2022 has come and gone so you know what time it is; that time of the year where we look back on the previous 365’s highs and lows…mostly lows let’s be honest. Oh, and Digital High’s Top 21 Tunes of 2022. So without further ado I present to you this year’s mix of eclectic achievement. Yes, you read that right. This year’s edition includes a total of twenty-one tracks because I feel like it, ok? Good, let’s get to it.

21. “About Damn Time” – Lizzo
If it wasn’t evident already, 2022 saw the ascendancy of Lizzo to super stardom thanks to the successes brought by her fourth album Special and this list’s first entry. You could say it’s about damn time but that’s silly and cliche so you can say it’s all very well deserved thanks to a fine achievement in music-making.

20. “SUMMER RENAISSANCE” – Beyoncé
Queen Bey hath returned and we are all the better for it. The icon paid homage to house music in spectacular fashion, creating an engrossing, dance experience from start to finish. If there was ever a reason to disable the shuffle button, it is RENAISSANCE.

19. “Dummy” – The Regrettes
Call it recency bias, call it whatever you want, but The Regrettes’ December drop of “Dummy” is a worthy addition to this series. The combination of alt-pop gratification and uplifting lyricism aligns with a common theme among most of (if not all) these tracks and is just dang catchy.

18. “Me Sometimes” – Carter Ace
Mental health and its awareness had a big 2022 so its only fitting to include a standout. This spotlight on self-care from the singer+songwriter+rapper shone bright in the most melodic way possible. Here’s to shining more of a light on Carter Ace in 2023.

17. “Last Birthday” – Valley
Continuing a theme of affirmation, this exceedingly positive achievement from the Toronto creatives brings a smile to the face with each listen. The standard pop rhythms build a beautiful melody as a lyrical adulation to commitment plays out, solidifying the lasting, ear-to-ear grin.

16. “Better” – MK & BURNS ft. Teddy Swims
DH is always going to have a soft spot for piano house and this exultant groover from the famed producers was one of the genre’s best extensions this year. Soulful bars intertwined with soulful tones made for easy enjoyment and enduring impressions.

15. “Other Side of Love” – Karen Harding
It’s hard to listen to the UK soloist’s earnest vocals on this epic ode to love and not feel some sort of warm and fuzzy contentment. Then to pair that with an agreeable, dance-pop groove hits on all the pleasure points.