If your Spotify Wrapped playlist consists of nearly exclusively Beyonce songs, perhaps it’s time to switch it up a bit – these pop songs from 2022 are great options to help add variety.
Sharon Van Etten successfully explored electronics on her last album to great effect; here, the synths take “Porta” from being depressing to motivating.
Taeyeon
Taeyeon made her mark as a solo artist despite an ongoing stream of releases from Girls’ Generation with 2022’s “INVU.” With its addictive point choreography and colorful explosion of hues, this music video delivers everything a fan could ask for in a pop song. Most impressive of all though is how this visual enhances Seulgi’s role as dainty princess by toeing the line between good and evil characteristics–showing us they coexist within all people.
No one can deny that iKON’s transition from flashy to melancholic in their latest EP, Flashback is impressive – or that they make such an effortless transformation in the music video for “But You”. Boasting an emotional synth-pop melody with yearning vocals, they deliver an emotionally devastating experience through colorful and visually appealing video which showcases their maturity as a band.
Ten of iKON was met with some difficulty with his debut solo album Error, but after the release of his music video for “Birthday,” it became evident that any hardship had passed. The sensuous video shows Ten moving through effortless movement full of passion and sensuality – it truly showcases his charismatic singing ability!
K-pop experienced an unprecedented transformation this year as female groups surged back onto the charts after years of male acts monopolizing them. Female groups like iKON, Treasure, and NewJeans all saw hits this year; but none could compete with BTS J-Hope’s viral single release “MORE”. Boasting an explosive TikTok dance challenge and mesmerizing melodies this song quickly rose to the top spot on charts around the globe this week.
NCT Dream
In 2022, SEVENTEEN made a bold shift away from their pop-rock beginnings towards more aggressive hip hop music. They still sang songs about seductive girls and handsome guys but their songs now had more intensity and energy; “HOT” being the prime example with its infectious beat and catchy lyrics which got everyone dancing along to its infectious groove – while its music video even showcased dance battles between rival group Wanna One as well as wild night out at clubs!
2022 was an eventful year for BTS member J-Hope, as he became the first Korean artist ever to perform at one of Chicago’s Lollapalooza festivals. Aside from his music career success, J-Hope also deviated from his usual pop-rock sound by debuting “MORE”. It features an edgier sound which provides us a rare look into another side of this artist we rarely witness on stage.
K-pop boy band NCT Dream released their winter special mini-album Candy with an adaptation of H.O.T’s 1996 track Candy as its title track. While not traditionally associated with Christmas music, NCT Dream’s version adds their own flourish by remixing Kenzie from SM Entertainment into it and giving the track its own distinct flair – including Jeno wearing his fuzzy yellow hat in their music video set in an amusement park setting!
The rest of their album offers an eclectic mix of genres, from R&B and synth-pop to ballads that explore emotions for loved ones. “Take My Breath” closes off their album in style as a medium-tempo dance track featuring beautiful vocals by members Mark and Seulgi.
TWICE
K-pop band TWICE has quickly become one of the most renowned pop acts of 2022 with their catchy pop tunes and intricate music videos, making them one of the most recognizable pop acts worldwide. Comprised of nine members – Nayeon (born Im Na-yeon), Jeongyeon (Yoo Jeong-yeon), Momo (Hirai Momo), Sana (Minatozaki Sana), Jihyo (Park Jihyo), Mina (Hwang Mi-nam), Chaeyoung (Kim Soo-jung), Tzuyu (Choi Tzuyu), Tzuyu), they made their debut back in 2015 with “Like OOH-AHH”. Since then they’ve released seven mini albums which have seen them climb the charts all around Asia (as well as Japan and Taiwan).
TWICE are among the most beloved acts on YouTube, with music videos for their 2016 viral hits “Cheer Up” and “TT” topping its chart. Their new single, “Fancy,” displays how they have evolved as artists by featuring electronic beats with smooth melodies reflecting an entirely new sound from them.
Twice has made headlines for their advocacy in mental health issues, with members openly speaking about depression and anxiety for the first time ever among Asian artists. This achievement stands out even further given how depression remains taboo in much of Asia, often being misunderstood or stigmatized as an illness.
TWICE have established an impressive endorsement portfolio. Members have appeared in commercials for cosmetic brands MET Tathione and Wonjungyo as well as clothing lines H&M and KIDS FACTORY, and most lucratively For Onitsuka Tiger in 2022 as their official mascot contract brought them over $1 Million dollars within months – becoming the first Korean female group ever. They will collaborate again for Onitsuka Tiger this spring on creating music videos to support its spring campaign!
NewJeans
NewJeans made an unforgettable debut last July and is poised to become an industry disruptor by 2022. Their sudden entry onto the scene was remarkable in itself, yet their mini was carefully constructed as a cohesive whole with two huge hit songs like “Attention” and “Hype Boy” being born from it. Maintaining that level of success is going to be challenging but Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein seem ready for more!
OMG marks NewJeans’s inaugural official release for 2023 and showcases their versatility across genres and styles, drawing from both early 2000’s sounds as well as modern production touches to avoid sounding outdated.
Though NewJeans’ first music video for OMG may not have as much upbeat or danceable energy as previous efforts, it still features an engaging performance video and song written co-writter NewJeans himself; lyrics in this track explore loving someone even if they may not reciprocate the feelings you share.
Fans will see each of the five members dancing and singing during their younger school days with the help of an unidentified sixth member who films rehearsals with her camcorder, while Side A of their music video features this aspect while Side B displays members performing at concert venues – telling the tale of girls struggling to express themselves publicly while simultaneously earning many views and likes on TikTok and pre-orders for their album. This song has already amassed millions of views and likes online as well as pre-orders of its album pre-orders!
VIVIZ
The 24/7 music video from Selima Sharma and Harris J is an inspiring work of art. The track tells the tale of two lovers struggling in city life while finding time for one another, visually stunning with outstanding choreography – truly the epitome of pop music at its finest! Popular with restaurants, bars, clubs retail stores and spas alike. Playing pop music provides customers with an enjoyable atmosphere as well as increasing sales – so much so that these businesses often experience higher customer satisfaction rates when employing its use than those that don’t!
The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards took place on August 28 and featured performances by Taylor Swift, Kane Brown and iKON. Held at Prudential Center in New Jersey, these prestigious and influential awards ceremonies rank among some of the most coveted events in pop culture. Additionally there will be several other major pop music events taking place during 2022 – please check our calendar of events page.
Nicki Minaj and Drake will co-host the 2022 MTV VMAs. Their collaborative performance will feature Cardi B as part of it. There will also be an emotional tribute to Michael Jackson from Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams that will feature Lorde performing live – making this event unforgettable for fans around the globe! Additionally, it will be broadcasted to over 180 countries around the world.