2022 Is Coming To An End, So Here Are 16 Songs I Think Made This Year Just A Liiiiiiiiiiiittle Bit Better

From the bops to the ballads, here are some incredible songs that may have slipped under your radar.

I'm Andrew, a data analyst for BuzzFeed, who codes SQL queries and R scripts all day. My music taste tends to vary drastically — one hour I'm listening to Taylor Swift, and next I find myself singing along to Evanescence's The Open Door. Get ready for an eclectic list!

Throughout my musical journey of 2022, I have compiled some of my favorite releases of the year. Take a listen. :)

1. Feenixpawl feat. Svrcina – "Don't Leave"

Feenixpawl / Via soundcloud.com

This dance-pop track quickly became one of my most listened to songs of all time, thanks to Svrcina's breathtaking vocals and Feenixpawl's clever instrumentation. The variety of strings and synths, along with the vocal effects in the chorus create a unique and compelling sound that'll have you hitting the repeat button. The production is very well done – the deep synths and percussive instruments are mixed well to allow the vocals to shine. Once the chorus drops, I dare you not to bop around in your desk chair.

(In fact, just check out Svrcina's entire catalog — she's an extremely talented vocalist and songwriter with a wide range of songs spanning from ethereal/cinematic to pop.)

Favorite Lyric: "Never knew what we've been missing / Runaways that found a place that feels like home"

Favorite Moment: The final chorus leading to the acoustic outro

Like it? Check out: Svrcina – "Battlefield", Svrcina – "Next Generation", and  Feenixpawl – "Drowning"

2. Quarters of Change – "Ms. Dramatic"

Elektra Records / Via amazon.com

These guys know how to rock! Hailing from NYC, Ben A., Ben R., Attila, and Jasper transformed from a high school band to a band with a record deal and sold-out shows in just a few short years — and for good reason. "Ms. Dramatic" is one of many highlights from their excellent debut album, Into the Rift, which was released this past July. This track showcases Ben R.'s vocals, mixed with punctuating drum beats and guitar riffs that just scream for live performances. For fans of indie/alternative rock, this is an up-and-coming group who should not be missed.

Favorite Lyric: "Oh, another kid, another stone / Oh, another 'do,' another 'don't'

Favorite Moment: The drums leading from the pre-chorus to the second chorus

Like it? Check out: Quarters of Change – "Rift" (for fans of epic guitar solos) and Quarters of Change – "T Love"

3. Raign, Th3rdstream – "Black Soul"

Millionaire London Records / Via soundcloud.com

Raign is a master of epic orchestral pop. With her passionate vocals and unique sound, Raign gained prominent TV placements, winning fans all over the world. (A prime example is the Season 2 finale of The 100, where her cover of "Knocking on Heavens Door" in the background made Bellamy/Clarke fans weep.) "Black Soul" utilizes reverb, layered background vocals, strings, and booming drums for a full cinematic experience. Raign's voice has the ability to switch as the emotions of the song evolve — light and angelic in one line, and gripping and powerful as the drums kick in. Fans of cinematic, orchestral pop should definitely take a listen to Raign's vast discography, which will keep you coming back for more.

Favorite Lyric: "I can't keep on looking in the mirror / Knowing that I've been running"

Favorite Moment: When the booming drums in the chorus hit

Like it? Check out: Raign – "Knocking on Heavens Door" and Raign – "Who Are You"

4. LeAnn Rimes – "Innocent"

EverLe Records / Via amazon.com

Get ready for the tissues on this one. LeAnn Rimes and Darrell Brown write incredible ballads together, and this is my favorite from them. The opening piano, a clever play on Chopin's "Chopsticks," instantly hooked me. (I actually asked LeAnn about this on her Spotify Live, and she confirmed I was correct in picking up on that!) LeAnn's vocals are effortlessly able to switch between her powerful mix and falsetto. The instrumental of "Innocent" takes a minimalist approach in the first half of the song, but the buildup to the second chorus hits hard — the background vocals take the song to the next level. The entire album, God's Work, is one of her best albums to date.

Favorite Lyric: "I want you to be forever innocent / I hope you know love"

Favorite Moment: When the background vocals kick in on the second chorus

Like it? Check out: LeAnn Rimes – "Something Better's Coming" and LeAnn Rimes – "There Will Be a Better Day"

5. Greyson Chance – "Homerun Hitter"

Lowly / Via open.spotify.com

Greyson Chance has come a long way from 2010 when his cover of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" went viral on YouTube. His music career is truly flourishing, having released an EP last year and an album, Palladium, this year. One of my favorite tracks, "Homerun Hitter," opens with siren-like backing vocals, leading into a piano-driven verse showcasing Greyson's effortless falsetto. The pulsing beat in the chorus brings an uptempo vibe to the track, which keeps the energy high throughout the rest of the song. Greyson's anthem about growth and rebuilding is a must-listen.

Favorite Lyric: "'Cause I thought you were the home-run hitter, the cherry that never bitters"

Favorite Moment: The angelic vocals of the first verse

Like it? Check out: Greyson Chance – "Yours" and Greyson Chance – "O Violet"

6. Leah Marlene – "Flowers"

19 Recordings / Via open.spotify.com

As an American Idol fan since Season 7, I've been faithfully following the new seasons, and Leah Marlene is one of the best contestants from the new era of Idol. Coming in third place on Season 20, Leah impressed the judges with her original song "Flowers." The first time I heard it, I was wowed by her crystal-clear vocals and the cleverness of the lyrics. In particular, the slight reverb used on the vocal track fills the mix, and allows the higher notes in the song to really hit. Clocking in at just under three minutes, it's an easy track for fans of acoustic ballads to play on repeat.

Favorite Lyric: "It's a finger trap, keep you where you're at / You've got to lean in to get out"

Favorite Moment: The high note in the final chorus

Like it? Check out: Leah Marlene – "Noise" and Leah Marlene – "By the Wind"

7. Aurora – "This Could Be a Dream"

Glassnote / Via amazon.com

Aurora is one of the rare artists that hooked me within 10 seconds of the first song I ever listened to. Not only is her voice instantly recognizable, her sound and lyricism are unique and completely set her apart. While her style has evolved over time (from a "walking in the wintery woods of a fantasy novel" vibe to a more "pop" sound) her incredible vocals and lyrics have remained consistent. "This Could Be a Dream" is a gorgeous ballad that'll have you riding a roller coaster of emotion for four minutes and eight seconds. The chorus is a beautiful stream of consciousness that also showcases some impressive breath support. If you're one of the millions that love her massive hit, "Runaway," you'll find the rest of her catalog is equally as impressive.

Favorite Lyric: "I know I'm not alone / And if you come back, could you take me home?"

Favorite Moment: The entire chorus is just a magical experience

Like it? Check out: Aurora – "Winter Bird" and Aurora – "Runaway"

8. Zealyn – "Odd Behavior"

Zealyn / Via open.spotify.com

American Idol fans will recognize Zealyn as Angie Miller, who placed third in Season 12. While competing, Angie set herself apart with her original song "You Set Me Free," which is regarded as one of the best Hollywood Week performances in Idol history. Releasing music under the name Zealyn, "Odd Behavior" is a jazzy, groovy listen about escaping the day-to-day routines of life. For fans of alternative pop and effortless vocals, Zealyn's music is extremely underrated.

Favorite Lyric: "Apathetic, call it aesthetic, poetic / That I'm hoping for my world to disappear"

Favorite Moment: The layered harmonies in the pre-chorus

Like it? Check out: Zealyn – "A Weekend in Maine" and Zealyn – "So Damn Charming"

9. Pia Toscano – "Walk Through the Fire"

Poets Road Records / Via open.spotify.com

When Pia was unrighteously voted out in ninth place on Season 10 of American Idol, my jaw dropped. Pia has one of the best voices I've ever heard — so good that she has performed with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli on recent tours. Pia's debut album is full of incredible moments, but she especially shines in "Walk Through the Fire," showcasing her wild vocal range. She's an artist who makes singing sound so effortless that you think you can do it exactly like her...but then you'll realize how difficult it really is. (Not speaking from personal experience, of course.)

Favorite Lyric: "I'm gonna walk through the fire / If I burn then I burn"

Favorite Moment: The epic final chorus

Like it? Check out: Pia Toscano – "I'm Good" and Pia Toscano – "Brave"

10. Reneé Rapp – "In the Kitchen"

Interscope Records / Via open.spotify.com

One word: VOCALS! From Broadway to television to music, Reneé Rapp's star power is increasing by the day. This heartbreaking ballad highlights her strong singing technique. In fact, her live performances are just as good, if not better, than the studio recordings. With an EP release and a tour, 2022 was a major year for Reneé's music career, and she's just getting started.

Favorite Lyric: "But I still hear all your favorite melodies / Strangers to lovers to enemies"

Favorite Moment: The full circle ending

Like it? Check out: Reneé Rapp – "Too Well" and Reneé Rapp – "Colorado"

11. Joshua Bassett – "Sad Songs in a Hotel Room"

Warner Records Inc. / Via open.spotify.com

This song hits so hard, particularly due to the super cool chord progression. I'm a sucker for transitions from major to minor chords, and the progression from Amaj to C#m in the chorus gets me every time! Joshua has a unique tone that makes his vocals interesting to listen to, and the gentle guitar complements the overall vibe of the lyrics. He effectively uses backing vocals to fill the spaces in the chorus, creating an upbeat ballad that instantly calls for the repeat button.

Favorite Lyric: "I order room service for one / Champagne mini bar bottles are done"

Favorite Moment: The extremely satisfying chord progression

Like it? Check out: Joshua Bassett – "Lifeline" and Joshua Bassett – "SHE SAID HE SAID SHE SAID"

12. Tove Lo feat. First Aid Kit – "Cute & Cruel"

Pretty Swede / Via amazon.com

In the world of radio and mainstream pop, Tove Lo is extremely underrated. In particular, her 2022 album, Dirt Femme, has a plethora of radio-ready tracks, ranging from dance-pop to synthy ballads. "Cute & Cruel" (featuring duo First Aid Kit) is one of multiple collaborations on the record, and it's also one of the only tracks with a more acoustic vibe. The tone of each artist complements each other well, adding unique textures to their parts of the song. All singers sound great in their separate verses, but when the vocals/harmonies mix together in the second chorus...MAGIC!

Favorite Lyric: "Stand in a crowd, the people are loud / But we've got our own dimension"

Favorite Moment: The second chorus where they start singing together

Like it? Check out: Tove Lo – "Grapefruit" and Tove Lo – "Call on Me"

13. Sigrid – "Grow"

Island Records / Via amazon.com

I discovered Sigrid from a Spotify playlist built for Aurora listeners, and I quickly become a big fan of her energetic synth-pop through songs like "Head on Fire" and her hit "Strangers." "Grow" is a standout from her second full-length album, How to Let Go. Sigrid's vocals are the main focus in the song (very forward in the mix with heavy reverb), and they truly shine. The bridge has gorgeously layered harmonies, cleverly leading to a voice memo that ends the track. Fans of Aurora and indie pop should not miss out on Sigrid.

Favorite Lyric: "You never said it would be easy / But maybe it could be all figured out"

Favorite Moment: The layered harmonies in the bridge

Like it? Check out: Sigrid – "It Gets Dark" and Sigrid – "High Note"

14. Amber Mark – "Bliss"

PMR Records/Interscope Records / Via amazon.com

I first heard Amber Mark while shopping at Kohl's when her song "Can You Hear Me?" was playing in the background. I instantly remembered the lyrics to look up when I got home (these were the days before Shazam!) and have been keeping an eye out for new releases ever since. "Bliss" is a highlight off her first full-length album, Three Dimensions Deep. Noted as one of the best songs of 2022 by Rolling Stone, the track has an unmistakable groove and clever melodic choices.

Favorite Lyric: "My soul is shining, changed my life with perfect timing"

Favorite Moment: The second half of the chorus when she switches octaves

Like it? Check out: Amber Mark – "Can You Hear Me?" and Amber Mark – "Event Horizon"

15. Mimi Webb – "House on Fire"

Epic Records / Via open.spotify.com

There are some songs that are just pure fun to listen to, and "House on Fire" is one of them. Mimi sings about revenge on an ex-boyfriend over an instrumental filled with synths and drums. Though it's only two minutes and twenty seconds, it packs together so much sound in a short time that you won't be ready for it to end. Considering her massive rise in popularity this year, Mimi Webb will be an artist to watch in 2023.

Favorite Lyric: "We might have touched, we might have kissed / But, darling, I'm sorry, it's not enough to convict"

Favorite Moment: The clever rhyme schemes in the verses

Like it? Check out: Mimi Webb – "Good Without" and Mimi Webb – "Before I Go"

16. And Maggie Rogers – "That's Where I Am"

Capitol Records / Via amazon.com

Maggie Rogers is an artist who pours her heart and soul into her music. After her Pharrell-approved NYU showcase hit, "Alaska," went viral, she's released two studio albums and seen worldwide acclaim. "That's Where I Am," the lead single off her 2022 release Surrender, is an upbeat, feel-good song about how things work out in the end. For a dose of positivity, this is a song that should make its way to your playlist.

Favorite Lyric: "Boulders turn into sand / Wherever you go, that's where I am"

Favorite Moment: The use of her vocals as a backing instrument in the verses

Like it? Check out: Maggie Rogers – "Alaska" and Maggie Rogers – "Light On"

Here's a playlist that features all of the songs – in one place for your convenience!

Spotify/Andrew Firriolo / Via open.spotify.com

What were your favorite songs of 2022? Let me know in the comments below!