Top 20 Pop Songs of 2022: The Ultimate Playlist (Updated) 

Pop music encompasses diverse styles, sounds and influences with mass appeal. Characterized by infectious melodies, feel-good rhythms and relatable themes, pop continuously evolves to match modern tastes.
This article curates the 20 best pop songs that dominated 2022 selected for their popularity, quality and impact. These catchy hits captured hearts worldwide across charts, radio and streaming.
Below is a convenient table of top 20 pop songs 2022 playlist to explore. Click each track to jump to its description and video. From emotive to upbeat, these tunes showcase the year's very best the genre offered. Let the epic musical journey begin!

Song Title 

Top 20 Pop Songs 2022

As It Was (2022)

As It Was is an 80s-inspired pop rock track and lead single from Harry Styles' third studio album Harry's House. It was released on 1 April 2022 to critical and commercial success debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features synth melodies, an infectious chorus and lyrics about change and nostalgia. Styles' vocals are earnest and melancholy as he sings about leaving a lover behind.

About Damn Time (2022)

An energetic disco-pop anthem, About Damn Time is the lead single from Lizzo's 2022 album Special. It became Lizzo's second number-one Billboard hit. The triumphant lyrics celebrate self-love and freedom. Propulsive funk guitar and a thumping beat drive this feel-good track. Lizzo's powerful vocals and positive message made this an instant crowd-pleaser.

Heat Waves (2022)

Heat Waves by British band Glass Animals saw a surge in popularity in 2022. This psychedelic pop song musically pairs laid-back instrumentation with deeply emotive lyrics about longing and desire. Dave Bayley's subdued vocals coupled with tropical percussion and rich synth textures create a hypnotic and bittersweet vibe. The track peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2022.

Stay (2022)

This pop ballad by Australian singer The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 7 consecutive weeks. Its success carried over into 2022. The lyrics express not wanting to end a relationship with Bieber and LAROI's smooth vocals cascading over a mellow beat. It was one of the biggest hits of the year.

Cold Heart (2022)

This collab between Elton John and Dua Lipa mixes the classic Rocket Man with Lipa Sacrifice to infectious effect. The dance-pop track integrates lyrics from several Elton John hits into a thumping four-on-the-floor beat. It claimed the number one spot on Billboard's dance chart for an entire year. Dua Lipa and Elton John's vocals blend seamlessly on this joyous and nostalgic track.

First Class (2022)

First Class is the lead single from rapper Jack Harlow's second studio album. This hip hop track samples Fergie's Glamorous to braggadocious effect. Harlow flexes about his first-class lifestyle over slick production blending old-school and modern hip hop. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Harlow's first single to top the chart.

Super Gremlin (2022)

Florida rapper Kodak Black scored one of the biggest hits of his career with Super Gremlin. This hip hop track dominated streaming and radio throughout 2022. Kodak spits aggressive bars about loyalty and dysfunctional relationships over menacing synths. His distinctive flow paired with quotable punchlines made Super Gremlin an inescapable street anthem.

Enemy (2022)

Enemy unites rock band Imagine Dragons with rapper JID over intense production. This pop rock/hip hop hybrid track comes from Imagine Dragons' fifth album Mercury - Act 1. The cryptic lyrics explore failing relationships and mental health struggles. JID's rapid-fire verse complements lead singer Dan Reynolds' snarling vocals perfectly to deliver one of the most explosive collabs of the year.

Woman (2022)

Doja Cat oozes confidence on this sultry R&B track celebrating feminine power. Woman gained traction as a single in 2022. Doja Cat asserts her dominance and sexuality over breathy vocals and slick modern production. Empowering lyrics and Doja signature style made this an anthem for women everywhere.

Shivers (2022)

Ed Sheeran brings his soulful signature sound on this pop ballad pining for an ex-lover. It climbed the charts steadily into 2022. Layered vocals, staccato guitar, snappy percussion and heartfelt lyrics about longing make Shivers an intimate confession of emotions. Sheeran's knack for captivating melody earned this song consistent radio play and fan love.

Ghost (2022)

Justin Bieber's emotive pop ballad Ghost lingered as a fan favorite into 2022.  Haunting vocals pair with an understated R&B melody. Bieber laments the end of a relationship singing he will even settle for memories over completely losing his ex. Vulnerable lyrics and his trademark falsetto made 'Ghost' a standout modern heartbreak anthem.

Easy On Me (2022)

Adele made her long-awaited comeback in 2021 with this soaring piano ballad. As the lead single from album 30, Easy On Me dominated charts through 2022. Adele pleads for understanding from a lover after a life-changing decision lyrically. Her powerhouse vocals and evocative storytelling deliver an emotional gut-punch. It spent 10 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Industry Baby (2022)

This collaboration between rappers Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow became one of the hottest hip hop hits of 2022. It spent multiple weeks at number one on Billboard's rap charts. The duo celebrates their success and wealth with colorful lyricism over a funky beat and blaring horns. The bombastic music video showing them breaking out of prison garnered significant buzz. It became both an earworm and cultural phenomenon.

Bad Habits (2022)

Ed Sheeran embraced a darker sound than usual with this electronic-tinged pop track. Bad Habits slowly rose to the top of charts in 2022. Vampiric lyrics detail late nights of hedonism to cope with pain. Sleek production and layered vocals add a moody atmosphere. Sheeran also wore fangs and an outfit covered in blood for the memorable music video.

Need to Know (2022)

Seductive and laid back, this mellow track popularity extended through 2022. Flirty lyrics express attraction but wanting to take things slow. Doja's versatile flow glides over dreamy spaced-out production with R&B flavors. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Global 200 in August 2022.

Hrs And Hrs (2022)

Rising R&B songstress Muni Long dominated adult R&B radio throughout 2022 with her smash single Hrs & Hrs.The laidback track celebrates romantic and sexual fulfillment. Long's sultry vocals glide over a mellow guitar loop as she croons about intimacy, sensuality and losing track of time with her lover. It peaked at number one on Billboard's US R&B chart.

ABCDEFU (2022)

Seventeen-year-old newcomer Gayle captured Gen Z angst perfectly on this cathartic tongue-in-cheek kiss-off anthem. ABCDEFU became a sleeper hit in 2022. Gayle belts empowered lyrics over distorted guitars embracing moving on from heartbreak. Her raw vocals combined with an infectious melody helped this track connect widely and dominate pop radio.

Bam Bam (2022)

Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran teamed up for this sunny pop jam about resilience after a breakup. Bam Bam mixes Latin rhythms and Sheeran's signature guitar sound. The lyrics find Cabello processing her emotions through the metaphor of nature cycles. The track breezy vibe and singalong melody bring catharsis despite the sad topic. It reached number one on adult contemporary radio.

Unholy (2022)

This smash collaboration between Sam Smith and Kim Petras dominated both pop and dance charts in the latter half of 2022. The influence of its blasphemous lyrics created some controversy. But the undeniable groove of the production and the chemistry between the two vocalists propelled it to viral success. It landed both artists their first number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Wait For U (2022)

Rappers Future and Drake joined forces with vocalist Tems on this silky R&B slow jam. As a single from Future's album 'I Never Liked You,' 'Wait For U' topped urban radio charts all summer long. The lyrics speak on self-improvement and seeking true love. Driven by Tems' sweet hook and a chill beat, 'Wait For U' exemplified the blend of rap and R&B dominating 2022.