Staff Picks: Our Top Songs of 2022

Our team at The Nash News are proud lovers of country music. Deciding which songs should make the year-end list was tough, but these songs helped get us through 2022. Check out our list to see if your favorites were chosen.

Rachel Fain - President and Founder

"Oklahoma Smokeshow" by Zach Bryan

"Tennessee Orange" by Megan Moroney

"Hideaway" by Brett Eldredge

Runner Up: "Hair Salon" by Megan Moroney

Lauren Hill - VP of Country Music, Head of Sales and Partnerships

"Til You Can't" by Cody Johnson

"One Mississippi" by Kane Brown

"Last Night Lonely" by Jon Pardi

Runner Up: "The Kind Of Love We Make" by Luke Combs

Jena Fowler - Managing Editor

"MARILYN" by Kelsea Ballerini

For every Kelsea Ballerini project, she takes it upon herself to write one song completely alone and “MARILYN” was that specific track for her latest LP, SUBJECT TO CHANGE. While I love the whole album, “MARILYN” immediately stuck out in the best way as Ballerini uses her empathetic songwriting prowess to dig into the story of Marilyn Monroe. The first time I heard it, I stopped in my tracks and immediately hit the replay button so I could listen intently to the thoughtful and delicate lyricism which shines the brightest during the chorus. She sings, “Was it worth it to seem so perfect? / Blonde and curves didn't keep you from your skeletons / Was it lonely, show pony? Did you miss Norma Jeane / Or did you always wanna be Marilyn?”

"Seeing Someone Else" by Ingrid Andress

Ingrid Andress is one of my favorite contemporary country singers. She seamlessly makes country music feel relevant and trendy, something many of her peers fail to do. “Seeing Someone Else” is a powerhouse track that blends steel guitar with pop music elements to make a banger of a tune. The way Andress’ vocals ring in the chorus is powerful and infectious and I love the specific line, "I bet you wish I was the girl that you met / Out at a bar making a mess of 23."

"winner" by Nicolle Galyon

Songwriter Nicolle Galyon has been penning some of Nashville’s biggest hits for years, but this year, Galyon took a big step and put out her first autobiographical album, firstborn. The entire album hosts many of my favorite songs of the year, but the lead single “winner” has stuck with me since I first heard it. The opening verse is strikingly vulnerable and despite the storytelling being specific and personal to Galyon, it is still very relatable and those are my favorite kinds of songs.

Runner Ups: "Humble Quest" by Maren Morris, "Bonfire At Tina's" by Ashley McBryde

Lesley Janes - Editorial Coordinator

"Wild As Her" by Corey Kent

From the very beginning of this song, I was captivated. Kent has an alluring quality to his voice that paired perfectly with this track. Rock and country are infused to create something totally unique, which can hard to accomplish in this day and age. Co-written by Morgan Wallen, the song has a soaring chorus that can hook anyone in. The bridge alone can strike anyone right in the heart. I hadn't heard any of Kent's previous work, but now I consider myself a fan.

"Strangers" by Maddie & Tae

Maddie & Tae have long been one of my favorite acts in country music. Their style is refreshingly authentic, singing about topics not always addressed. They make everyone who listens to their music feel empowered. This song in particular is a timeless love song that couldn't fit their voices more beautifully. They find a way to sing about seeing forever with someone feel new, even though that message has been sung before. The two installments of EPs they released this year offer some of my favorite songs of 2022.

"Muscle Memory" by Kelsea Ballerini

There are some songs that immediately become ingrained in your head after just one listen. This song from Ballerini proved to be both catchy and like a breath of fresh air. She sings about catching up with an old flame, and it feels as effortless as ever. I found myself carrying the melody for days after listening, and the lyrics still reside in my brain. It's almost as if you can feel the fun she's having while recording the song. The entire album contains great material, but there is no doubt this song stands out.

Runner Ups: "Girl On Fire" by Kameron Marlowe, "You, Me, And Jesus" by Lainey Wilson

Do you like going to concerts? You can get $20 OFF your first order at SeatGeek! Use promo code: THENASHNEWS at checkout.

To hear more of country music’s best new releases, head to our Playlists Page and follow The Nash New Releases playlist on Spotify. For the latest in country music news follow The Nash News on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, and don’t miss our brand new newsletter!

Please note that this article may have affiliate links or The Nash News may receive compensation. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.