by Villager

This sonic experiment is great for electronic music lovers, but also for those who need something more relaxed and meditative than club EDM. 

by Denzel Curry

The hit single off of his album, "Melt My Eyez See Your Future". Features an old-school sample, and Denzel dials back his vocals in order to prove his versatility.

by Joey Bada$$

A certified classic Joey Bada$$ track, as he himself has tweeted. The perfect way to announce a new album this 2022, his first solo project since his heavily debated 2017 album.

by  Spoon

I had to make the tough choice between this song and "On The Radio", Ultimately I trusted the band's judgement, as this was their third and final single released before their album this past February.

by Vince Staples (feat. Mustard)

My admiration for Vince has drastically risen since his eponymous album (of which I ranked 2nd of 2021). I was wary of him of releasing another album so soon, but this pop hit shut down all concerns.

by Big Thief

I didn't think I would take this track seriously, but there's a reason their latest album shares the name. This song is beautiful.

by Rex Orange County (feat. Tyler)

My favorite single off of his new album. It's everything we love about past Rex, while showing off a new flair, including a feature (a rarity in his albums).

by Soccer Mommy

I'm a very biased fan, but this particular song delivers a sonic contrast to her past works. Indie rock fans will be eating good when her album drops later this year.

by Koffee

Not one of the four singles released before she dropped her debut album, "Gifted".  Serves as a preface more than anything, and yet it's my favorite.

by Phoebe Bridgers

Her only new song this year, yet she's anything but on the sidelines as she continues touring worldwide. This new hypnotic sound gives us something to look forward to (with patience).

by Faye Webster

Of the Car Therapy Sessions, featuring an orchestra to back her soothing vocals. This track anchors the EP with lively string sections, and clever lyricism (per usual)

by Omar Apollo (feat. Daniel Caesar)

Apollo's new album, Ivory, subtly flexes his range and versatility. This song itself goes from slow and droning to groovy and snappy with ease. He will blow up one day (just wait). 

by Harry Styles

Potentially the most catchy and entrancing track on this entire list. Harry fills the song with heart-wrenching, retrospective lyricism, and still manages to make it irresistibly groovy.

by The Black Keys

The beloved rock duo opened their new album with this fascinating single. It blends their blues influences with their garage rock foundation perfectly, a consistent factor in all of their hits.

by Kendrick Lamar

With 11 tracks from Kendrick's new album debuting in the Top 25 of Billboard's Hot 100, there is no consensus #1 single. For now, the addictive melodies of "Die Hard" win me over.

by Beyoncé

Like many of her classics, this anthem is as empowering as it is fun. The beautiful vocals we know and love have found a new home in the house genre (ha). What can't she do?

by Chance the Rapper & Joey Bada$$

The new releases from Chance bring us back to some of his earlier work, with deeply introspective and clever lyricism. Joey is the perfect feature for this single.

by MUNA

Their new album has plenty of this catchy synth-pop that they're typically known for, but Katie's vocals particularly helps take their sound to the next level.

by beabadoobee

While "Talk" is the most streamed track off Beatopia, this was a beautiful surprise that strays from her usual sound. A track equally as soothing as it is dazzling deserved to be highlighted.

by Steve Lacy

Gemini Rights has everything we've grown accustomed to from the versatile musician; mesmerizing guitars, unique vocal layering, and masterful production. This track is no exception.

by John Legend (with JID)

This R&B jam is a perfect concentration of Legend's swooning melodies and JID's confident rapping. A duo that the world doesn't deserve, and yet they delivered.

by The Beths

The first single off of their upcoming September album, this song explores volume both lyrically and sonically. A great song about mental health that features a dynamic and fun pop rock melody.

by Peach Pit

Playing on the girl-next-door trope, this track explains why it's good to have well-established boundaries with your friends. A simple, jovial track that epitomizes Peach Pit's discography in the best of ways.

by FLO

A perfectly succinct summer anthem, encouraging all of us to make the most of the remaining summer days. FLO weaves catchy, individualized sections with stunning harmonies. A pop group masterclass.

by JID (feat. 21 Savage & Baby Tate)

JID, notorious for his features, brings on 2 of the most popular feature artists in rap to flesh out this layered track. Serves as a vivacious victory lap for his current success, but doubles as a touching tribute to his come up.

by Ari Lennox

In her latest album, Ari cements herself as one of the trendsetters of R&B, every track as compelling as the last. However, Pressure's interpolation of Shirley Brown unites tried-and-true R&B with the new-school style.

by Elton John, Britney Spears

An iconic pop duo come together as part of the recent wave up remixing and mashing up classic Elton John tracks. Last year we heard Dua Lipa's vocals on Cold Heart, and this single is equally as fresh and endearing.

by Freddie Gibbs (feat. Pusha T)

Relatively gone unnoticed, even within the tracklist of its own album, but this might just be the best produced rap song of the year. Freddie's cadence is hard to ignore, and Pusha T serves a perfect supporting verse.

by The 1975

The indie rock band returns with more of their signature indie rock / synthpop hybrid, but this time with a funk band flair. Matty Healy's emotive vocals resonate nicely over the fluid, vibrant instrumentation.

by Carly Rae Jepsen (feat. Rufus Wainwright)

A pop icon reintroduces herself with a diverse selection of her best work yet, headlined by a duet that is not only refreshing within the genre, but extremely catchy and fun. Carly reclaims her throne with this single.

by Laufey

One of this year's revelations, the Icelandic artist is pushing modern jazz into mainstream appeal. She navigates the unexpectedness of romance, accompanied by what she describes as "magical harmonies and piano flares".

by Jacob Collier (feat. Lizzy McAlphine & John Mayer)

This talented ensemble produces a dreamy, intimate duet that emphasizes each of their best qualities. A combination of Collier's arrangements, McAlphine's vocals, and Mayer's guitar solos, truly a match made in heaven.

by Smino (with J. Cole)

One of the breakout artists of the year joins forces with a rap legend. Smino's eccentric, electro-funk sound compliments J. Cole's expert flow and lyricism. A refreshing track to keep us satisfied during a slow month of releases.

by SZA

SZA provided the unprecedented sensation of dropping the most viral album of the year... at the very end of the year. On one of the leading singles, she demonstrates her innate love for melodic rap over a brilliant yet understated beat.

by S.G. Goodman

Folk rock with this level of rapture is hard to come by, as Goodman caps off a strong year for the genre. Complete with heavy guitar plucks and lovely cymbal shimmers, this track is awe-inspiring and fun. Folk/country fans are going to love this rising star.

by Nas

Any time an artist pays tribute to his inspirations, or his own producers, it shows a lot of humility. Nas manages to accomplish both with lyrical potency and elite flow. In accordance, Hit-Boy brings back a beloved, old-school sample to bring the mix to perfection.