A playlist of 2022’s most essential Soul and R&B songs. The best soul and R&B songs of 2022. 50 R&B songs we could not stop playing all 2022 in no particular order than for pure vibes.
With the pandemic truly fading into memory, in 2022 music has flourished. With live shows also back in full swing, it has been another sensational 12 months jam packed of elite level of music releases. Some of the finest Soul and R&B artists of the age, shared gem projects, albums and singles in 2022. From Anderson. Paak and Knxwledge returning with their NxWorries collaboration to Steve Lacy’s major breakout year with Gemini Rights and number 1 record Bad Habit.
Whilst hectic, the music sphere took another huge leap forward and we’re excited to share a playlist of the year’s 50 best songs in R&B, Soul and Nu-Jazz, enjoy!
Listen to the 50 best Soul and R&B songs of 2022 on Spotify
NxWorries ft. H.E.R – Where I Go
The return of NxWorries was a real highlight of 2022 and we hope for a full length project next year. H.E.R’s feature on Where I Go brings genuine soul to proceedings over Knxwledge’s groovy, laid back production. Added to this is Anderson .Paak’s flawless lyricism and delivery making for a timelessly soulful feel-good track.
Kehlani – Everything
April saw the release of Kehlani’s third studio album Blue Water Road. An album that oozed love and really depicted where she is at in life right now. Everything is the project’s lead single and stays true to albums love / romantic theme. Interestingly, the visual is an oxymoron of sorts. With odes to 90s hip-hop stylistically throughout, merged with the delicacy of the track and Kehlani’s vocal delivery, the two worlds mesh perfectly!
Ari Lennox – POF
The anticipation for the next Ari Lennox album was always going to be high off the back of her debut Shea Butter Baby in 2019. Three years on, the talented songstress dropped her sophomore project aptly titled Age/Sex/Location in September. Age/Sex/Location delivered a no-skip ode to Neo-Soul. The project’s opening track POF comes out swinging setting the tone of another brilliant album, keeping her name in the conversation of everything glorious about Soul and R&B in 2022. Sonically, Ari is truly floating on a Neo-Soul inspired beat very reminiscent of 90s Erykah Badu.
Amaria ft. Destin Conrad – All For You
Previously featured on our Track of the Week, the hugely talented Amaria made a welcome return in 2022 with the single All For You. Featuring Destin Conrad, the track personifies modern day R&B merged with deeply rooted in Neo-Soul. Vocally, the pair blend effortlessly well making for a well rounded soulful track!
Fatima & Joe Armon-Jones – #1
2022 has been another flourishing year for all Jazz inspired music. With a plethora of artists delivering an array of fantastic releases over the past 12 months.
Songstress Fatima & instrumentalist Joe Armon-Jones teamed up for a 3 track EP Tinted Shades. The EP asserts personal truths merged with hopeful optimism. #1 is the lead single from the EP exemplifying the blend of Soul and Nu Jazz.
Ezra Collective ft. Kojey Radical – No Confusion
Ezra Collective are genuinely spearheading the fusion of sounds across Nu Jazz. November saw the release of their sophomore album Where I’m Meant To Be. An album which leans on Afrobeat, Jazz and Soul elements is truly a delight from start to finish.
No Confusion is a single taken from the LP featuring Kojey Radical. Kojey simple dazzles across a jumpy up-tempo beat that hits the soul from the jump.
