Say goodbye to 2022 with this playlist

Every member from the eclectic group The Internet has seen success in their solo careers. The band's guitarist and vocalist Steve Lacy has been on a run all year long, thanks to his album Gemini Rights. On his hit song “Bad Habit,” the opening line states, “I wish I knew you wanted me,” which sets the tone of someone believing they missed an opportunity. Not only was “Bad Habit” a No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, but it also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts simultaneously. The song earned Lacy two 2023 Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. 

After a five-year hiatus since its previous album, After Laughter, pop rock band Paramore returned with its single “This Is Why.” Lead vocalist Hayley Williams describes dealing with unwarranted outside opinions. As they sing on the hook, “This is why I don’t leave the house / You say the coast is clear / But you won’t catch me out.” In 2023, Paramore will embark on a tour across North America and release its sixth album of the same name. 

In July, Afrobeats star Burna Boy released his sixth album, Love, Damini. The album’s lead single “Last Last” draws listeners in with a sample of Toni Braxton’s 2000 single “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” On the track, Burna mixes English with Yoruba as he sings about the disappointment he endured after going through a heartbreak. 

The Weeknd’s fifth studio album Dawn FM has an ‘80s pop and new wave sound that the singer hasn’t significantly experienced with on previous projects. He goes full throttle with the sound on the single “Sacrifice,” an infectious hit that grabs listeners' attention thanks to a funky guitar loop and co-production from Swedish House Mafia. The song became a top-20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Over the past few years, there’s no denying that Bad Bunny has cemented his career as one of the biggest reggaeton stars ever. Once again, he’s the most streamed artist on Spotify for the third year in a row. That’s partly due to his latest album Un Verano Sin Ti and his hit single “Tití Me Preguntó.” The track became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Rihanna’s fan base, known as Navy, was surprised to hear that their beloved star was releasing her first single in six years. “Lift Me Up” is the lead single on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Not only does the enchanting ballad help capture the spirit and theme of the film, but it's a gorgeous tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman. Since the song's release, fans are even more excited about Rihanna’s potential new album and her upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. 

Doechii is the newest signee to Top Dawg Entertainment, and she grabbed music fans' attention with her hit song “Persuasive.” The addictive melody uses house-inspired production as an ode to marijuana and partying all night long. With a hit like this, fans are looking forward to seeing how Doechii will continue representing women in hip-hop.

Jack Harlow wants people to get a taste of the finer things in life on his single “First Class.” The song was a favorite among his fans, especially with the sample use of Fergie’s platinum hit single “Glamorous.” On the track, Harlow details his journey of success as his star continues to rise. 

Megan Thee Stallion debuted her single “Plan B” at this year’s Coachella, quickly setting the audience into a frenzy. Not only does the sample of “Freek’n You (Mr. Dalvin’s Freek Mix)” by Jodeci grab a listener’s attention, but Megan’s punchy bars and confident flow are reminiscent of Lil’ Kim in her prime. “Plan B” is Megan truly in her element as to why she’s one of the hottest rappers in the game. 

Sam Smith is preparing to release their fourth album Gloria in 2023. They teamed up with Kim Petras on the second single “Unholy,” a track that adds a choir in the background to highlight someone being unfaithful in their relationship. Smith and Petras are a match made in heaven as the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Lizzo has always been an advocate for people to celebrate themselves, and she reiterates that message in her single “About Damn Time.” On the track, she highlights dealing with pressures and handling life, but she’s ready to continue bettering herself and for the world to see her shine. “About Damn Time” is a disco-inspired bop that earned three 2023 Grammy Award nominations including Song of the Year. 

Post Malone enlists Doja Cat to encourage listeners to express their feelings on his single “I Like You (A Happier Song).” With the breezy and whimsical production, the song was released just in time for listeners who were experiencing or desiring summer love. “I Like You (A Happier Song)” is up for a 2023 Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. 

The world literally stops when Beyoncé releases new music, and it seems like ever since she released her latest album, Renaissance, it’s been in rotation everywhere. Queen Bey hasn’t even dropped any videos to accompany the songs, but fans have taken it among themselves to create their own, especially to her song “Cuff It.” With collaborators like Raphael Saadiq, Nile Rodgers, The-Dream, Sheila E., and an interpolation of Teena Marie’s “Square Biz,” the single beams with elements of ‘70s music magic to get anyone to the dance floor. 

After a three-year hiatus, Harry Styles released his long-awaited album Harry’s House. The lead single “As It Was” is an ‘80s pop-inspired track that details a person dealing with loneliness and constantly thinking about the past. Styles was a dominant figure all year, and “As It Was” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 15 weeks. 

Ciara doesn’t release music as frequently as she used to, but in 2022, she was ready to remind people why she was once known as the “Princess of Crunk n B.” She teamed up with Summer Walker on their hit single “Better Thangs,” a feel-good anthem for people leveling up and living life unbothered. Since some listeners love to showcase themselves living unapologetically, it’s no wonder the song got plenty of usage on TikTok and Instagram Reels. 

Pop-rock band The 1975 returned with their fifth album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language. The album garnered four singles, including “I’m In Love With You,” a track about a guy who finds it hard to express his feelings but finally admits his love and admiration for his partner. 

Kendrick Lamar’s fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, highlights introspective concepts of his journey with relationships, family, and trauma. On the album’s third single, “Die Hard,” he teams up with Blxst and Amanda Reifer as he attempts to open up to his partner. He knows he must overcome any insecurities to be a better partner and person. “Die Hard” became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

OneRepublic’s “I Ain’t Worried” is the second single from the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack. On the track, the band stresses that time is not on anyone’s side, so it’s important to live in the fast lane and take advantage of the present. “I Ain’t Worried” became a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

K-pop group Blackpink wants everyone to know they’re back on their single “Shut Down.” On the track, the group highlights how people have often counted them out or prayed for their downfall, but they want the haters to stay in their lane. 

Drake and 21 Savage have collaborated a few times throughout their careers. So plenty of fans were intrigued when the two announced their joint album, Her Loss. The album’s opening track “Rich Flex” finds 21 and Drake rapping about their lavish lifestyles, fame, and women. The song has become quite popular among TikTok users, which has seemingly helped the album’s success on the Billboard charts. 

Taylor Swift is known for dominating the music charts, and it was no different when she released her 10th album, Midnights. On the lead track “Anti-Hero,” Swift highlights dealing with anxiety, depression, insecurities, and shortcomings. A song that many listeners can relate to, “Anti-Hero” became Swift’s ninth Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. 

Memphis native GloRilla is a star on the rise since her breakout single “F.N.F (Let’s Go).” She’s continuing her success by teaming up with Cardi B on “Tomorrow 2,” in which the two flex about their successes. Let’s just say a cosign from everyone’s favorite “regular degular shmegular” girl is a great way to introduce a new artist to the masses. 

It’s been two years since Charli XCX released her previous album, but she returned in 2022 with her fifth studio album, Crash. It garnered five singles, including the Rina Sawayama-assisted track “Beg For You.” On the track, Charli and Rina sing about missing a lover, so they want to take advantage of their time with each other.

R&B continues to be in a good space, and the newer generation of artists like Ari Lennox and Summer Walker is a big part of it. They teamed up on “Queen Space,” an anthem about self-worth and protecting one’s energy. Their harmonies and vocal composition blend perfectly together, and fans can only hope this will encourage them to collaborate more with each other in the future. 

With Missy Elliott’s nearly 30-year career in the music industry, fans still get excited when the rapper works with the newer generation of artists. Anitta teamed up with Elliott on her disco pop-infused single “Lobby.” The Ryan Tedder-produced track has Anitta and Elliott showing off their flirty and sensual side about a night of pleasure with their lovers.