As 2022 comes to a close, and 2023 fast approaches, we’re celebrating making it another 365 days around the sun, and doing so by counting down our Top 10 Most Played songs of 2022. Because A — we think it’s a nice thing to do, and B — music truly does make our world go round.
Yes, we realize most of them weren’t even released this year, but clearly they had a lasting impression. From songs by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, to Lizzo, Harry Styles and Glass Animals, this year the following top songs made us sing along, dance and feel happy, or some type of way. However you spin it, Audacy had no choice but to spin these tracks all year long.
Without further ado, Audacy presents our 2022 Most Played Songs across all Audacy stations this past year. Oh, and as an added bonus for your listening enjoyment, peep below each most played song on the list for it’s corresponding Audacy artist station. All you need to do is sit back, hit play and enjoy.
10. Ed Sheeran — Shivers
Fun fact, according to Sheeran, “Shivers” is one of the reasons he titled his latest album = and not —, and rightfully so. With its rollicking rhythm and hand-clap beat, the song is far too exciting to be part of a “minus” lineup.
Listen to Ed Sheeran Radio
9. Imagine Dragons x J.I.D - Enemy
Yes this is a theme song for the new Netflix animated series Arcane: League of Legends, but there’s no denying how hard it slaps. Imagine Dragons once again brought their own brand of thunder, and mixed with J.I.D.'s spitfire flow, this song was destined to be everywhere.
Listen to Imagine Dragons Radio
8. Justin Bieber — Ghost
When you think of a heartfelt song about “losing somebody you love,” you typically don’t think a Justin Bieber bop. But alas, you know what they say about assuming. Sonically adventurous, with its surprising acoustic guitar strums, and dizzying hook and stellar vocals from the Biebs himself. We’re happy, not even a little surprised this sad song made the list.
Listen to Justin Bieber Radio
7. Ed Sheeran — Bad Habits
Continuing his perfect procession of radio-ready smashes throughout his career with his release of “Bad Habits,” Ed once again did not disappoint. Between the post-chorus eerie, howling of “ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh”and the thumping bass-line, “Bad Habits” clearly became and stayed a song that simply refused to leave your head.
6. Lizzo — About Damn Time
Okay but like who didn’t need this song this year? Right?! Lizzo formulated the perfect antidote to the sad, humdrum vibe of the pandemic’s post-vaccine era with “About Damn Time.” She got us to “turn up the music, turn down the lights,” and gave us all that feeling that we’re “gon’ be alright.”
Listen to Lizzo Radio
5. Lil Nas X — THATS WHAT I WANT
Perhaps the most Pop friendly of the MONTERO bunch, it’s giving — unapologetic, and that’s why we love it so. Delivering passion, conviction and emotionally vulnerable lyrics, paired with acoustic guitar and whistling synths, it should come as no surprise we had it on replay.
Listen to Lil Nas X Radio
4. Harry Styles — As It Was
Are we really surprised? With its mixture of synth-pop and indie-pop-inspired catchiness, "As It Was" quickly became another one of those 2022 anthems, and rightfully so. With melancholic lyrics about nostalgia, paired with an unforgettably upbeat tune, Harry had us all putting this song on repeat.
Listen to Harry Styles Radio
3. Latto — Big Energy
Both a TikTok sensation and a certified club bop, Latto’s “Big Energy” speaks for itself. The track samples Mariah Carey’s "Fantasy," and reimagines it for a new era of bad b*****es. With it’s braggadocios lyrics mixes with the track's tantalizing melody. the song is an undeniable hit. Clearly everyone agrees.
Listen to Latto and more on Women of Hip Hop
2. The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber — STAY
One word — hook. This dynamic duo refused to quit and we're so glad they are still here.
Listen to The Kid LAROI and more on Progressive Pop
1. Glass Animals — Heat Waves
Released in June of 2020, this track broke records with a 59 week climb to No. 1, literally refusing to not be on top. Ending the year at the top of our list, among many others including Billboard‘s 2022 Year-End Hot 100 Songs chart. We clearly couldn’t get enough of this Glass Animals bass heavy, moody-trap, pop-infused production.
Listen to Glass Animals and more on Alt New Arrivals
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