2022 was an eventful year for country music. Morgan Wallen reigned supreme, scoring five songs at number one on either Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts; Maren Morris took to the mic against bigotry prevalent within country music; while Cody Johnson marked his debut number one hit ‘Til You Can’t.
Something In The Orange
1. Something In The Orange
Even country traditionalists must acknowledge Ernest’s single “Something in the Orange,” which would never have reached number one under an unrestrictive radio system, should belong on any 2022 country playlist. It stands as a prime example of music reaching audiences by breaking barriers through streaming.
Country music serves as an invaluable reminder that even an inherently country genre such as country can benefit from experimentation and fresh approaches. From indie darlings to established country stars, there were no shortage of surprises this year – from Maren Morris’ breakout hit “Circles Around This Town” to Morgan Wallen’s heartache ballad “You Proof,” not to mention Tyler Hubbard delivering one major hit upon the release of 5 Foot 9.
5 Foot 9
As a country fan, 2016 was an eye-opening experience. Morgan Wallen reigned supreme on the charts despite allegations of using racist language, Maren Morris made waves for standing up to bigotry within her peers’ circle, and country radio further marginalized women and artists of color.
Music has provided an oasis in 2022: from Kelsea Ballerini’s catchy hit “Blindsided” to Tyler Hubbard and MacKenzie Porter dueting on “Never” by Tyler Hubbard, here are some of the greatest tunes of 2022.
Pony Bradshaw may not be at the top of your radar yet, but his powerful lyricism makes him someone to keep an eye on. This track from North Georgia Rounder showcases his powerful storytelling ability perfectly: this song will stir all kinds of feelings within you.
Safe In The Arms Of Vernacular
If you have been keeping up with country music this year, chances are you have come across 49 Winchester. Fronted by J.R. Carroll and known for their honest writing and organic country rock sound. Their song Hillbilly Daydream stands as proof of their talent.
Cody Johnson has also seen tremendous success this year with his track “Til’ You Can’t,” which became an instantaneous TikTok and radio hit. This song serves as a powerful reminder that you are strong enough to walk away from toxic relationships.
Many country artists today are taking country music in more of a pop direction; others continue to embrace its traditional roots. One such artist is Charley Crockett, with an authentic sound that recalls 1950s country. I’m Just A Clown is an excellent representation of his sound.
Slow Down Summer
Nothing quite captures the sound of country music like its signature guitar twangs and country drawl, and 2018 has produced plenty of amazing country hits that push this genre in exciting new directions while maintaining its signature elements.
Maren Morris created a standout track on her debut album Humble Quest called Circles Around This Town that captured both the joy and exhaustion that comes with becoming a name artist.
Thomas Rhett brought pop-influenced country to the fore on Slow Down Summer. While some may have taken issue with Luke Bryan’s parody of Jo Dee Messina’s classic song “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” Cody Johnson proved himself as a hitmaker with Till You Can’t. Carly Pearce also made waves this year with What He Didn’t Do from her diary-like song collection What He Didn’t Do and Texas native Parker McCollum gave hope for his career with Handle on You from Texan Parker McCollum that gave fans hope of his future career through an upbeat song he called Handle On You from him Texan Parker McCollum that gave country fans hope that his career could flourish even further!
Mother, Son And Holy Ghost
2022 marked an extraordinary year in country music, as multiple established artists notched multiple-week hits while some newer acts debuted with songs addressing redemption, heartbreak and revenge themes. The top country songs of 2022 reflected this range of emotions: from mainstream superstars like Maren Morris (Circles Around This Town) to indie darlings like Plains or Angel Olsen who performed country classics that resonated deeply.
From ERNEST’s debut album, this track is a slow and regretful love song that tugs at your heartstrings. It showcases just how powerfully simple yet well-written country music can be and introduced us all to an exceptional new artist.
Luxury Liner
Chapel Hart’s 2022 debut song proves it can still work when combined with old-school icons for maximum nostalgia value. Her rendition of Dolly Parton’s Jolene builds upon modern rock aesthetics while simultaneously channeling classic production techniques from its golden years – something we may all relate to!
49 Winchester has earned much acclaim this year, including endorsement from Luke Bryan, but they go beyond simply riding the country rock wave with their organic sound. Their songs – such as Hillbilly Daydream — offer captivating storytelling without resorting to tired country cliches; you’ll soon find yourself singing along!
The Great Divide
Once Florida Georgia Line had officially parted ways in 2022, their remaining members collaborated with indie darlings Waxahatchee on this heartrending song about an enduring love that’s doomed to dissolve. It treads the complex waters of romantic love illogic perfectly suited for an album called American Heartbreak.
CMT breakout artist Lainey Wilson made waves in 2022 when she released this empowering anthem that features her iconic twang and an inspiring narrative about survival and perseverance. Additionally, this song serves as an exclusive preview for her forthcoming debut album Bell Bottom Country.
Luke Combs joined forces with bluegrass maestro Billy Strings for this poignant song that addresses America’s cultural divide. Both artists share a passion for masterful yet relatable songwriting – making this track essential listening for any country fan.
American Aquarium
As country music continues its evolution, artists are drawing influence from multiple genres. This year we witnessed off-center surprises from mainstream stars (Maren Morris’ reflective “Circles Around This Town”) as well as country reimaginations by indie darlings (Plains and Angel Olsen) among others.
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit are familiar to most country fans as part of Drive-By Truckers; this year however, they released a new album which showcased both their folk and country influences. One such track from that release that perfectly showcases its eclectic sound is this song from “Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit: New Album Vol 2.”
Kat & Alex may be best known for impressing judges on American Idol, but they have also become well-recognized as country duo thanks to their emotive vocal harmonies and debut single “How Many Times,” an uptempo honky-tonk track inspired by Dwight Yoakam that should receive playlist support across Spotify and SiriusXM The Highway.
Heart Like A Truck
Country music 2022 delivered unexpected twists from mainstream stars as well as new, fierce voices emerging on the scene. Morgan Wallen led with her strong performance while Maren Morris created buzz with a reflective track and up-and-comer Carly Pearce sent an unforgiving breakup banger to country radio – something likely to resonate.
Lainey Wilson introduced legions of new fans to her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic, which blends traditional country with modern yet retro elements. Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck” single is semi-autobiographical; detailing her journey to Nashville from her small farming community via a beat up camp trailer.
American Aquarium are a Raleigh, North Carolina band led by BJ Barham’s powerful vocals. Luke Bryan has given them his approval; their track “Chicamacomico” showcases their organic country rock style.
I’m Just A Clown
Even the staunchest traditionalists had to concede that Parmalee had made something special with their summer hit “I Want You Back.” It serves as an anthem of modern love that’s simultaneously upbeat and melancholic, an emotional yet optimistic message about romantic longing that resonated deeply.
Zach Bryan may not be on many country fans’ radar, but he has quietly become one of the most iconic singers in country music. Thanks to songs like “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” he perfectly captures young person angst while showing off his potent one-liners.
Keep an eye out for Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit’s classic folk sound on “Mother, Son And Holy Ghost.” Also keep your ears peeled for American Aquarium’s BJ Barham who makes you believe in love at first sight with their stunning vocals. Additionally, don’t miss Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter duet as well as Cody Johnson’s heartfelt “Til You Can’t”. Have fun!