Ten of the best songs of the year, as selected by Associated Press entertainment journalists.
STEVE LACY, “BAD HABIT”
It took nearly three months, but Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has continued to thrive. The multi-genre song, a single from his album “Gemini Rights,” became the first record to ever top the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot R&B, Hot Rock and and Alternative songs chart simultaneously. It became popular over the summer after many on social media including celebrities Hailey Bieber and Charlie D’Amelio used the song while promoting their brands. With a funky bassline, Lacy shows some regret after missing an opportunity to approach a love interest.
— Jonathan Landrum Jr.
HARRY STYLES, “AS IT WAS”
Harry Styles was everywhere in 2022 pop culture, from his much-anticipated new album “Harry’s House,” to his massive tour and most notably being in the middle of the behind-the-scenes chaos surrounding the film “Don’t Worry Darling.” Styles could take some advice from the lyrics to his chart-topper “As It Was,” a bittersweet and brightly packaged bop: “Nothing to say/when everything gets in the way.” The song is deceptively upbeat with a jingly synth-pop beat and a little kid’s voice as the intro and wedding bells at the end. But the lyrics are self-referentially melancholic as he accepts the reality of change that even he is not quite ready for. Thank you to the year’s leading man for giving everyone a lot to talk and sing about.
— Kristin M. Hall
BEYONCÉ, “CUFF IT”
If you scroll through social media, you won’t have to wait long before you see viral videos of groups from young to old performing choreographed routines to Beyoncé’s “Cuff It.” The feel good, dance track captures the spirit of fun, romance and infatuation all in nearly four minutes of music, and while that’s longer than most radio hits these days, the song leaves you wishing Queen Bey would’ve extended the track even more. If you feel like falling in love or need a flirty boost, keep this track on repeat.