The Finest EDM Songs of 2022
EDM.com proudly publishes 4 installments of annual year-end protection: Trade Leaders, Performances, Music Producers and Songs.
The digital music manufacturing neighborhood launched new music at a dizzying price in 2022. And it will be unfair to its various vary of creators to publish a nebulous blanket checklist of the yr’s prime songs, so we have chosen 10 standard sub-genres and acknowledged 5 tracks, every chosen by members of the EDM.com employees.
Try a playlist of our prime 50 tracks of 2022 beneath, adopted by a breakdown of every particular person tune.
Home
Chris Lorenzo & COBRAH – MAMI
In 2022, tech home continued to bubble up from the underground and dominate the pageant circuit. And one observe specifically ran circles round the remainder: “MAMI,” a four-on-the-floor banger by Chris Lorenzo that includes his signature basslines and seductive vocals from COBRAH. – Ulises Vargas
The Blessed Madonna – Serotonin Moonbeams
Backed by defiant, sassy vocals from Uffie and bursting with disco-house fervor, “Serotonin Moonbeams” was The Blessed Madonna’s first unique observe since 2017. Its cathartic bridge lends to a rapturous anthem that celebrates the intrinsic bonds we’re capable of create “when serotonal circumstances are proper.” – Mikala Lugen
DJ Koze – Drone Me Up, Flashy (feat. Sophia Kennedy) [&ME Remix]
The mud is blowing within the wind. There’s not a sight for miles however the rolling hills of sand and brush. Your tongue is paper in your mouth. All of the sudden, you hear a wave of sound. A lightweight seems. If there was such a factor as a musical desert mirage, &ME has cracked the code with this enchanting tackle DJ Koze’s 2018 unique–one with the facility to each quiet a crowd and drum up a storm. – Rachel Kupfer
Dom Dolla – Miracle Maker (feat. Clementine Douglas)
Amid a busy summer time on tour, Dolla launched “Miracle Maker,” a collaboration with Clementine Douglas and one of many yr’s most anticipated home data. Whereas he is launched a number of hit tracks through the years, by no means had he produced one “that works each time,” he instructed EDM.com in an unique interview. – Carlie Belbin
Kx5 – Alive (feat. The Moth & The Flame)
In 2022, we noticed the primary full-year return to kind for membership occasions and festivals alike within the post-pandemic period. Regardless of home music’s exponential development in recognition and new creative faces that rose to the forefront even over the past yr alone, it was two of the style’s modern-day champions who finest confirmed the way it’s accomplished. deadmau5 and Kaskade’s “Alive” completely encapsulated the emotions of cautious optimism and hopefulness that mirrored sentiments of the current second. – Cameron Sunkel
Dubstep
MUST DIE! – EAT DIRT
MUST DIE! has at all times been on the cutting-edge of bass music, and he fanned the flames of that popularity with 2022’s FERAL FANTASY album. “EAT DIRT” is its first observe, and makes use of a barrage of bitcrushing, downsampling and different methods to provide an intricate drop that hits with most impression. – Lennon Cihak
CloZee & GRiZ – Shade of Your Soul
Relating to producing anthemic, feel-it-in-your-soul bass tracks, each GRiZ and CloZee are second solely to one another. So expectations had been excessive again in February, once they joined forces within the studio earlier than beautiful followers with “Shade of Your Soul,” a fervid and kaleidoscopic dubstep file. – Brian Rapaport
Determine & Lizzy Jane – Take Management
Determine and Lizzy Jane’s “Take Management” is as eerie as it’s breathtaking, a vocal-driven dubstep stunner you’ll be able to really feel in your bones. Jane’s haunting topline is a charming cry for assist, serenading us as a siren tune that leads us to a devastating drop from Determine, whose sound design is as formidable as ever. – Jason Heffler
SVDDEN DEATH – Maze of Punishment
“Maze of Punishment,” the opening observe of SVDDEN DEATH’s jaw-dropping debut album, possesses conceptual nuances extra usually present in Hollywood movie scores and fewer within the heavy bass area. Intense and masterful manufacturing sends us right into a spiral of overwhelming darkness as he reminds the world why he’s one of the crucial thrilling artists in modern-day bass music. – Nick Yopko
Ray Volpe – Laserbeam
After changing into the speak of EDC Las Vegas, Ray Volpe’s “Laserbeam” achieved the sudden honor of changing into the darkish horse tune of the summer time. The observe’s robotic vocal one-shots and spitfire synths instantly hooked and united digital music followers from all walks of life. – Cameron Sunkel
Drum & Bass
The Caracal Mission – The lights in your face.
Together with artists like IMANU, Buunshin and Tom Finster, The Caracal Mission is reinventing drum & bass as we all know it, main a legion of hungry, contrarian producers into the style’s blindingly vibrant future. Living proof is his September 2022 stunner, “The lights in your face.” – Jason Heffler
Luude & Mattafix – Large Metropolis Life
Luude’s tackle Mattafix’s “Large Metropolis Life” is a beautiful showcase of his prowess within the studio. Highlighted by growling bass, spacey synths and frenetic drums, the observe fantastically breathes new life into the timeless 2005 basic. – Konstantinos Karakolis
Noisia & IMANU – Shift
“Shift,” a standout observe from Noisia’s unbelievable farewell album, sees the legendary trio name upon IMANU for what looks like a “passing of the torch” second. Like a automotive chase by way of a cyberpunk metropolis, the observe’s breakneck beat—and its sensible sound design— will run laps in your mind. – Nick Yopko
NotLö – Maintain Me
Beloved for her filthy experimental bass sound, NotLö turned heads again in March when she dropped “Maintain Me.” Anybody who’s seen her dwell can vouch for her unbridled power, and this screeching drum & bass file is an ideal microcosm of that keenness. – Jason Heffler
HD-4884 – Closure (feat. Medina Johnson & SPIRIT SERVER)
The elusive HD-4884 noticed a breakthrough yr, however arguably their greatest blow-the-doors-off second got here with the frenzied “Closure” alongside Medina Johnson and SPIRIT SERVER. HD-4884’s hyper-computerized world accelerated into overdrive on this ferocious show of ming-bending sound design, turbo-drive drums and simply the correct quantity of managed chaos to depart you questioning the place this heater is dashing turbulently in direction of with every passing second. – Cameron Sunkel
Entice/Bass
Nitepunk – Black and Colours
Nitepunk’s high-energy, multi-genre originals didn’t disappoint because the producer made his mark on the pageant circuit in 2022. Chief amongst them is “Black and Colours,” a observe marked by a mix of bliss and chew. The observe builds anticipation with breakbeat-style pickups earlier than hammering the association residence with fierce, barking bass and booming 808s. It’s a tune that aptly demonstrates why Nitepunk is a switchblade bass music producer nicely price watching out for in 2023. – Cameron Sunkel
Moore Kismet – Wasteland
Moore Kismet’s “Wasteland” mockingly accommodates no trash and solely treasures. Pushed by their revolutionary method to sound design, Kismet’s meteoric rise into the limelight has helped catalyze a paradigm shift in modern-day lure music. And “Wasteland” might simply be the turnabout’s soundtrack. – Lennon Cihak
TroyBoi – By no means Felt This Approach
Pioneering lure producer TroyBoi kicked off 2022 with “By no means Felt This Approach,” and whereas he launched a bevy of data in its wake, the observe held its personal as his better of the yr. Equal components haunting and eloquent, the tune begins with an attractive violin solo earlier than TroyBoi plunges headlong into his signature woozy sound design. – Carlie Belbin
Whyte Fang – 333
When Alison Wonderland revived her Whyte Fang alias in late 2021, little did she know simply how a lot of an impression she’d have. Replete with chilling vocal samples, distorted drums and mind-bending sound design, the minimal but relentless “333” is a primary instance of Whyte Fang’s artistic prowess. – Konstantinos Karakolis
SHADES – Darkish Wing
Followers of Alix Perez and Eprom’s collaborative SHADES undertaking perceive the extraordinary expertise at play. “Darkish Wing,” which appeared on the duo’s astonishing From a Vein album, is a microcosm of their brilliance, shortly rising as one in all their most prized tracks. Because of its deep, enveloping bass, it curates an ominous ambiance that feels such as you’re being sucked deep into an ocean the place gentle can’t attain. – Nick Yopko
Future Bass/Wave
barnacle boi – 222 (feat. throwmance)
Extensively thought to be one of many pioneers of the burgeoning Wave style, barnacle boi produces atmospheric bass and haunting melodies in “222.” That includes an emotive vocal efficiency from promising rapper throwmance, the charming observe alchemizes distorted bass, eerie synths and rattling hi-hats for a Wave basic that fanned the flames of barnacle boi’s breakout yr. – Konstantinos Karakolis
Brothel – Operating Up That Hill
When Kate Bush’s “Operating Up That Hill” discovered new life in Netflix’s hit sci-fi collection Stranger Issues, remixes from digital music artists got here in droves. But it surely was Brothel who rose to the highest along with his gothic twist on the 1985 basic. Regardless of working as one of many Wave scene’s most enigmatic producers, his popularity as a prevailing pioneer is unassailable. – Jason Heffler
Flume – Go
Like a stroll by way of a meadow within the spring, “Go,” off of Flume’s sensible third album, Palaces, is lush and natural. A stark distinction to the favored sounds of future bass, the observe samples biomusic and nature, with vibrant manufacturing that lends to one of the crucial uplifting songs in his discography. Flume’s potential to stoke emotion with only a smattering of intelligible lyrics is nothing wanting masterful, and completely demonstrates why he is the style’s most influential artist. – Nick Yopko
Dillon Francis – Do not Let Me Let Go (With ILLENIUM & EVAN GIIA)
The debut of “Dillenium” didn’t disappoint within the slightest. With “Don’t Let Me Let Go,” Dillon Francis and ILLENIUM discovered the precise mixture of hovering sound design and heartstring-tugging lyrics to depart an enduring impression on pageant audiences. The observe was hotly anticipated after a yr of being teased on the street, however right here and now—over six months after its launch—it’s continued to brush a sea of feelings over followers worldwide. – Cameron Sunkel
ROSSY – Heaven
Again in Might, ROSSY stomped onto Zeds Lifeless’s Deadbeats label with “Heaven,” a wistful and cinematic banger. Her saturated kick drums punch by way of the combo with sniper precision, clearing the best way for crescendoing synths to course by way of , just like the speeding water of a river after a storm. – Jason Heffler
Techno
Daphni – Cherry
Crystalline synths glisten like raindrops on this maximalist techno observe, which doubles because the title for the 2022 album it calls residence (discuss hand-picked). Paired with undulating percussive rhythms and futuristic plucks, “Cherry” gallops like a unicorn sprinting by way of the underworld—we’re merely alongside for the trip on Daphni’s technicolor warehouse fantasy. – Rachel Kupfer
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Deborah De Luca – Is Mine (feat. Valeria Mancini)
It’s secure to say that late 90s to early 2000s nostalgia is having a second proper now, however the results of that craving have primarily targeted on home and bass music. So it is sensible that the bubblegum pop and soulful R&B sounds of the previous would finally permeate the audio system of the underground. Properly, they’re lastly right here, launched by none apart from techno darling Deborah de Luca.
And what tune would de Luca select to wave that turn-of-the-millenium flag into the darkish corners of the dancefloor? None apart from the quintessential 1998 love quarrel anthem, “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica. Thumping techno beats and an R&B feminine rivalry that has endured a long time? Sure, please. – Ulises Vargas
Rinzen – Passive Aggressive Robotic
In his quest to craft cinematic, world-building techno, Rinzen facilities “Passive Aggressive Robotic” on “envisioning a near-future world dominated by (annoying snarky) AI.” Sharp-edged synths slice by way of a relentless kick whereas an eerie robotic sounds alarms and fires warnings by way of the tune’s development. – Saad Masood
Moby – Go (Anfisa Letyago Remix)
There’s a purpose Anfisa Letyago has been known as a part of the “new technology” by the legendary Carl Cox. The Class of 2022 star has actually helped form the trajectory of techno as of late whereas remaining carefully in tune with the classics.
Her remix of Moby’s “Go” stands as a primary instance. Whereas it’d ordinarily show a tall activity to deliver one thing refreshing to such a multi-decade basic, Letyago had been subconsciously making ready for this second for years. In actual fact, “Go” was among the many first songs she tried to bootleg remix when she started producing in 2012. Evidently, she was able to deliver her cinematic model of techno to this timeless dance hit, and write a brand new chapter in its storied saga. – Cameron Sunkel
Risa Taniguchi – Juggler
A darkish and spellbinding techno file, “Juggler” by Tokyo’s Risa Taniguchi lives as much as its identify. She juggles robotic, frenetic vocal samples, digital results that sound like they’re from a retro laptop and, after all, a pulsing beat to provide a techno observe that engrosses you fully. – Nick Yopko
Synthwave
Carpenter Brut – The Widow Maker (feat. Gunship)
A monster collaboration from two of the largest acts in synthwave, “The Widow Maker” is a supercharged, metal-infused anthem that injects pure adrenaline into your veins. With onerous rock vocals, dramatic clashes, loads of guitar and driving synths, “The Widow Maker” takes the nostalgic, area of interest style and adapts it for an area. – Nick Yopko
Dance With the Lifeless – March of the Lifeless (feat. John Carpenter & Cody Carpenter)
Inside a nanosecond of “March of the Lifeless,” you realize you are in bother. Taking a web page out of AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” playbook, Californian duo Dance With the Lifeless kick off the observe with foreboding bells and set the tone for the observe’s horror-tinged association. What follows is a riveting mix of electro, steel and synthwave that options illustrious movie composer John Carpenter and his son Cody, an esteemed musician in his personal proper. – Jason Heffler
Adieu Aru – Launch
Adieu Aru’s impactful observe “Launch” accommodates all of the bells and whistles of a synthwave anthem: complementary sound FX, emotive chord progressions, charming melodies and percussion that beautifully aligns with the emotion of the association. – Lennon Cihak
The Goondock Saint – The Evening Driver
Synthwave music is synonymous with late-night drives, and this observe by The Goondock Saint transports us instantly behind the wheel. Cinematic pads, warbling bass and fluttering arpeggios glide effortlessly by way of the association of “The Evening Driver,” an instrumental that appears to make time stand nonetheless. – Jason Heffler
Kasablanca – Immunity
As producers, vocalist, and dwell analog synth performers, Kasablanca are quickly rising as a triple risk to look at. Moreover, the duo’s sound embodies an inimitable mix of synthwave, melodic techno and even trance which has additional put them in charge of their very own future.
There’s no higher help we are able to level to for these assertions than the titular observe off 2022’s Immunity EP on Anjunabeats, a colourful, 80’s-inspired earworm. The file illustrates Kasablanca’s expertise in composing melodic, visceral soundscapes. Via Kasablanca’s deeply entrancing sound design, “Immunity” stimulates tour senses from begin to end. – Carlie Belbin and Cameron Sunkel
Midtempo
Opiuo – Dopamine
“Dopamine” kicks off with an expertly crafted, palpably uncooked stress that rises with every passing second. A hefty bass drop ensues, replete with Opiuo’s signature sound design. The funky and hard-hitting endeavor packs fairly the punch with its barrage of acid-inspired bass, oozing with unrelenting power. And it is all paired flawlessly with alluring vocals from his spouse, Naajee. – Mikala Lugen
Zeds Lifeless & Blanke – The Machines
Zeds Lifeless’s collaboration with Class of 2022 artist Blanke, “The Machines,” solely served to bolster them on the cutting-edge of digital music. Contrasting a haunting riff and metallic bass stabs with an eerie soliloquy about an automaton takeover, “The Machines” is a shocking showcase of its creators’ manufacturing skills. – Konstantinos Karakolis
Rome In Silver – Idiot 2022
Idiot us as soon as, disgrace on you, Rome in Silver. Idiot us twice? We’ll take it.
This yr noticed Rome in Silver breathe new life into 2019’s seductive banger “Idiot,” a breakthrough file for the digital music virtuoso on the time. This time round, nonetheless, he dunked the observe right into a midtempo batter, producing a a lot darker rendition that runs roughshod with filthy stabs and piercing 808s. – Jason Heffler
WHIPPED CREAM & The Duchess – Be Right here (La La La)
An antihero is born amongst the majestic rumble and grumble of this WHIPPED CREAM single, arguably her heaviest launch of the yr. It’s no marvel she’s develop into a soundtrack staple for video video games like VALORANT, Rocket League and Paladins—WHIPPED CREAM’s work by no means fails to embody the herculean ethoses of these titles with seamless simplicity, leading to sonic climaxes befit for a visible journey or a pageant mainstage. – Rachel Kupfer
Rezz & Dove Cameron – Style of You
Rezz and Dove Cameron teamed up on one of the crucial irresistibly catchy midtempo songs of the yr, “Style of You,” a observe that’s concurrently haunting, alluring and even a bit harmful. Rezz has owned the midtempo lane for a variety of years, nevertheless it’s clear primarily based on “Style Of You”—along with the remainder of 2022’s Spiral LP—that she’s nonetheless breaking new floor in ways in which evoke the identical emotions of intrigue inside us as when she first broke onto the scene.
From a songwriting perspective, Rezz continues to aspire increased and her work alongside Cameron proved significantly synergistic, with a mixture of hair-raising lyrics and hard-hitting distortion that bounces round in our heads lengthy after it is over. – Cameron Sunkel
Dance-Pop
Gryffin – Scandalous (with Tinashe)
“Scandalous” is an brisk single that pairs Gryffin’s immaculate manufacturing abilities with Tinashe’s empowering vocals. The observe is brief, nevertheless it packs a punch from the primary bar. It’s the right amalgamation of dance, pop and home with that signature Gryffin sizzle. – Lennon Cihak
Aluna, Diplo & Durante – Neglect About Me
Solar-kissed manufacturing and infectious hooks are the hallmarks of “Neglect About Me,” a sensible file from Aluna, Diplo and Durante. Bridging deep home manufacturing with playful pop panache, the instrumental makes for the right canvas for Aluna’s distinct and highly effective vocals. And she or he delivered in one of many yr’s prime dance crossover hits. – Konstantinos Karakolis
Zedd, Maren Morris & BEAUZ – Make You Say
In case you did not really feel outdated but, 2022 marked 5 years since Zedd and Maren Morris teamed up for “The Center.” However the two reunited this yr for “Make You Say,” tapping red-hot dance music duo BEAUZ for the bubbly observe, which Zedd stated represented “the kickoff of a brand new chapter” after its launch. It is a charming and quirky earworm that doubles as a phlegmatic center finger to an ex who blew their likelihood. – Jason Heffler
Elton John & Britney Spears – Maintain Me Nearer
It’s Britney and Elton, bitch. On the heels of being free of the shackles of her 13-year-long conservatorship, Britney Spears partnered with Sir Elton John for the rework nobody knew they wanted. Titled “Maintain Me Nearer,” the file is a reimagining of John’s 1972 basic, “Tiny Dancer.” The only debuted on the prime of the Billboard Scorching Dance/Digital Chart and has been remixed by Joel Corry and Purple Disco Machine. – Ulises Vargas
Joel Corry, David Guetta & Bryson Tiller – What Would You Do?
David Guetta had a sometimes monster yr in 2022, but when there was one side that stood out, it was his chameleon-like versatility. Sooner or later he’d drop an electrifying “future rave” banger, and the following he’d launch a observe like “What Would You Do?” Created in collaboration with producer-of-the-moment Joel Corry and chart-topping “Wild Ideas” singer Bryson Tiller, the pop-house hybrid was an on the spot hit after its March launch. – Jason Heffler
Trance
NWYR & Wiwek – Cocoon
Initially identified for his or her huge room sounds, W&W have created a brand new alias for his or her latest trance productions: NWYR. 2022 noticed the Dutch duo launch a slew of trance data, however “Cocoon,” a riveting collaboration with jungle terror pioneer Wiwek, showcases the fruits of their trance-fueled labor. – Ulises Vargas
Tritonal & Sarah de Warren – Indicators
Tritonal launched their 18-track album, Coalesce, on Enhanced Music within the fall of 2022 with a powerful slate of vocalists and collaborations, however “Indicators” (with an effervescent Sarah de Warren) stands tall amongst the others. It’s a blissful latticework of slow-burning progressions, beautiful sound design and atmospheric soundscapes that carries an unfettered emotion all through the whole association. – Lennon Cihak
ILLENIUM – From the Ashes (feat. Skylar Gray) [Paul van Dyk Remix]
German trance powerhouse Paul van Dyk is selective about his remixes as of late, however when he commits, he by no means ceases to seamlessly thread the needle between his personal wheelhouse of uplifting trance sounds and what’s breaking within the dance music scene at giant.
Few could have guessed van Dyk’s lush trance soundscapes would meld flawlessly with the incendiary sounds of ILLENIUM, however right here we’re. Just like ILLENIUM’s method, van Dyk brings each the bliss and the chew with this multi-drop effort, juxtaposing grinding basslines along with his signature hovering synths. – Cameron Sunkel
Andrew Rayel – Lifeline
Evoking an intense sense of nostalgia, Andrew Rayel’s “Lifeline” makes you’re feeling such as you’re reliving the second you first stepped foot right into a music pageant. Visceral vocals, uplifting synths and basic trance leads instantaneously transport you again to those reminiscences as you shut your eyes and take within the sound. – Nick Yopko
Andrew Bayer & Purple Dragons – DNA
Andrew Bayer’s double-album, “Duality,” was one of many yr’s finest. “DNA” is a bona fide standout from the expansive file, a shocking, vocal-driven trance anthem with tinctures of electro and a haunting breakdown that sends shivers out of your neck to your toes. A stentorian vocal efficiency from Purple Dragons is icing on the cake. – Jason Heffler