Billboard’s Best Country Songs of 2022: A Year in Country Music Blueprint

In 2022, country music plateaued as a cultural force with a cohesive yet dynamic slate of hits that defined an era—intense storytelling, genre fusion, and unapologetic authenticity. Billboard’s “Best Country Songs of 2022: Top Hits” spotlighted tracks that not only dominated charts but also captured the emotional pulse of a nation navigating change. From fiery anthems to heartfelt ballads, the year presented a mosaic of voices that blended tradition with innovation, reflecting both personal struggles and collective resilience.

The playlist stood out for its balance: singles that topped music charts while resonating deeply with listeners across demographics, signaling country’s broadening appeal. Tracks stood out not only for commercial success but for their lyrical precision and production craft, marking a year where storytelling remained central to the genre’s power.

Top Key Songs That Defined Country Music Crowned in 2022

These hits defined Billboard’s rankings not just by streaming numbers and satellite sales, but by their ability to spark conversation, influence playlists, and anchor year-end retrospectives. - **"About Damn Time" by Luke Combs** Fueled by a sticky, up-tempo rhythm and Combs’ raw, soulful delivery, this track became the defining single of 2022. With its empowering theme of finally choosing joy despite life’s chaos, “About Damn Time” dominated radio and streaming platforms for months.

Billboard praised its "irresistible groove and universal message," calling it “a triumph of rhythm and emotional timing that elevated the year’s most-streamed song." Its cultural footprint extended beyond country—earning cross-genre accolades and cementing Combs as a modern country torchbearer. - **"When I Was Your Man" by Maren Morris** Morris delivered a searing, introspective reimagining of a classic, delivering a powerful vocal performance that underscored themes of regret and lost connection. The song’s harmonic complexity and Morris’ emotive phrasing drew comparisons to country’s soul-adjacent roots.

As Billboard noted, “This track proved that reinvention remains potent in country, with Morris transforming vulnerability into an anthem of introspection that resonated deeply in 2022’s emotionally charged climate.” - **"First Person Shooter" by Zach Brown** poke into the year’s gritty encore, Zach Brown’s title track stood out for its gritty realism and blistering rock-tinged production within a country framework. A narrative of defiance and resilience, it captured the year’s undercurrent of personal struggle. The song topped country radio and earned praise for “refusing easy sentimentality, instead channeling raw life experience into a punchy, memorable hit.” It became a fan favorite, illustrating country’s growing embrace of genre-blurring edge.

- **"If Anything Happens I Lose You" by Morgan Wallen** Though shadowed by controversy, Wallen’s duet retained momentum as a chart-topping ballad. Its tender lyrics about enduring love amid life’s uncertainties struck a chord, supported by a soaring vocal performance. Billboard identified it as “a testament to storytelling’s staying power—even in turbulent times,” highlighting how emotional authenticity continues to drive country’s commercial trajectory.

- **"I’ll See You in Your Dreams" by Mickey Guyton** Guyton’s soul-stirring ballad delivered tender longing wrapped in a reflective tone, blending country sensibilities with R&B-influenced production. The song earned acclaim for “bridging regional and urban tastes, showing country’s expanding emotional and stylistic palettes.” Its placement on the charts reflected a growing appetite for nuanced, character-driven narratives. - **"Chasing Eric" by Chris Stapleton** Stapleton’s return to form shone brightest in “Chasing Eric,” a restrained yet urgent plea about love lost and regret fertile.

Stapleton’s gravelly vocals and understated arrangement emphasized vulnerability, receiving praise for “a masterclass in emotional restraint—proving that understatement can be powerful.” The track’s inclusion underscored 2022 as a year of depth over spectacle. - **"Body Like a Backroad" by Cody Jinks** Jinks’ gritty, roots-infused anthem broke through with a narrative rooted in working-class authenticity and resistance. The song’s blend of Americana twang and modern production impressed critics, with Billboard recognizing it as “a compelling narrative of resilience that speaks to country’s enduring connection to place and heritage.” - **" suburbs + comas + bulletproof" by Kelsea Ballerini** Ballerini’s blend of youthful confidence and lyrical complexity defined this standout.

With its catchy hook and honest exploration of self-discovery, it captured millennial country’s crossover appeal. Critics noted its “upbeat yet introspective tone,” marking it as emblematic of 2022’s more confident, self-assured female voices in country. - **"The Outlaw in Me" by Chris Stapleton (revisited)** Though released earlier, Stapleton’s “The Outlaw in Me” gained renewed relevance in 2022 through live performances and streaming resurgence.

Its themes of defiance and reinvention mirrored the year’s broader cultural moments, proving classic country motifs still resonate deeply. These songs trace a year where emotional depth, sonic evolution, and narrative authenticity converged. Each track exemplified country’s ability to balance tradition with innovation, proving the genre’s enduring relevance in 2022.

Behind every chart-topping success lay months of writing, refining, and connecting—reminding listeners and critics alike that the best songs don’t just enter playlists; they become part of collective experience.