I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2022. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2022. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.
There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2022 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2022. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.
In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.
Never Say Never - Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson: It's always exciting when two of your favorite artists come together for a collaboration. It happens all the time and we have become accustomed to accepting that one of the artists will sing the first verse while the other takes the second. It can be a very standard cookie cutter protocol. But that's not the case with Never Say Never AT ALL. Cole and Lainey truly sing back and forth WITH each other and TO each other during the entire song! It's genuinely an exceptionally well-crafted piece of work!
You Can Have Him Jolene - Chapel Hart: They were catapulted into the National Spotlight after singing this song on America's Got Talent. It's definitely a fun and catchy song worthy of attention and they are an extremely talented group who deserves the spotlight to keep shining on them for many years to come.
One Mississippi - Kane Brown: For years now he has been putting out not only the catchiest and best songs, but he's also one of the top selling and most streamed artists of ANY genre. Yet, time and time again he fails to get the recognition and accolades from the Grammys, the CMA's and the ACM's. But it doesn't matter. The fans have spoken and One Mississippi - Two Mississippi... Two HOT Kane Brown songs made the top 20 of 2022 list!
Never Wanted To Be That Girl - Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde: These two current Queens of country music came together to deliver a new twist on good for nothing cheating husband scenario. They make it sound fresh and powerful while still packing a heartbreaking emotional punch.
Somethin' Bout You - Mickey Guyton: She started the year singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl and ended the year as the TIME Magazine 2022 Breakthrough Artist of the Year. This song is just one delightful taste of why she deserves all this and so much more! She has the vocal gift and the songwriting chops to earn every accolade there is.
'Til You Can't - Cody Johnson: This was the inescapable song topping the charts and winning every award out there in 2022. Give it a listen and you'll know why. It checks all the boxes: Relatable, uplifting lyrics. A great beat. And that Passionate vocal delivery by Cody illustrates why he is now one of the most well-liked guys in the industry.
Ghost Story - Carrie Underwood: All these years later it's easy to forget that she was the Season Four winner of American Idol. She has matured into an absolutely top tier live performer and touring act. At the same time having the most impressive vocal range in the music industry. PERIOD. This is the lead single of her latest album, Denim and Rhinestones, and every song is a showcase for her exceptional talent.
Wishful Drinking - Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt: Ingrid is way too talented to be a forgotten one hit wonder, so it's such a joy to see her have a hit again this year. It's well-deserved and we are wishful thinking that we will hear many more.
Mama, Dolly, Jesus - Madeline Edwards: The best song of the year you haven't heard ... YET!!! Look it up, give it a listen and I guarantee you will be playing it on repeat well into the new year. It's fun, it's playful, and it makes you feel good, all the while celebrating what's important to us, including the Queen of Country Music - Dolly Parton!
Like I Love Country Music - Kane Brown: His 2022 album Different Man is highly recommended. Of course it has this smash hit country anthem, but it also delivers a diverse and broad cross section of great music covering multiple genres. He's got it all.
