Melodies That Shaped My Year – 2022 Edition

Now is the time of year, 2022 has already passed me by so quickly! 2023 will soon be here and so, to mark its passing and celebrate some of my favorite songs of 2023 I wanted to do a quick recap of some of them that brought back fond memories or made for quiet reflection at home or work – these twelve stood out as being especially fitting of their year, though I could easily have put together an extensive list.
So let’s begin this list off right with The Knocks and Dragonette’s Slow Song by The Knocks. I found myself instantly entranced by Dragonette’s soothing vocals and breathtaking production, complete with visuals featuring Drag Race winner Aquaria; together they form the combination I never knew I needed: an upbeat electro-pop song featuring powerful lyrics wrapped within its rhythmic electro beats that is currently on repeat in my house, complete with my best friend knowing every lyric and singing along when ever I play it!

Jessie Ware provided us with an inspiring anthem called Free Yourself that I turn to whenever I need a boost of energy and positive vibes to lift my day. Jessie’s emotive vocals encourage listeners to open themselves up while its groove-inducing production with catchy rhythms and piano chords will have you up dancing in no time. Her live performance at Glastonbury was just as captivating – making me feel as though I were part of that crowd having the time of my life!

Hold Me Closer by Elton John and Britney Spears is an incredible collaboration, featuring three classic Elton John hits: Tiny Dancer, The One, and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart all remixed over a summer-fresh club beat. Echoing vocals combined with the dynamic vocal delivery from Britney along with bass guitar grooviness make this track unforgettable anthem that I always play while on long car journeys with friends.

Purple Disco Machine and Sophie and the Giants’ In The Dark was instantly captivating for me and I knew my best friend would appreciate its infectious energy as soon as he heard it too! Sophie’s vocals are beautifully soulful yet confident, soaring gracefully over retro-infused electro-pop/disco production featuring funky guitar licks and vibrant synths; perfect to play loud for maximum effect and let its infectious energy hypnotise us into singing along and dancing around our bedroom alone to! Many fond memories associated with this song!

Sweet Tempest, the Berlin-based Danish synth-pop duo I found this year on Spotify was my most-played artist this year. Their powerful driving beat and Luna Kira’s commanding vocals captured my heart almost immediately – becoming my go-to choice whenever I needed a release after an emotionally exhausting day and needed something upbeat and danceable to help unwind after work or simply dance my pain away! I played their music whenever I felt I needed an escape or needed an energy boost during their high-energy synth-pop production to unwind after stressful days or just dance away pain away!

Australian pop sensations Cub Sport made my list with two songs that made me very eager to share them with my friends and everyone! Always Got The Love is an upbeat piece of electro-pop music perfect for singing along that put me in an exciting summery mood immediately upon its release in June. An absolute gem that showcases Tim Nelson’s dynamic vocals over an upbeat 2-step beat, lush piano chords and synths which create an overall warm, feel-good atmosphere perfect for relaxing beach days or sunset drives.

Last month they proved me wrong when they released Replay, an absolutely mesmerizing track by Tim Nelson’s beautiful vocals which span from whispered verses to gossamer falsetto that soars effortlessly over infectious melodies. Backed by sinewy subbass, lush synths, killer Balearic beat and rhythms; Replay creates an unforgettable dance music piece with its dreamy atmosphere exuding summer-esque warmth to keep us cozy during these cold, winter days! Simply breathtaking with visuals that further add depth and warmth!

I was quite taken aback at how many upbeat songs made my list of top favourite songs, yet heartwrenching and melancholic ones also played a large part. Maro’s Saudade from Portugal’s Eurovision entry of 2022 (Which came 9th place in the final) perfectly captured what Saudade means to Portuguese listeners – its sense of nostalgia, longing and melancholia perfectly carried by Maro’s vocals and her backing vocalists created quite an intimate yet heartwarming atmosphere that won over many hearts around us and soothing atmosphere for listeners alike! It definitely gave us feels but also soothing atmospheres!

British duo Seafret have long been one of my favourite alternative/indie/folk duos and I was delighted when they released new music recently. Pictures is an exuberant nostalgia-laden track from Seafret that showcases their signature tender and passionate songwriting, highlighted by Jack Sedman’s emotive vocal delivery and subtle acoustic guitar melodies coupled with delicate piano keys for an enveloping atmosphere that I often play when seeking peace and comfort in solitude.

Soran, a Canadian singer-songwriter, has given us What If: a heartwarming song featuring his silky smooth vocals which are full of raw emotion that instantly make us feel every word he sings. I particularly enjoyed listening to the intricate acoustic guitar strumming patterns, killer beat and emotive piano chords which support Soran’s message encouraging people to stop overthinking things and live life now!

London-based alt-pop artist Siobhan Winifred’s emotionally charged sophomore single This House immediately won me over upon hearing its gorgeous vocal delivery and emotive timbre. A relatable tune that captures the pain associated with seeing an ex with someone new; wrapped within an indie pop production featuring subtle rhythms and guitar plucks creating the ideal ambience for Siobhan’s emotive, vulnerable vocals to take flight – this song often plays when I need a little space or am feeling down and alone at home alone with my thoughts – another song I play when feeling blue at home alone with myself or when in need of some emotional relief from something.

Labrinth’s song I’m Tired, from HBO’s hit series Euphoria Season 2 soundtrack, perfectly sums up what Zendaya’s character Rue is experiencing. Labrinth is such a gifted artist; I found myself listening to this hymn-like track more often since its release earlier this year than ever before – I can’t stop listening!
This list is my way of sharing songs I think you guys should listen to; songs that have made an impactful statement about life. Hopefully you enjoy my Spotify playlist below!