The best summer songs of 2022

Our look back at the best summer songs of yesteryear continue with 2022. Now two years ago (!!), it's still fresh in the memory but has plenty of sunny bangers you can remember fondly and vividly. 

So, are you planning on squeezing in some barbecues, parties, late nights and whatever else the summer compels you to do and are in need of some summery tunes? Then here are the best summer songs of 2022 to see out the summer with a bang. 

Break My Soul - Beyoncé

This year, Beyoncé dropped her hotly anticipated album Renaissance. It’s full of dance bangers and 'Break My Soul' was the lead single that instantly stole our hearts. It’s groovy as hell and with lyrics like "I just fell in love and I just quit my job" and the chorus "you won't break my soul", it’s clearly a summer vibe. 

Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush

Stranger Things brought Kate Bush's tune 'Running Up That Hill' back into the charts decades after its release. Emotional and ethereal, it’s no wonder it struck a chord with viewers all over the world (including those who weren’t even born when it was first released). It’s always brilliant to see a fantastic piece of art get the recognition it deserves years on.

As It Was - Harry Styles 

This one doesn't need much of an explanation. Fusing elements of funk, pop, and indie, As It Was almost instantly secured its title of one of the best summer songs of 2022. Catchy + upbeat + dreamy synths = summer hit.

Heat Waves - Glass Animals

Yeah, 'Heat Waves' was released in 2020, but it’s a sleeper hit (a song that didn’t immediately take off but received attention later on). It’s the 3rd longest charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 and it’s clear to see why. It’s warm, catchy, and has a nostalgic air about it.

About Damn Time - Lizzo 

Where have you been if you haven’t heard pop queen Lizzo’s 'About Damn Time'? Irresistibly feel-good, the music and lyrics are so damn confident and reassuring without being overly flashy, cocky, or unrelatable. 

Black Summer - Red Hot Chili Peppers

On a different vibe, the Chili’s welcomed their much-adored guitarist John Frusciante back into the band recently. And 'Black Summer' was the band's first tune with him in 16 years. The fusion of funk and rock with Frusciante’s ethereal guitar playing makes 'Black Summer' the summer song for rock fans. 

Sweetest Pie - Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa

A collab between the biggest, hardest rapper and pop princess Dua Lipa was obviously going to go down well. 'Sweetest Pie' does an immaculate job of putting you in a great mood. Oozing with confidence and beauty, it’s definitely one of the baddest summer songs of 2022.

21 Reasons - Nathan Dawe, Ella Henderson 

Sampling iconic dance track 'Calabria', '21 Reasons' effortlessly sauntered its way onto our list. The original (and its many other remixes and interpretations) already had a summery vibe, but Ella Henderson’s bright vocals took it from summery to a straight-up tropical holiday. 

B.O.T.A (Baddest Of Them All) - Eliza Rose, Interplanetary Criminal

If you spend too much time scrolling through TikTok, you’ll know this tune. Bringing back the 90s house sound, 'B.O.T.A' is a certified banger. From the synths to the vocals, everything is perfect for revelling beneath the summer sun with your millionth cocktail in hand. 

Down Under - Luude, Colin Hay 

Massive festival vibes if you ask us. The build up is perfect for any live performances or DJ sets, increasing anticipation nicely but not leading the listener on forever. The drop is energetic enough to bounce around under the sun to, but also laidback enough for you to chill to while sipping a beer. Lovely. 

Seventeen Going Under - Sam Fender 

A massive tune from the ambitious Geordie Sam Fender, 'Seventeen Going Under' tackles heavy themes over a delightful instrumental. It’s definitely a festival or gig anthem with incredibly “belt at the top of your lungs” lyrics. The tune is incredibly youthful and carefree, therefore perfect for summer. Especially when driving. 

Big Energy - Latto, Mariah Carey, DJ Khaled 

Funk almost always has a feel-good quality about it. So fusing funk with pop and rap was bound to be delicious. It’s heavenly, fun, light hearted and can kick any party up a notch. It’s about time a tune like this was released.

Bad Habit - Steve Lacy 

Whether you enjoy this banger sped up, slowed down or just right, there's no denying how much of an earworm it is. Steve Lacy has been an industry darling for many years do it was worth it to see him have a certified chart dominator with 'Bad Habit'.

Afraid To Feel - LF System 

Another track that spent the summer either blasting out of speakers or sitting in a DJ's queue, 'Afraid To Feel' reeks of the 2022 sunshine. It didn't matter where you spent your summer this year, whether at the super clubs of Ibiza or your mate's kitchen, you heard this house song at least a handful of times. 

There were so many killer summer songs in 2022. But there were some crackers back in the day too.. Check out the best songs in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.