that won’t go away easily, Yanya plays with perspective and shows off great musicality on this song. The contrast between edgy production and soft haunting vocals that is a trademark of Yanya’s sound comes in full force on this track.

Stuck on us- Claire Rosinkranz feat. Aidan Bissett

Claire Rosinkranz has proven to be an exciting new artist to watch with her recent releases, and this song definitely adds to that momentum. Featuring indie/pop punk production that creates a great buildup on the verses and big choruses, the track allows Rosinkranz to show how her soft voice can sound excellent on heavier production. Bissett also offers a strong guest verse that adds to the vibe of the track.

Elliot’s Song- Dominic Fike feat. Zendaya

“Elliot’s Song” is a haunting anthem coming from smash hit TV series Euphoria. The track is sung from the perspective of Dominic Fike’s character on the show, Elliot, to Zendaya’s charcter, Rue. Even if you haven’t watched the show, the beauty of the lyrics and the vocals is irresistible. The acoustic nature of the production makes the emotional lyrics shine through, and the two artists sound fantastic together as the track builds.

Walk Me Home- Said The Sky feat. ILLENIUM, Chelsea Cutler

Colorado EDM producer Said The Sky collaborated with EDM heavy-hitter ILLENIUM to create an excellent pop-leaning instrumental for Chelsea Cutler’s amazing vocals. “Walk Me Home” feels huge and cinematic in the best way, building from a sparse instrumental and Cutler’s soft vocals at the beginning to massive drum hits and belted vocals before the end. This track is able to meld EDM with the kind of soft and introspective pop that Cutler makes, and the result is excellent.

The Hill- Thomas Rhett

“The Hill” is a sweet country love song in the model of “Die A Happy Man” from Thomas Rhett, built on the concept that fighting for his wife’s love is the hill he’s going to die on. Rhett’s voice sounds great over acoustic guitar, the moments of country imagery in the lyrics are well-done, and the Rhett does a great job of inviting the listener in to feel the love that went into the song.

When You’re Gone- Shawn Mendes

“When You’re Gone” combines vintage Shawn Mendes hit-making with his new, more mature perspective. This song is big and anthemic like “Treat You Better” or “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”, marking a significant pivot from the open soundscapes of his 2020 album Wonder. This is the kind of sound that made Mendes famous as a teenager, and bringing it back has led to immense commercial success. This song should definitely get listeners excited for a new project to come in the future.

Trust No B****- Latto

With the hungriest rapping of any track on Latto’s excellent 2022 album 777, this song is truly a banger. Starting out with a haunting vocal sample over chords, Latto comes in before the beat drop, and continues flowing with a vengeance as fast piano chords and heavy 808s drop into the production. This is a classic example of a rapper flaunting their confidence and showing off their rapping in a no-nonsense style, and the result is Latto at her best.

Waterfall- Disclosure feat. RAYE

“Waterfall” is a bouncy and bubbly track from super-producers Disclosure and English singer RAYE. Fans of Disclosure’s typical sound will likely be excited about this track, but anyone can get up and dance to this one. RAYE’s vocals are exceptional, and the fast drum groove and chord hits provide a lot of ear candy. This is definitely one of the most fun singles of the year.

WAIT FOR U- Future feat. Tems, Drake

“WAIT FOR U” shows that one of rap’s best collaborator duos still have the chemistry we remember, as Future and Drake deliver an incredibly vibey track over a sample of Tems’s impressive vocals. The biggest commercial success from Future’s highly successful album I NEVER LIKED YOU, this track allows Future to get into his melodic style, while Drake provides a guest rap verse that balances things out just right. From the vocal performances to the immaculate production, this is one of the highest quality hits of the year.

Marte- Sofía Reyes feat. Maria Becerra

“Marte” sees Mexican singer Sofía Reyes make an energetic and freeing take on a breakup song. Reyes and collaborator Maria Becerra both fit right into the excellent production with memorable vocal tones. This song combines a really strong dance groove with heartbreaking lyrics, making for a song that feels like it is lifting you out of a sad place.

Lie Again- Giveon

On “Lie Again”, we get one of the best rnb tracks of the year from one of the best artists out in that genre, as Giveon’s baritone voice effortlessly floats over laid back production. From the second his voice comes in, you can’t help but be drawn to his rich tone, and his story of a desperate need to live in a fantasy if he is not loved back is incredibly captivating. Giveon has shown to have an excellent command of the commercial market while staying true to his artistry, and this track is another example of that.

When The Dirt All Settles- Morgan Wade

Virgina country singer-songwriter Morgan Wade is a rising name to look out for, and with this track we get a great, new take on a country-leaning love song. With drums and a guitar riff that sound more rock than country, but Wade’s Virginia accent clear as day on belted vocals, this track is appealing, even to listeners who don’t normally find themselves getting into country.

Invincible- Omar Apollo feat. Daniel Caesar

On “Invincible” Omar Apollo is really in his rnb bag, recruiting Daniel Caesar to help. The two go back and forth in falsetto over softly strummed electric guitar to start the track, and then Apollo jumps into a more rhythmic verse. On the song the two create contrast between the soulful full tone of Caesar and Apollo’s clear voice, with rhythmic sections mixed in and a lot of layering throughout. This track will take you on a journey and leave you appreciating the incredible musical skill of both artists.

Want You Like That- Charlotte Sands

“Want You Like That” is a breakout track for Charlotte Sands, featuring heavy electric guitars and hard rock drums on massive choruses that showcase a lot of vocal talent. Sands shows us that she can tell a story about being obsessed with someone in a unique way, and also makes it clear she has the vocal chops to work with the big rock production she leans towards. You’ll be hit with a wave of infectious energy whenever you listen to this track.

Dreamin Of The Past- Pusha T feat. Kanye West

“Dreamin Of The Past” features immaculate soul sample production from Kanye West, and some top tier rapping from Pusha T. The beautifully soulful Donny Hathaway vocal sample that stars in the production will have you addicted, and the drums, keys, and groove give King Push the perfect space to spit. Even with questionable lyrics in the guest verse from Ye, Pusha’s incredible wordplay and the elite production easily put this in the conversation for rap song of the year.

Skyline- Khalid

On “Skyline” Khalid, who has leaned more into rnb recently, gets back to being a pop hitmaker. Built on a grooving baseline and fast-paced drums, the song has production that allows Khalid to make a happy, dancey pop song. This is not some soulless pop tune though, as Khalid’s technically sound and tonally brilliant vocals shine through on the record. If you’re not nodding your head when this track comes on, you’re probably not paying attention.

Skin and Bones- 070 Shake

070 Shake is a highly underrated artist, and for fans who know her best from her features on Kanye West’s Ye album, it’s high time to get into her solo work. Shake loves genre mixing, and on this track she sings soulful pop lyrics over massive synths and highly layered production, straying from the norm and building on her signature sound. Shake is also fantastic at writing evocative and poetic lyrics, and she does that here, singing lines like, “Reminisce bout back when our spirits used to dance with each other”.

Keeper- Toosii

Toosii is easily one of the best melodic rappers in the world right now, and this track shows everything that’s great about his style. The gravel in Toosii’s young voice can either sound like its expressing pain or warmth, and on this track we can the warm part of his tone, as he sings about love. He fits right into the excellent beat crafted by producer The LoopHoles and does his thing on this track, crafting an excellent melodic vibe.

Father Time- Kendrick Lamar feat. Sampha

One of the most meaningful tracks of the year, “Father Time” sees Kendrick explore his relationship with his father. The song plays into the themes of vulnerability on Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers, acting as a sort of therapy session about masculinity, and his “daddy issues”. Sonically, the track’s addicting organ melody and British singer Sampha’s beautiful chorus contrast Kendrick’s passionately delivered lyricism just right to make a song with lots of replay value.

Plan B- Megan Thee Stallion

“Plan B” sees Meg slow down her flow to show off her versatility. Like any Meg track, the lyrics are supremely confident and spin common hip hop tropes to come from a female perspective. Meg shows that she can switch up the typical production stye she uses as she flows effortlessly over a 90s style beat and empowers her fans in the process.

TRU RELIGION- AG Club

“TRU RELIGION” sees one of our rap artists to watch in 2021 take their sound and completely flip it to make a rock track. The collective shows they really have a feel for the genre, catapulting them further into the conversation as the next BROCKHAMPTON. This track has great vocals, the production feels authentic, the chorus is addictive, and if you heard the track randomly on a playlist or a radio, you would be shocked to find out a rap group made it.

Something to Someone- Dermot Kennedy 

“Something to Someone” is simultaneously incredibly sad and comforting, the idea being that knowing you once meant a lot to someone shows you can be loved again. Somewhat under-the-radar for all the commercial success he has had, Irish singer Kennedy has one of the best voices in popular music right now, and his ability to tell a story is second to none. This song has commercial appeal while living up to incredibly high lyrical and musical standards.

Amnesia- ayokay feat. Nightly

“Amnesia” is a dark take on an EDM-pop heartbreak song. A collaboration with Nashville pop band Nightly, the vocals explore the concept of wishing you could get amnesia to forget the love you have for someone who hurt you. In terms of sound, this track is softer EDM anthem, with synths and drums that start soft on the verses and build on the choruses, as well as moments of instrumental breaks, but no massive drops.

Sidelines- Phoebe Bridgers

“Sidelines” starts with an incredibly memorable key melody, and then Phoebe Bridgers comes in with layered vocals. The track builds up and adds strings until the drums finally hit. This is a new, less acoustic sound than we are used to hearing from Phoebe, but it features the same painful lyrics and soft vocal tone fans love. The concept of watching the world from the sidelines should also hit home for a large audience.

CAN’T HANDLE IT- Brevin Kim

Brevin Kim’s “Can’t Handle It” mixes elements of hip hop, rock, and electronic music in the production, creating a pain anthem. Brevin Kim have proven to do a great job of turning painful emotions into music that you can move to and sing along with, and their genreless style should be sure to captivate young fans. This track is especially addicting sonically, and shows off the groups incredible command of song structure.

Little Freak- Harry Styles

The soft, and warm energy of “Little Freak” is palpable, with Harry’s layered vocals drifting over soft chords and plucked guitars. The lyrics are about one of his old relationships, reminiscing on the good points without diving into heartbreak or anger. Full of very specific imagery and a chorus that will get stuck in your head despite its calm and slow vibe, “Little Freak” is the very best of one of the year’s best albums.

The Heart Pt. 5- Kendrick Lamar

This track is classic Kendrick Lamar. First, we get production that changes significantly over the track, starting off largely percussion heavy, then building into a 70s reminiscent sound with horns, guitars, and bass, and becomes minimalist to end the track. The fifth in Kendrick’s series of “The Heart” tracks, this also has intricate lyricism, melodic elements, flow switches, and shifts in perspective. We get one of the most emotional lyrical rap moments of the year as Kendrick raps from the perspective of late rapper Nipsey Hussle to close out the track.

This Hell- Rina Sawayama

On “This Hell” Rina Sawayama, one of our artist to watch in 2021, makes a track that sounds like a big hit, with vocals that might remind you of Lady Gaga. The Charli XCX collaborator and tour-mate has proven to be one of the most exciting new voices in popular music, and this track seems to be our introduction to the new era of Rina. Anthemic and energetic, the track mixes rock guitar sounds with powerful pop vocals and dance music elements.

icarus- glaive

On “icarus”, glaive, one of our artists to watch in 2022, sings over a bubbly vocal synth melody and guitars. Straying away from his typical hyper pop sound, this track is more straight up pop with EDM elements in the production. Based on the Greek myth of Icarus, the track explores a relationship that is dangerously close to failure, or “flying too close to the sun”. The angst and pain of the lyrics is evident, and the layered vocals and big drum hits on the chorus create huge moments.

Blue- Zach Bryan

“Blue” is a classic country love song in some ways, but it feels more real and raw than the pop country love songs that have popped commercially in recent years. Zach Bryan is so good at using his poetic lyrics to make everything sound authentic, and on this track the acoustic production really lets his soulful voice and storytelling shine through. Throughout the track Bryan keeps finding new little ways to describe the girl he loves, making the track feel as real as can be.

Moonlit Room- UMI

“moonlit room” is a very well-structured rnb song, built around a guitar riff, intermittent strums, and a gentle drum pattern, UMI has the room to show off her raw and soulful tone, and to kill one of the best choruses we have heard in the genre this year. The track’s production drifts through space slowly, but UMI’s chorus vocals skip over the beat quickly, creating a contrast that is quite pleasing to the ear.

Free- Florence + The Machine

“Free” is an excellent track because it feels like its title. Florence’s signature vocal tone is on display over production that builds up in a running cadence until it hits a massive moment towards the end of the track. Produced by Florence Welch herself and super-producer Jack Antonoff, every detail of the sound on the track feels well thought out, but the lyrics create the intended atmosphere of freedom.

Lately,- tendai

British singer tendai is a major name to watch for us as an artist who is changing music. With just a few songs released on a major label, he is only getting started, and “Lately,” shows what he can do. Built on moody production melodies and fast-paced drum-patterns, the production sets the stage for tendai to catch your ear with his soft, high register vocals that are delivered with a pleasing assertiveness. “Lately,” is the kind of genreless, innovative release that can get you really into a new artist.

Surround Sound- JID feat. 21 Savage, Baby Tate

Dreamville’s JID is widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled mainstream rappers in the game, and this song shows he is only improving. “Surround Sound” shows just how versatile JID is. It mixes catchy flows with incredibly thoughtful bars, features numerous different vocal deliveries and flows, and showcases an ability to rap on different kinds of production with its beat switch. The excellent guest verse from 21 Savage is an added bonus to one of the best rap songs of the year.

pg baby- redveil

“pg baby” starts with the sound of an oven burner being lit, and you’d better bet things heat up after that, as redveil goes in rhyming over an excellent self-produced soul sample beat. Reflecting on his come up out of Maryland’s Prince George’s County, this feels like a track that is introducing you to a true star. At just 18, redveil shows he is a great producer and a great lyricist who can seamlessly fit his talents together in just one track.

Thousand Miles- The Kid Laroi

The Kid Laroi is one of the most famous musicians in the world at just 18 years old, and it seems like he’s only getting bigger. This track essentially shows off his signature style, with melodic vocals, and production that melds pop melodies with hip hop-leaning drums. The lyrics are also sad, as we typically get from Laroi. As he grows into his sound, Laroi is easily becoming one of the biggest pop stars in the world, and this track is another step on that journey.

she’s all i wanna be- Tate McRae

“she’s all i wanna be” has been one of the biggest commercial successes of the year so far, and it has earned that status. A pop punk leaning-track featuring excellent vocals from McRae, it shows the 18-year-old can stay true to her typical style while incorporating elements from other genres. The song is about being jealous of another girl who seems to exemplify everything McRae wishes she could be, as she hopes the guy she likes won’t leave her for this girl.

Enjoyed the post? Check out our playlist with one song from each of these amazing projects

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