The end of the year is upon us, and it's time to reflect on your favorite music of 2022! Here are Luke Taylor's favorite songs of the year (in no particular order). Once you've made your own list, vote in The Current's Top 89 poll by December 19, and we'll count down your Top 89 of 2022 on Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2.

Top Songs of 2022

Listed in no particular order:

Orville Peck – “The Curse of the Blackened Eye”

Orville Peck is truly an international man of mystery; the Vancouverite by way of South Africa performs in a mask and under a pseudonym, but there’s nothing mysterious about his talent: he croons like Chris Isaak, and his Harry Nilsson-esque talent for songcraft is undeniable.

Wet Leg – “Too Late Now”

Thematically, this song feels like an updated version of Stephen Spender’s 1933 poem, “What I Expected” rounded out with a driving beat, crunchy guitars, swirling synths, and a cappella rap verses. Despite the conveyed disillusionment, there’s a thread of friendship woven in, even if it’s a bit desperate: “This world is pretty harrowing / Down we go, holding hands / If I f*** this up, I’m taking you down with me.”

Plains – “Hurricane”

Here’s another project to come out of the chemistry of friends making music together: Jess Williamson and Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield’s voices blend beautifully in this lilting and uplifting song.

Durry – “Losers Club”

It’s been fun to see Durry’s star ascending, and I was lucky enough to see them perform at the 2022 Minnesota State Fair under a gorgeous summer twilight sky at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater. It was a spirited and heartfelt performance to say the least. What I love about their song “Losers Club” is the irony in the lyrics; specifically, how Durry, who may have fallen victim to the so-called cool kids they reference in the song, are now measuring success on their own terms. This song celebrates that.

Disq – “Cujo Kiddies”

Unlike “Losers Club” or “Too Late Now,” I haven’t the foggiest idea what this song is about lyrically, but that’s totally OK. It’s got a super catchy beat and the chanted, rhythmic lyrics round out the soundscape in this slow-burner of a banger.

Lizzo – “About Damn Time”

She’s based in Los Angeles and belongs to the world now, but here in Minnesota, we still celebrate that Lizzo launched her now superstar career while living in these Twin Cities. On “About Damn Time,” not only is Lizzo singing assertive, affirming lyrics, she rocks the flute and she singlehandedly brought disco back with this dance-floor-packing track.

Dehd – “Bad Love”

This trio out of Chicago gifted us this minimalist indie rocker with an irresistible beat and equally irresistible sing-along lyrics. Full points for ending a verse with, “I got a heart full of, I got a heart full of ruh-ruh-redemption” and completing the assonance with “Yea now run baby run / Run from the bad love” in the chorus. Simply brilliant.

Maggie Rogers – “That’s Where I Am”

This song is the lead single off Rogers’ second full-length album, Surrender. Not only is it wonderful to hear new music from Maggie Rogers — who seems on track to be one of this generation’s iconic singer-songwriters — but just listening to her soaring vocals in “That’s Where I Am” is sure to boost your spirits several notches.

The Heavy Heavy – “Miles and Miles”

The Heavy Heavy visited our studio this autumn and performed this rollicking, road-tripping song just as it landed at No. 1 in The Current’s Chart Show. Not only are The Heavy Heavy an awesome band, but Georgie Fuller and Will Turner, who form the band’s nucleus, are just delightful, nice people. Watch Ayisha Jaffer’s interview with them for all the proof you need.

Angel Olsen – “Big Time”

Angel Olsen embraced a classic-country vibe to give just this wonderful waltz anchored by Olsen’s big, bold vocals.

Honorable Mentions

Bartees Strange – “Heavy Heart”

This captivating song dropped in March, shortly after Bartees Strange signed with 4AD. If the narrator of the song is dealing with some conflicting feelings, it’s expressed well not only through the lyrics but also the dynamics — the pianissimo intro verse contrasted with the drums-laden, horn-filled crescendos that follow. Bartees even leaves us with a bit of advice: “We should go to Toronto more often.” Indeed.

Caroline Polachek – “Sunset”

“Sunset” fuses what seems an “Eleanor Rigby”-inspired riff with the sounds of the Iberian peninsula to launch a pop song that transports listeners to the Mediterranean coast.

Raffaella – “BLONDE”

Just an irresistible pop song. The lyrics are well crafted, and from the first listen I thought the line about the “house in Calabasas” was just brilliant. Didn’t get to tell that to Raffaella and Jake Luppen when I randomly ran into them in the Horticulture Building at the Minnesota State Fair, but I told the two of them I loved the music all the same!

Cafuné – “Tek It”

Originally released on Cafuné’s 2021 album Running, “Tek It” got a boost from TikTok, and the band re-released it as a single. This is bright and breezy, a song that lightly bops along to lift your mood.

The Top 89 of 2022 is supported by GiantsRidge.com.