My Top 10 Songs from 2022
2022 brought us a lot of great music, so here are my top 10 favorite releases from 2022!
My Darling Eve (Ten Pennys) - Rae and the Ragdolls
Starting out the year with a song as punchy and exciting as it is cool and groovy really set the tone for 2022. Rae and the Ragdolls have been one of my favorite bands this year and they somehow manage to exceed my expectations every time. “My Darling Eve” is easily my favorite song from their discography and it really showcases what they are capable of as a band. The guitar work is funky and the vocals are sultry and they tie together so well that you just might find yourself putting this song on repeat.
The Foundations of Decay - My Chemical Romance
There was a point in my life where I decided that I was okay with the idea of My Chemical Romance never releasing a new song. They have a flawless discography and got back together for a tour - what more could I ask for? This was until they dropped “The Foundations of Decay”, their first release since 2014, on a random Thursday afternoon. It was unexpected to say the least. What makes this song so great is really simple. They did not try to drastically change up their sound or rebrand. There are elements of their previous albums mixed into this song but it still feels like the beginning of a new era for the band. “The Foundations of Decay” feels like the natural next step in My Chemical Romance’s discography and that is why it works so well. It is safe to say this is probably my favorite song of 2022, because c’mon, how are you going to beat a My Chemical Romance comeback?
Ain’t None Watered Down - Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown
This was one of those “waiting up at midnight for this song to drop” kind of songs. Earlier this year I dove headfirst into Tyler Bryant and the Shakedowns music and could not get enough. “Ain’t None Watered Down” dropped just shy of a month before the release of their fifth album, Shake the Roots, making it one of the longest months of my life. Something about this song instantly hooks you in and it just feels good. It’s the kind of head bobbing, foot tapping, song that gives you no choice but to sit back and groove with it.
Soul Sugar - Rae and the Ragdolls
If you are in the market for a sappy and sweet love song, then look no further than the latest release from Rae and the Ragdolls. “Soul Sugar” feels like dancing carefree in a pink glittery haze with whoever you love most in this world. It’s the butterflies in your stomach when you first fall in love. It enchants you and makes you want to just kick off your shoes and dance. Simply put, this song is magic.
For What It’s Worth - Stevie Nicks
It only makes sense for such an iconic singer to cover such an iconic song. Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” is phenomenal, but there is something about Stevie Nicks’ cover released earlier this year. With her usual whimsical, witchy touch, she delivers a beautiful rendition of one of the most iconic protest songs of the 1960’s. This song is timeless and has been covered by more artists than you could imagine but remains relevant today. Nothing can beat the original, but top hats off to Stevie for paying tribute to such a legendary song in her own beautiful way.
See Me - The Velveteers
This one is for my 90’s dreampop fans. The first time I heard The Velveteers, they instantly reminded me of one of my favorite 90’s bands, Mazzy Star. Their songs chilling and dark undertones coupled with singer Demi Demitro’s hauntingly beautiful vocals add a unique touch to such an iconic sound. “See Me” is one of my personal favorites from The Velveteers because you can feel the somber longing pouring out of every line. This song is honest and emotional and that is what makes it so easy to fall in love with.
Way of the Triune God - Tyler Childers
I pity the group of people who have sworn off country music. I admittedly jumped on the “country music sucks” bandwagon until about two years ago and I accredit Tyler Childers as the man who changed my mind. I have been a fan of his for a little while now and I recently heard “Way of the Triune God” and there has hardly been a day passed that I have not listened to it. His raw and raspy vocals pick you up and drop you right in the middle of Appalachia. He has the kind of spirit and soul that cannot be faked and that is what makes his music so special. “Way of the Triune God” is easily one of my favorite releases of 2022 and if it grabs you like it did me, I would highly suggest checking out the rest of his album, Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?.
Paris Blues - The Doors
It really is remarkable that 51 years after Jim Morrisons death, The Doors still have one last song unheard by the public. “Paris Blues”, the infamous tape that so many Doors fans wanted to get ahold of, was finally released in November. Only two copies of this tape exist, one was lost, the other recorded over by keyboardist Ray Manzarek’s son, Pablo. A lot of careful editing made it possible to put the song back together without Pablo’s babbling. It is not sure exactly when this song was recorded, but it falls somewhere between The Soft Parade and LA Woman. However, “Paris Blues” is very reminiscent of the bluesy sound of LA Woman. One line, “Going to the City of Love, gonna start my life over again”, really stuck with me. When I first heard it, it honestly left me a little heartbroken. If you are unfamiliar with The Doors, singer Jim Morrison moved to Paris where he got sober, until one night it is believed that he was given drugs and he later died from an overdose. Ultimately, between the classic bluesy sound and the poetically sad lyrics, “Paris Blues” feels like an appropriate closer for The Doors discography.
Lux AEterna - Metallica
I have truly never moved quicker after getting an Instagram notification. Waking up and immediately seeing that Metallica dropped a song, announced an album, and surprised everyone with a tour with a stacked line up was just about the last thing I had on my 2022 bingo card. Their newest single, “Lux AEterna”, is fast paced and fun, combining elements of their previous release, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, and the thrashy 80’s sound that made Metallica who they are. What stood out to me the most on “Lux AEterna” is the drumming. It’s tight, fast, and has me ridiculously excited for what they have planned for this album. Metallica’s eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons is set to release April, 14th, 2023.
Did you that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd? - Lana del Rey
I cannot help but get absurdly excited every time I find out Lana del Rey is working on new music. I have been listening to her since I was about 12 years old and I have basically grown up with her music. “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd”, in classic Lana fashion, instantly hooked me and simultaneously broke my heart. This song is painfully relatable and she beautifully articulates what it feels like to never be seen as anything other than your physical attributes. It takes an incredible songwriter to take such an ugly feeling and write a breathtakingly beautiful song about it.
*All images obtained from artists Spotify*