Billboard has recently unveiled its year-end Country Airplay charts, and some artists who usually make these lists were surprised to see themselves make appearances this time around – as well as several surprises in terms of newcomers making appearances on these lists.
One such newcomer is country up-and-comer Ernest, whose bluesy ballad about finding his ideal woman quickly won over fans.
Zach Bryan
One of the central themes in country music 2022 was the battle between progress and tradition, an American debate we are so glad Zach Bryan embodied this year on top of his charts. From serving in the Navy to becoming a major-label star, his story and sound have won fans over since 2016.
Bryan’s 2022 debut, American Heartbreak, demonstrated his skills as both a songwriter and performer. Since then, his fan base has loved his authentic performance that transforms even mundane situations into relatable songs. Bryan followed this success up with his self-titled 2023 release proving he does not plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Luke Bryan is one of the most beloved country artists of 2022, and his latest single is an absolute classic of country music. The lyrics express how someone still can’t get over his wife’s death while the accompanying video portrays the true struggle associated with losing someone close. Additionally, it features Luke’s son who tragically passed away due to a car accident this year – this video also marks Luke Bryan’s final goodbye before his passing away this year.
It’s a stunningly moving song from an emerging artist, but one we should all remember for years. The lyrics remind us that every relationship has its ups and downs; we must all learn to let go a little.
“Circles Around This Town” from Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd’s 2022 albums was another country hit, earning them both places on Billboard Hot Country Songs chart as well as Grammy nomination.
Recently, new artists rarely made it onto the year-end Top Country Songs list; but 2022 proved otherwise as several newcomers joined this exclusive club – Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Walker Hayes all appeared multiple times this year and Cody Johnson, Caitlyn Smith and Ernest also broke into the top 40 chart!
Country music had an exciting year in 2022, and we can’t wait to see what comes out next. Check out the playlist below to view some of the top country hits of 2022!
Caitlyn Smith
Caitlyn Smith epitomizes country music’s greatest strength: she can deliver songs in any genre with ease and soul, all the while remaining soulful and bold in her delivery. Her silky voice soars over twangy guitar chords while her lyrics often paint vivid pictures of rural life with poetic detail. Caitlyn’s songwriting is unapologetically honest as she chronicles tales of love and heartbreak with honesty and clarity.
Cactus can capture raw emotions like no one else. She takes risks with her music that most of her peers won’t. While Supernova had some pop leanings, her new record High & Low features the singer-songwriter pushing more toward country genre.
Longtime purists in country music may have mocked her first major label release, but her latest effort has garnered her much-deserved acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Even with its more traditional sound, this album still manages to convey emotional power without losing any emotional resonance – it will easily fit onto any playlist!
As the country music industry changes and grows, it can be easy to overlook those outside its mainstream. But that shouldn’t be used as an excuse to ignore some of its most essential artists working today – 2022 shows us that finally this genre is accepting artists that fall outside its established hierarchies.
These songs span from offbeat efforts from established stars (Ashley McBryde and Miranda Lambert) to country hits from indie darlings like Plains and Angel Olsen. Even hip-hop sensation Jelly Roll Morton managed to make an impression with his 2022 single “Son of a Sinner”.
As 2023 opens its doors, it’s evident that country music’s future is brighter than ever. Ronky tonk, an authentic form of country that could more accurately be described as rough and raw, helped counter the year’s 10-year party mode while giving new artists such as Zach Bryan and Bailey Zimmerman access to country authenticity that hadn’t been seen since its heyday during the early ’90s.
Country music’s legacy is as robust as ever, and its current crop of stars have much to be proud of. 2022 saw many notable country songs being released that showcase the diversity that characterizes America itself.