New Wave Curated: Top 50 Songs Of 2022

As a magazine that breathes culture, representing good and memorable music has always been a strong pillar within New Wave Magazine’s brand. As the year comes to a close, it only makes sense that we would round up some of the best music releases of 2022 to find out what we think should be in New Wave Magazine’s top 50 music tracks list. Carefully selected by our music journalists, we sat with the gruelling task of narrowing down some of the best tracks that we’ve listened to this year to such a small number and sifting through some of the biggest releases that artists we love have shared with us this year.

With our written music pieces usually dominated by hip-hop, R&B, afrobeat and soul genres, we encouraged the team to branch out so that you can really get to know us and see what we love to listen to individually. This is our very own wrap up of the best this year, selected by our multi-genre cast of journalists at New Wave.

Our top 50 list was not only intriguing to put together and for us to see what our writers requested but also, it showed us what they’re really into and how we can support more artists on our publication that fit within our brand and ethos.

This is New Wave Magazine’s top 50 tracks of 2022.

1. Burna Boy - Last Last

Produced by Chopstix (BurnaBoy’s “Outside”), “LastLast” includes a notable sample of Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and is accompanied by an official visual directed by Burna himself and shot at his home amongst other handpicked locations. The earworm addresses the singer's past relationships, confronts his feelings and at the same time, encourages all that at the end of the day everything will be okay. Hesings with startling candor on broken hearts, mistakes, and consolations in a playful yet impactful sound that has become his very own soundtrack.The record capturesBurnaBoy's new sound as he turns the page on a new musical era.

2. Drake - Sticky

Art is meant to divide opinions, and the main thing that separates an artist from everyone else is the tendency to take creative risks. Drake’s dance record ‘Sticky’ is really that song that you can play anywhere from the rave or to listening in your car. The beat is tribalistic in nature, capturing a feeling that energies you throughout your day. The lyrics are typical Drake as he applies his typical nonchalant flow, as he navigates his hectic life and romantic experiences. Honesty, Nevermind Drake’s 7th studio album divided listeners opinions, but it gifted us ‘Sticky’. - Tyrese King

3. Brent Faiyaz - All Mine

R’n’B sensation Brent Fiayaz stunned tastemakers with ‘All Mine’ earlier this year, a smooth single that see’s Brent put his toxic lyrics aside for this melodic single. Brent is seemingly untouchable at this point as his tracks range from real life issues to R’n’B ballads. With three well crafted albums behind him, it’ll be interesting to see what 2023 brings for the singer-songwriter. - Shenead Poroosotum

4. Ojerime - Nothing

The South Londoner has built an exceptional reputation for bringing back the sound of the incredible early era R&B vibes, and the track ‘Nothing’ is perhaps one of her most accomplished songs to date. With a little help from J Strngs and the electric guitar productions, combined with a soulful beat, it all provides Ojerime with the perfect platform that allows her stunning vocals to flourish. ‘Nothing’ is an all-out beautiful production that invites the listener into the soundscape of Ojerime. - Ben Broyd

5. Sza - Shirt

After teasing the track for about two years, SZA finally gifted us with 'Shirt' which came off her new album 'SOS'. Fuelling dance challenges across social media, the world became obsessed with the idea of SZA finally releasing new music since her 2017 'CTRL' album that we revisited time and time again. 'Shirt' delves deep in her mistakes in romance which make her one of the most relatable singers to listen to. - Shenead Poroosotum

6. Ari Lennox - Bitter

Infused with the essence of the Motown era, the closing track on Ari Lennox’s surprise EP, Away Message, poetically expresses her discontent with an ex lover who’s happily moved on while still maintaining her own sense of self-worth. The soulfulness of her voice, the brassy horns and the ‘bittersweet’ lyricism inviting us to taste her emotion all make Ari’s message hit harder on 'Bitter'. — Abigail Ani

7. dexter - Pressure

One of the first ever signings to RULESTHEWORLD Records off the back of UK cult clothing brand Corteiz, is none other than dexter. Releasing one of the best tracks we've heard this year 'Pressure', dexter created an ode to self-growth and moving away from being someone that you're not. In an alternative sound, dexter speaks with honesty as she unwinds more about herself to anyone who'll listen. - Shenead Poroosotum

8. Jvck James - Hennessy Tears

JVCK JAMES is spearheading things for male R&B artists and lover boys world-wide. Taken from his EP On the Rocks, Hennessey Tears is an undeniably smooth yet intoxicating track. Serving vocals and emotion this track was made for all the intimacies late nights may bring. With spacious production and visuals, his vocals truly take centre stage and envelop listeners. - Danielle

9. Green Tea Peng - Your Mind

An exceptional symphony accompanied by the stunning voice of Greentea Peng, the track covers everything that the remarkable artist has built her reputation on - the mellow soulful magic that spans Soul and Reggae influences, along with her unique vocal style that has seen her develop an incredible fanbase. With layers of strings, a horn section that brings the groove, and the reverbed tone of Greentea Peng’s vocals, ‘Your Mind’ is absolutely beautiful. This swaggering single goes out to all the Pengheadz. - Ben Broyd

10. Asake - Terminator

Asake is creating a new wave for the afrobeat scene, more excitement, and upbeat sounds, whilst still leading with his popular melodic vocals. Terminator is one of the lead songs on his album ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’. Like most of music, Terminator also has some Amapiano influence, with a smooth and catchy feel to it. Although Terminator is one of Asake’s calmer tracks, you are bound to dance, feel good and catch a vibe! - Grace Zadi

11. Mura Masa - Blessing Me

Straight from one of his best albums to date, 'Blessing Me' featuring Pa Salieu and Skillibeng exploded on social media and even recieved a Kali Uchis remix treatment. Taken from his albim 'demon time' which was symbolic of fun and mischief, 'Blessing Me' meshes together afro-rap, dancehall and electronic in one of the best summer songs of 2022. - Shenead Poroosotum

12. Wiz Kid - Money & Love

13. Oxlade - Ku Lo Sa

14. Brent Faiyaz - Jackie Brown

Brent Faiyaz proves he’s one of the most prominent voices of his generation and a master storyteller. In ‘Jackie Brown’ one of the standouts tracks off of The Wasteland we witness him at his best. There’s a creative duality to the track, he sings in his smooth silky tone and in a pitched-up version that acts as they are in conversation empathising the point he makes. There is also an unconsciousness struggle that Brent doesn’t even realise he’s fighting as he complements his new love interest, whilst simultaneously dedicating the song to his past one. Ultimately he cannot commit to either one, whilst expressing his own self-doubt. - Jadene Rogerson

15. Beyoncé - Break My Soul

She isn’t called Queen B for no reason and her consistency in the music industry has certainly proved that. Throughout her career Beyonce has covered almost every genre from R’n’B to Hip Hop, but in July 2022 she showed that no genre was off limits with this dance-pop anthem that resonated with the masses and sampled the classic 90’s hit, Show Me Love by Robyn S. 2022 has seen a huge resurgence in dance music, as empowering single ‘Break My Soul’ prepared fans for the vibrant release of ‘Renaissance’. - Jadene Rogerson

16. Gunna - pushin P

In an unconventional way, 'pushin P' was just one of those tracks that everyone loved as soon as it was released. 'What does P mean?' one would ask to which Gunna responded P can mean whatever you would like it to. Released alongside Future and featuring Young Thug, the trio created an instant hit that was to push 'Positivity' alongside many other varitations of the meaning. Production wise, 'pushin P' rides on a hypnotic and eerie beat that was one of the more defining elements of the track becomming popular in early 2022. - Shenead Poroosotum

17. Jim Legxacy - DJ

Getting the streets to obsess over a single line isn’t easy, but Jim Legxacy clearly mastered this with ‘dj’. Before the track was even released, everyone was in their feelings because of this line: “You don’t wanna teach me how to DJ anymore”. The juxtaposition of his vulnerable, Tracy Chapman-esque vocals, the lovesick, emo lyricism, his alt-Afrobeat signature, the sample of Unknown T’s 2018 UK drill hit ‘Homerton B’ worked together like a dream. - Abigail Ani

18. Asake - Joha

Blending the hypnotic SA House sound with his bouncy vibe, Joha is Nigerian rising star Asake's feel-good romance track; an Ode to love interest "Johanna". Since its release as part of Asake's debut studio album Mr Money With The Vibe, the undeniably jumpy rhythm continues to boost the serotonin levels of its listeners across the globe. Accompanied by Asake's melodic vocals, Joha has set the pace and solidified itself as the perfect song to elevate moods and bring people together on the dancefloor. - Shorayi

19. K-Trap - Warm (Remix)

Undeniably, one of the most impactful rap songs of 2021 that trickled through into this year. K-Trap revitalised the viral track "Warm" for 2022 with a new verse, enlisting rap legend Skepta equipped with his braggadocious bars and effortless flow. - Shorayi

20. Mini Kingz - ICED OUT SUMMER

Ragz Originale, Benji Flow and Oscar World Peace are the collective we never knew we needed, individually the trio have thrived in their solo careers, but summer 2022 saw the birth of the Mini Kingz, an R’n’B collective that merged the talents of producers and musicians. Taken from their debut album ICONICY, ‘Iced Out Summer’ was a true summer anthem, mixing melodic vocals and smooth backing, without a doubt this track was on repeat. - Jadene Rogerson

21. The Weeknd - Is There Someone Else

Album: DAWN FM

Genre: R&B/Soul

Spotify Streams: 280 Million Streams

22. Pusha T - Diet Coke

Album: It's Almost Dry

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 33 Million Streams

23. Drake & 21 Savage - Rich Flex

Album: Her Loss

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 176 Million Streams

24. Blood Orange - Jesus Freak Lighter

Album: Four Songs

Genre: Alternative / Indie

Spotify Streams: 3.5 Million streams

25. Kendrick Lamar - Silent Hill

Album: Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 91 Million Streams

26. Headie One - Came In The Scene

Album: N/A

Genre: Hip Hop / UK Rap

Spotify Streams: 8 Million Streams

27. Yeat - Still Countin

Album: 2 Alive

Genre: Hip Hop / Trap

Spotify Streams: 18.5 Million Streams

28. Kendrick Lemar - We Cry Together

Album: Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 52 Million Steams

29. Future - Love You Better

Album: I Never Liked You

Genre: Hip Hop / R&B

Spotify Streams: -

30. Steve Lacy - Bad Habits

Album: Gemini

Genre: Indie Pop

Spotify Streams:

31. Knucks - Bible

Album: Alpha Place

Genre: Hip Hop / UK Rap

Spotify Streams: 1.9 Million Streams

32. Frisco - Bad & Clean

Album: DAWN FM

Genre: Hip Hop / UK Rap

Spotify Streams: 500 Thousand Streams

33. Wiz Kid - Call Me Everyday

Album: Breezy

Genre: Afrobeats / R&B

Spotify Streams:

34. FireboyDML - Playboy

Album: Playboy

Genre: Afrobeats / Afropop

Spotify Streams: 27 Million Streams

35. Kodak Black - Super Gemlin

Album: Back For Everything

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams:

36. 700 Bliss - Anthology

Album: Nothing To Declare

Genre: R&B / Soul

Spotify Streams: 63 Thousand Streams

37. Odunsi The Engine - WTF!

Album: Denim

Genre: Pop, Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 81 Thousand Streams

38. Nippa - Where They At

Album: Not a Statistic

Genre: R&B / Soul

Spotify Streams: 256 Thousand Steams

39. Obongjayar - Message in a Hammer

Album: Some Nights I Dream Of Doors

Genre: Nigerian Alte / Afropop

Spotify Streams: 716 Thousand Streams

40. Octavian ft Teni - Forever

Album: Alpha

Genre: Afroswing

Spotify Streams: 149 Thousand Streams

41. 070 Shake - Skin and Bones

Album: You Can't Kill Me

Genre: Alternative / Indie

Spotify Streams: 7.5 Million Steams

42. Flume - Say Nothing

Album: Palaces

Genre: Alternative / Indie

Spotify Streams: 34.7 Million Streams

43. DJ Khaled - God Did

Album: GOD DID

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 26.1 Million Streams

44. Central Cee - Straight Back To It

Album: 23

Genre: Hip Hop / UK Rap

Spotify Streams: 22.5 Million Streams

45. Kasien - Do What I Want

Album: N/A

Genre: Alternative / House

Spotify Streams: 663 Thousand Streams

46. Nemzzz - ABC

Album: N/A

Genre: Hip Hop / UK Rap

Spotify Streams: 1.4 Million Streams

47. Lil Durk - Golden Child

Album: 7220

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Spotify Streams: 13.4 Million Streams

48. Jae5 - Propeller

Album: N/A

Genre: Nigerian Alte

Spotify Streams: 17.8 Million Streams

49. Arctic Monkeys - There’d better be a mirrorball

Album: The Car

Genre: Alternative

Spotify Streams: 40.9 Million Streams

50. Chris Brown - Under The Influence

Album: Indigo

Genre: R&B / Soul

Spotify Streams: 530 Million Streams

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