Eligibility Criteria:
Any single, be it a radio, promotional or video release.
Released during the calendar year of 2022, or those released earlier that reached either its chart peak or greatest visibility in 2022.
Limit of one proper single per artist, though an artist can appear multiple times if they were on a feature or collaboration with another artist.
25) Willie Nelson- “I’ll Love You Til the Day I Die”
Generations and centuries will pass, but there are a few plain facts that will live on from now until the end of time. One of them: there’s nothing on earth quite like Willie Nelson, at any age, singing a classic country ballad. And if that ballad can’t be penned by Nelson himself, a co-writing team of Chris Stapleton and Rodney Crowell will certainly do the trick. We’ve been able to hear the depth of Nelson’s physical voice withering bit by bit over the past few years, but there’s no denying the interpretive and stylistic powers of the man remain as staggering as they ever been. And they will always will. They’re as everlasting as the love he professes in this song, which is bolstered by his classic country trifecta of gut-string guitar, harmonica and gorgeous piano solos that recall his legendary sister, Bobbie. A masterclass in country music beauty. (February 2022)
24) Lil Nas X- “That’s What I Want”
“That’s What I Want” is anchored by an acoustic guitar riff that slightly nods to the country influences of “Old Town Road” that have so far proven to be a very limited ingredient in his repertoire, before exploding into an infectious, rapid fire banger that’s deep fried in a batter of straight-up pop contagion and hip hop swagger. At just over two minutes in running time, it lives in the grand tradition of oldies radio staples that never overstay their welcome, and thus leave the listener thirsting for more. Conversely, it also stands to be another important forward-looking moment in the topical evolution of mainstream radio, as a queer-love anthem that did indeed fulfill its destiny to become one of the most played records of the spring. It any context, it’s a winning performance from one of the most promising young artists in pop today. (February 2022)
23) Sarah Buxton- “Hard Things”
This raw, gorgeous country ballad stops me in my tracks each time I listen to it. It’s undoubtedly one of the best-written break up songs I’ve heard in not-so-recent memory, with Sarah Buxton’s bittersweet rasp in as fine a form as it’s ever been. The range of emotions wrapped up in her performance are expansive and perfectly represent those that define one’s struggle with the realization that a relationship is over, not to mention the challenge of doing something about it. She exhibits strength, resolve, disappointment and sadness through every stinging lyric, but nothing cuts quite as bitterly as the bridge: “I know how to make you happy/All I do is leave alone/By the time you wrap your mind around goodbye, I’ll be long gone”. A career defining moment that in a fair world would achieve recognition as a modern classic in the storied country canon. That’s certainly how I will recognize it in the years ahead. (February 2022)
22) Carrie Underwood- “Ghost Story”
The country headliner ended a four year gap between proper releases that saw her take a long-awaited delve into seasonal and spiritual material with “Ghost Story”, a powerhouse ballad that served to launch her ninth studio release. It’s undeniably on-brand for the superstar, loaded with drama, glory notes and an arrangement that mixes modern country with pop glitz. And it’s proof that nearly two decades into her career, Underwood remains the queen in terms of country vocal prowess and in walking that fine line between Nashville sheen and powerful artistry. Her golden pipes both haunt and amaze throughout, but never moreso than on the chilling final chorus. “Ghost Story” continues a long run of Underwood records that are both dazzling and devastating in their power. (March 2022)
21) Margo Price- “Been to the Mountain”
The first taste of Margo Price’s next musical era absolutely feels like a definitive turning-point in a catalog that has quickly become one of the most revered in country, rock and Americana alike. On “Been to the Mountain”, the previous honky tonk chanteuse emphatically pronounces and redefines herself as a punky, ferocious ruler of a sonic sphere that’s all her own. A sphere that resides somewhere between country, rock, punk, and post-grunge. And she displays all of the confidence, vocal chops, and attitude capable of merging all of those disparate sounds, themes, and spirits effortlessly. “Been to the Mountain” is far more than another single or record. It’s a certifiable moment. (August 2022)
20) Maren Morris- “Circles Around This Town”
The country chanteuse launched the roll-out of her anticipated third album with what is easily her most straight-forwardly country single since her career bow with “My Church” in 2016. It follows Morris in her pre-breakthrough days driving incessantly around Music City collecting inspiration and birthing future hits along the way. It’s the crispest sonic setting we’ve heard her in for some time, and it provides ample space for the husky soul of her pipes to ring through beautifully. Meanwhile, the song pays humble tribute to the songwriting spirit of Nashville, as well as the hungry pursuit of a songwriter’s muse that remains just as prevalent once you hit it big. (January 2022)
19) Shovels & Rope- “Domino”
A welcome return from one of the most formidable roots music acts on the planet today. “Domino” taps into the all the essential ingredients that have defined Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst’s very best moments from the last decade: swaggering swamp-rock, muddy river blues tendencies, and joyously rapid-fire vocals to die for. This one feels more triumphant with each listen. (November 2021)
18) Shea Coulee- “Your Name”
The main dance course of the year 2022. This track from the RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar is the definition of a banger and easily deserves to reside next to any other dance hit flooding the club scene this summer. It’s utterly contagious, expertly produced, and Coulee establishes herself immediately as a formidable presence. “Your Name” deserves to make Shea Coulee the next breakout music star from the Drag Race franchise. More, please. (August 2022)
17) Jack White- “Taking Me Back”
One of modern day rock’s most creative forces returns and instantly reminds us all that the music world is a far more thrilling and captivating place when Jack White is gracing us with another one of his garage rock epics. “Taking Me Back” is a venomous reemergence and ranks among the most blistering moments in any of his catalogs; solo or otherwise. (October 2021)
16) The Black Keys- “Wild Child”
The reigning kings of blues-rock make a thrilling return to contemporary material after releasing a killer covers project last year and it’s boiling over with all of the duo’s most definitive core elements: Dan Auerbach’s alluring vocals, guitar riffs both crashing and swampy, and killer percussion backing from Patrick Carney. Like of all their best singles, this one steams from the speakers with instant intoxicants, all the while managing to both boogie and rock simultaneously. (March 2022)
15) Adele- “I Drink Wine”
The true centerpiece to Adele’s most recent album. That’s attributed to more than just the deliciously boozy delivery of the hook line that gives the song its title, though that subtle moment is stupendous. It’s her bittersweet and frank acknowledgement of her faults, including the universal downfalls that plague us all at certain stops in our life journeys: the challenges of accepting ourselves and the circumstances that we cannot control, and the liberation provided when one somehow manages to conquer that skill. The chilling spoken excerpt at the song’s conclusion adds an additional layer of raw vulnerability and honesty, and is as revealing as any other moment in her catalog. (November 2021)
14) Banditos- “On My Way”
You ever discover an artist for the first time, realize they’ve been around for years, and then spend the rest of your day wallowing in the regret of lost time? It’s precisely how I felt as it relates to the entrance of this song and the freaking fantastic band behind it into my life. Holy hell, is this record a fabulous jolt of joyous energy, not to mention an impressive piece of musicianship. “On My Way” is a simmering stew of sensational sounds, pulling from rock & roll, soul, country, boogie woogie, and Tejano. Meanwhile, the voice of Mary Beth Richardson is a gorgeously ferocious wonder to behold, recalling powerhouses as diverse as Janis Joplin, Wynonna, and Brittany Howard. Whatever you do, get more Banditos in your life. (February 2022)
13) Marcus Mumford- “Grace”
Of all the tracks on the harrowing solo debut from Marcus Mumford, this second single is truly the only track that taps into the jangly atmosphere of his band’s biggest hits. Yet it still retains the raw sense of personal conflict and cathartic release that was the impetus for the entire album in the first place. The beloved gravel of Mumford’s voice has an added layer of redemption and release that borders on triumphant, if not for the brutally honest moments where he is confronted by his own inner-doubts: “But it’s all behind/I’m fine, it’s alright/Do I sound like I’m lying?” It’s the combination of those tiny moments of darkness within the overall sonic spirit of the track that so beautifully demonstrates the harsh dichotomies that lie at the heart of all of life’s most challenging and important moments. (September 2022)
12) LeAnn Rimes- “Spaceship”
I’ve been a fan of LeAnn Rimes her entire career, and as I have mentioned before, I hold her catalog from 2005 forward particularly in extremely high regard. It has consistently and exponentially grown and blossomed with each preceding album, and I can’t help but feel as if it was all leading up to this singular performance. The production is grandiose enough to create a sense of cinematic, ethereal wonder, but also stripped enough to allow Rimes’ majestic vocals their rightful showcase. It’s my favorite moment of her entire career. (September 2022)
11) Sam Smith and Kim Petras- “Unholy”
The instant hook of this song’s chorus is absolutely bewildering, and that haunting intoxication doesn’t let up for one single second as the track progresses. It represents a complete artistic reinvention on the part of Smith, who connects with a devilish side of his soaring power-ballad pipes that is required to portray the scandalous nature of the song’s storyline: “Mummy don’t know Daddy’s getting hot, at the body shop, doing something unholy.” Adding further to the dark ambience of the record is the seductive swagger of Kim Petras’ contributions, as well as the moody hyper-pop production. It’s Smith’s scintillating vocals however that remain the most captivating aspect at all times. A bold and daring left-turn that has proven to be the breakthrough to a whole new level for the British crooner. (September 2022)
10) Red Hot Chili Peppers- “Black Summer”
The return of Red Hot Chili Peppers after a six year drought in the studio undeniably stands as one of the biggest musical events of the year, and they launch such a reemergence in excellent fashion on the gorgeously moody “Black Summer”, a haunting mid-tempo that builds at a perfectly slow and sweaty pace and astutely showcases all of the glorious qualities of the band that we’ve loved for three decades now. The instrumental dexterity and Rick Rubin’s classic alt arrangements seep deep into your veins in short order, while Anthony Kiedis‘ charismatically dramatic vocals are unmistakably his, and chalk full of all the tension and anticipation that defines the band’s most legendary moments. (February 2022)
9) Dawes- “Someone Else’s Cafe/Doomscroller Tries to Relax”
This folk-rock quartet has quietly and consistently been one of modern music’s most reliable bands for well over a decade now. Here, they previewed their eighth studio project with an ambitious nine-minute sequence that recalls the heights of the classic rock era and AOR that will still leave listeners wishing it was longer. This sounds lifted from a vintage rock opera album from the 70s by the likes of Queen or The Who. Taylor Goldsmith’s delivery has a great sardonic bite to it that perfectly matches the sentiment of the first piece, before transitioning into a plainspoken tone of somber but sweet resignation in the second act. Meanwhile, the musicianship throughout this single is impeccable, with Goldsmith’s guitar solos and Lee Pardini’s key strokes proving particularly resonant. It’s undoubtedly one of the best musical vignettes of the band’s entire catalog to date. (June 2022)
8) Lucius featuring Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow- “Dance Around It”
The sound of this track is a vibrant utopia of disco-fried dance-rock, and all of the cutting, harmonic glory that has come to define all of the very best elements of Lucius. The heavy-lifting, hair-raising support of folk-rock heavyweights like Crow and co-producer Carlile only add further weight to an already magnificent moment. Speaking of moments, this single boasts two of my favorite music moments across all of 2022 thus far: the gripping and banging chorus itself, and then the brutal line that defines the pre-chorus: “I just touch myself ’cause I don’t wanna f—.” That’s about as raw of a depiction of a relationship on the brink to be found in the storied annals of popular music. A career performance for a band that deserves to be on the lips of every music fan’s mouth, worldwide. (September 2022)
7) Taylor Swift- “Anti-Hero”
Let’s take a moment and appreciate that this is the world’s biggest pop star providing one of the most nakedly raw exposes of her own character flaws and insecurities that she has or ever will commit to paper. And again, it shows her settling into a realm where she can seamlessly blend her triumphant pop hooks (“It’s me, Hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” is already permanently etched into the cultural vernacular now) with the wintry introspection of her 2020 pandemic twofer. This is biting and witty (That bridge! Seriously!) but also incredibly solemn and vulnerable, and in turn becomes a modern-day battle cry for all of those that live successful but undeniably anxious lives. (October 2022)
6) Zach Bryan- “Something In the Orange”
God damn, what a fantastic song. There are rare and special moments for music lovers when, in the midst of a loop of new tracks, one suddenly stands out and stops you in your tracks. With its vivid lyrical imagery and a stark performance just bleeding with lonely premonition, “Something In the Orange” is one of those moments. Rarely, those moments prove to live on as those special memories where you first fell in love with one of your all-time favorite artists. It’s far too early to tell if that will prove to be true here for myself as it relates to Zach Bryan, but the potential is certainly there. I said it last month, and I’ll say it again here. Exploring this guy’s music feels incredibly reminiscent of when I first did the same with Jason Isbell’s a decade ago. That’s about as high of a compliment that I can pay any singer-songwriter working today. Time will tell if Bryan can live up to those lofty standards, but for the three and half minute runtime of “Orange”, he certainly exhibits that same talent and promise. (April 2022)
5) Orville Peck- “Come On Baby, Cry”
What a passionate and dynamic sonic experience this is. Orville Peck has already firmly established himself as a powerhouse singer and a visually creative artist, but this record feels like the full-blown realization of what stands to define him in terms of pure sound. The lyrical and instrumental bones of the record are deeply rooted in straight-forward country but there’s a bold, almost noir, bent to its overall atmosphere has me feeling all sorts of influential vibes, from Roy Orbison to Dwight Yoakam to the The Mavericks.Peck feels like he’s on the brink of elevating his creative vision to the next level, and transcending himself from a curious, novelty-leaning act to one of the leading creative forces in all of both roots music, and popular music as a whole. (March 2022)
4) Brandi Carlile featuring Lucius- “You and Me On the Rock”
Joni Mitchell has always been an obviously prominent influence on Brandi Carlile, but never has that shone through so marvelously on a single Carlile track as it does on her latest single, “You and Me On the Rock”. The fact that it appears on Carlile’s most rock-leaning LP to date is splendidly ironic and only adds further depth and color to what I ranked as my favorite 2021 record. The song itself is a tremendous ode to the warmth and importance of companionship, be it that of a lover, friend or relative. Meanwhile, the “Yellow Taxi”-leaning guitar licks mesh gloriously with the ever-sweet sincerity of Brandi’s vocals and the subtly spectacular harmonies from the always sublime Lucius. This is the luminous and joyful track you need to beat the winter doldrums right here. Another golden effort from one of my absolute favorite artists. (January 2022)
3) Harry Styles- “As It Was”
“As It Was” was perhaps the most anticipated pop single of 2022, the lead single from Harry Style’s eagerly awaited third album, and the follow up to the 2019 blockbuster, Fine Line. And it should really come as no surprise that Styles basically pivots away from all the fanfare by launching the project with a song, that while accompanied by a shimmering pop backdrop, is essentially a folksy and reflective turn inward. From the get-go, Styles has always been an artist with the skill to tastefully split the difference between pop contagion and singer-songwriter intimacy. And “As It Was”, at its core a somber eulogy for a past relationship, squarely accomplishes that balance more seamlessly than any tune he’s released to date. It immediately ranks among one of his most substantive and satisfying singles. (March 2022)
2) Beyonce- “Break My Soul”
“Break My Soul” is a sensational modern smorgasbord of classic 90s house beats, with delicious samples from Big Freedia (“Explode”) and Robin S. (“Show Me Love”), and then some rousing gospel vocals as the song climaxes for good measure. It’s truly a remarkable production, and easily her most palatable radio single in ages, while sensationally merging that catchy accessibility with all of the adventurous sonic experimentation that has defined her latter-day catalog. A triumphant, uplifting, and ferocious anthem; “Break My Soul” is destined to be another career song for an undeniable icon. (June 2022)
1) Lizzo- “About Damn Time”
The triumphant return single and launch to her highly awaited fourth album is everything we want in a Lizzo smash: empowering messages, hilariously clever lyrics, funk-tastic disco dance beats, and a kick-ass flute solo to top it all off. “About Damn Time” plays like the voice of the worldwide population coming alive after the depressing doldrums of the past two years. So, the next time you’re feeling down, just remember that it’s bad-bitch-o’clock and thick-thirty somewhere, and play this frigging banger and play it loud. (April 2022)
Return to: Part I
The 706 