With all the curveballs life threw at us this year (from janky return-to-office schedules to whatever it is Elon Musk is doing to Twitter), it was relief to be able to escape the noise, even if briefly, through our headphones. There was so much new music to listen to in 2022, thanks to the surprise return of some superstar heavyweights (hello, Beyoncé and T-Swift) and the rise of promising up-and-comers. Through it all, we found songs that uplifted us, made us dance, made us nostalgic, and expressed our deepest feelings probably better than we can ourselves. Below are just some of our favorites.
Plus, keep scrolling for a few podcasts we listened to and loved this year.
“Alien Superstar” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Renaissance project is an experience and even though it's made up of 16 songs, it flows like it's one. Hard to pick a favorite but “Alien Superstar” is my jam.—Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director
“Mastermind” by Taylor Swift
It’s hard to pick a favorite off of Taylor Swift’s smash album Midnights, but since my first listen, “Mastermind” has been an undeniable standout. It feels like musical ASMR with each beep and boop hitting a specific synapse in my brain. It also gives me everything I’m looking for in a Swift song: smart lyrics, great production, and a longing for a lover that is obsessed with me as I am with them.—Sam Maude, Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief
“That’s Where I Am” by Maggie Rogers
A banger from beginning to end, “That’s Where I Am” by (former ELLE intern!) Maggie Rogers is a flashy ’80s New Wave single in the best possible way. It makes sense, then, that David Byrne makes a cameo in the music video.—Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor
“American Teenager” by Ethel Cain
One of the strongest songs on one of the strangest (in a good way) debut studio albums of 2023, Ethel Cain’s “American Teenager” invites listeners into a devastatingly beautiful world that’s both familiar and singular, creepy and comforting. It’s no surprise that the musician behind the moniker (Hayden Silas Anhedönia) was raised Southern Baptist in a small town between Florida’s panhandle and peninsula—or that she has since left the Church. Her dark dream pop—especially here—is shrouded in Southern Gothic themes and a kind of humid fecundity, like Lana meets Lady A with a Slenderman fetish.—Melissa Giannini, Features Director
“Anything But Me” by MUNA
It seems fairly impossible to hear the first few lines of this song (“You’re gonna say that I’m on a high horse / I think that my horse is regular-sized / Did you ever think maybe you’re on a pony / Going in circles on a carousel ride?”) and not be sold on MUNA’s particular, and often joyful, brand of synth-pop. Their entire self-titled album, which came out this summer, is worth a listen, but I have to choose “Anything But Me” based on that opening alone.—Madison Feller, Senior Staff Writer
“Special” by SZA
Nobody does vulnerability like Solána Imani Rowe, and her long-awaited sophomore album dropped just in time for cozy season. Of the 23 songs on SOS, “Special” is one of my favorites. With lines like, “I used to be special, but you made me hate me,” SZA has a way of making you feel like she just read your journal. Perhaps it’s just her Scorpio superpower.—Juliana Ukiomogbe, Assistant Editor
“Stay Soft” by Mitski
Like its predecessors “Nobody” and “Only Heartbreaker,” the upbeat sound of “Stay Soft” may at first mask its more sullen and introspective themes. (This is Mitski, after all.) But underneath its bouncy facade and synthy flourishes is a message from a person who’s been hardened by pain: “You stay soft, get beaten / Only natural to harden up.”—Erica Gonzales, Senior Culture Editor
“Static” by Steve Lacy
While “Bad Habit” is undeniably a great song, I think “Static” is the real winner on Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights. I especially love it because it’s a bit slow and moody, which are two of my favorite song qualities.—JU
“Satellite” by Harry Styles
If I’m honest, I could write an entire thesis paper on why Harry’s House is an all-time album. Picking a favorite track is harder than picking a favorite child—not that I have children to pick from. Even though “Late Night Talking” seems to be the radio favorite, it’s just one facet of this 13-song masterpiece. “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” and “Daylight” are instant mood boosters. “Matilda” will make you cry (guaranteed). But after letting the album ebb and flow in and out of my rotation throughout the year, “Satellite” is the one that I’ll never skip when it comes on shuffle.—Meg Donohue, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
“Big Time” by Angel Olsen
The title track off Angel Olsen’s sixth album soothes the soul right out of the gate, sinking into the feeling of falling into a “big love” and letting it happen, regardless of how much it might hurt when it inevitably falls apart.—MG
“Golden Hour” by JVKE
From its opening piano melody to its sweeping lyrical chorus ("My radiant beam in the night / I don’t need no light to see you / Shine / It’s your golden hour (oh) / You slow down time / In your golden hour (oh)"), it’s hard to listen to JVKE’s big breakout hit “Golden Hour” without being transported to a time you felt blissfully, deeply, irrepressibly in love. And for those of us single, wistful, and continuing on after heartbreak, it’s a lovely reminder of the kind of emotional high that waits for us again someday, when we find the right next one.—Alyssa Bailey, Senior News and Strategy Editor
“What It Is” by Amber Mark
This is a standout on Mark’s celestial new album, Three Dimensions Deep, that proves her ability to hone in on multiple influences and emerge with her own sound. A steady R&B groove anchors the song while its sexy, lilting harmonies and an electric guitar solo take it to another level.—EG
“Western Wind” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Western Wind” comes in like a breath of shimmery sweet air in an otherwise suffocating time, like a perfectly timed joke at a funeral, all easy-breezy beats, lonely melodies, and whispery vocals. It has my vote for best happy-sad dancing-alone song of the year.—MG
“Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny
If Bad Bunny is gonna do one thing, it’s make a banger. And his world-dominating album, Un Verano Sin Ti, is full of them. On “Tití Me Preguntó,” the reggaeton superstar hugs the laid-back, minimal flow of his verses before the beat drops and the song explodes into a complete party. I also love how the lyrics are a cheeky, unsubtle wink at his playboy behavior. (If you’ve seen those videos, you know!)—EG
“Sticky” by Drake
I’m a forever Drake fan. This song is perfect for when you’re driving in the car with a hot guy and a warm, sunny day.—DJ
“Simmer Down” by Fousheé
In this blistering first track off Fousheé’s second LP, the New Jersey native scream-stutters the chorus like a ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb exploding any notion of genre. Careening through influences from X-Ray Spex to Le Tigre (and, of course, The Runaways), the frequent Steve Lacy collaborator and TikTok queen’s statement is clear: the future is fluid.—MG
“_WORLD” by Seventeen
Big K-pop bands always tend to be prolific with their song output each year, releasing new material consistently, but SEVENTEEN’s “_WORLD,” which came out in July, has really stayed with me throughout the summer, fall, and winter. A very sweet song that captures the wonder and joy of new love, it represents some of the band’s best work this year and is guaranteed to make you smile. Come for the song, stay for the music video where the fashion and choreography are equally swoon-inducing.—AB
“Tie The Knot” by Syd
I played this song all summer long. Syd, of the band The Internet, is known for her incredible pen and this song is no exception. It’s bouncy, it’s light, and it’s all about love. Open up your heart chakra and just float with this one.—JU
“Evergreen” by Omar Apollo
Omar Apollo’s 2022 album Ivory is full of gems, but “Evergreen” hits especially hard. In the heart-wrenching breakup anthem, Apollo sings about a former partner who made him question everything about himself, a feeling so relatable you’ll be shout-singing along with the bridge (“You didn’t deserve me AT ALL”). I know most people on my For You Page already have.—EG
“G3Ni5” by Rosalía
Motomami is a feat of an album; Rosalía really pushed the boundaries and created what many have rightfully praised as one of the boldest, riskiest records of the year. Her hat tip to Daddy Yankee in “Saoko,” her catchy collabs with The Weeknd and Tokischa, and her TikTok-famous “Bizochito” are all high points, but the emotional peak for me is the ballad “G3 Ni5,” where she laments missing the special moments in a loved one’s life. I get goosebumps when her voice soars in the chorus.—EG
“Athena” by Greyson Chance
Hearing Greyson Chance talk about the inspiration behind his newest album Palladium is prestige podcast-worthy, and at its core is the song “Athena.” In short, the city of Troy was entrusted with protecting a wooden statue of the goddess Athena, and as long as they guarded the statue, Troy wouldn’t be conquered and would prosper. Chance tells this story at his shows and then calls his audience his Athena, saying his fans are who bring him joy. It’s the perfect story, and on the song, Chance soars with a sharp vocal and strong message. While Chance is singing to his fans, this track serves as the quintessential queer longing anthem. I know as I’m looking for my Athena I will be belting this one along the way.—SM
“Persuasive” by Doechii
Doechii is one of most exciting new acts of the year. A talented rapper and singer, she can go from spitting tough rhymes in “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” to delivering effortless glam in “Persuasive.” (Did someone say “range”?) The latter is a slick single that shows off her satin vocals and oozes chill dance vibes. You’ll feel like you’re on a runway listening to it, and Doechii is the perfect hypewoman. How does it feel to be you?—EG
“SO WHAT” by Boys World
I have been ever committed to creating the best screw you breakup playlist, and “SO WHAT” is the perfect addition. Boys World, a girl group that was formed through Instagram DMs and videos, have a pop banger on their hands. I’m also obsessed with the message, as I’m fully convinced that the best kind of a revenge is indifference. If someone broke my heart and said “so what?” I’d frankly be shaking in my boots.—SM
“Don’t Break My Heart” by The Weeknd
Though I don’t love the cover art, Dawn FM was one of my favorite albums of the year. “Don’t Break My Heart” is a major vibe. It makes you feel like you’re dancing in a very dimly lit club, without a care in the world.—JU
“Hold the Girl” by Rina Sawayama
Rina Sawayama really made a pop album about healing your inner child. That message is clearest on the title track “Hold the Girl,” where she attempts to reconnect with and comfort her younger self, someone who’s been treated as an outsider because of her ethnicity and sexuality. “I wanna rеmember / She is mе and I am her,” she sings in the chorus. The track is a musical fusion of influences from country to choral to Y2K pop, paired with therapeutic lyrics.—EG
“Sunroof” by Dazy
The last few years have been, well, kind of a dumpster fire. The infectious bop “Sunroof” helped change the entire mood of the country—putting a smile on our faces when we needed it most.—Rose Minatuglio, Senior Writer/Editor
Looking for a new podcast too? Here are a few standouts from this year.
We Met At Acme
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Lindsey’s funny and extremely relatable podcast offers the practical dating advice and tough love every millennial needs. It’s a jungle out there.—CS
All There Is with Anderson Cooper
It’s been a long three years of this pandemic, and though outwardly, many of us have seemed to convert back into our pre-2020 lives, I have to admit that I’m still trying to contend with all that’s happened in—and all that I’m grieving from—this particularly difficult time. And I have yet to find a podcast that meets this moment more than All There Is with Anderson Cooper. The CNN journalist starts the show as he’s packing up his late mother’s things, which includes items from his father and brother, who both died during Cooper’s early life. It then unfolds into a series of much-needed conversations about loss, memory, grief, faith, and love, which all vibrate with one common theme: You are not alone.—MF
Into It
Sam Sanders, of NPR’s It’s Been a Minute fame, is now hosting a new culture podcast with Vulture and New York Magazine. It’s a delightful, easy, but eye-opening listen that covers topics ranging from the ethics of Dahmer and true crime to, most recently, a surprising defense of Avatar. And his “Into/Not Into It” game at the beginning of each episode is a fun way to digest the bewildering news cycle.—EG
