Songs that were popular last year. A collection of iconic tracks that symbolize 2022.
In the music industry, a variety of hit songs are born every year.
There are tracks chosen as theme songs for dramas, movies, and popular anime, songs that went viral on social media, and revival hits from the Showa and Heisei eras, among others.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting the songs that were big last year.
We’ve gathered masterpieces that symbolize 2022: songs released last year, songs that continued their momentum from the year before, tracks released a bit earlier but newly spotlighted, and songs that made a comeback.
Take a moment to look back on last year through music!
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Songs that were popular last year. A roundup of iconic tracks that symbolize 2022. (11–20)
EdisonSuiyōbi no Campanella
Edison by Wednesday Campanella has a distinctive rhythm and lyrics that get under your skin.
Some of you might have found it playing in your head a lot in 2022, right? That’s how striking the chorus rhythm is—so catchy it’s addictive and you can’t help but hum along! The lyrics are themed around Thomas Edison, known as the king of inventors, and despite the catchy sound, they seem to invite deeper interpretation.
It might be worth taking a look at the lyrics and thinking about the message the song is trying to convey!
BlessingYOASOBI
YOASOBI is a musical duo that creates songs based on stories.
They wrote The Blessing as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.
Rooted in the anime’s narrative, the lyrics serve as a passionate cheer for those pursuing their dreams.
The sound also undergoes rapid shifts—such as key changes and a tempo boost in the latter half.
Listen for how the lyrical and musical changes are linked.
Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST
BE:FIRST is a seven-member male group.
Their song “Bye-Good-Bye” is a pop track that won an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards in 2022.
Its easy-to-listen-to melody blends seamlessly with sharp-edged rap, making you want to play it over and over! They were formed through the audition program “THE FIRST,” which aired on Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri” in 2021.
They also performed at the 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2022, and it’s impressive how they shot to stardom in less than two years!
New Era (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado
Sung by Ado as Uta, this is both the opening theme and an in-film song for the movie ONE PIECE FILM RED.
With the original work of ONE PIECE—Japan’s pride on the global stage—entering its final saga and generating excitement, the film and its songs, starting with New Genesis, drew major attention.
The fact that the character Uta even appeared on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen shows how the work reached a wide range of generations and became a hit.
The word “New Genesis,” which strongly evokes the story of the series, and Ado’s powerful vocals, which conjure an image of overcoming hardships and forging a path to the future, are especially striking.
Another major attraction is Yasutaka Nakata’s rhythm-forward production, which gives the song a strong sense of stepping forward and conveys a positive, adventurous spirit.
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
“Nandemonai yo,” released as Macaroni Empitsu’s fourth major-label digital-only single, comes from a rock band especially popular with younger generations.
It has surpassed 100 million streams and is known as one of the band’s signature songs.
The track was performed when they won the Best New Artist Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards, and the following year it won the Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
Achieving awards for the same song two years in a row was an unprecedented feat in the history of the Japan Record Awards.
Tomorrow 2GloRilla, Cardi B
GloRilla is a young female rapper who’s gaining support for her strong rap skills.
The track she created in collaboration with Cardi B is “Tomorrow 2.” This song is a remix of “Tomorrow,” which appears on the album Gangsta Art.
It carries a powerful, uplifting message.
It’s great on its own, and it’s also interesting to compare it with the original version.
If you’re looking to hear a full-fledged track by a female artist, be sure to check it out.
StarmineDa-iCE
A Da-iCE track that captures moments that shine like fireworks! The lyrics convey the importance of challenging yourself again and again without fearing failure, and of living to the fullest beyond your limits.
Released in August 2022, the song won an Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It resonated with many people, racking up 500 million views on TikTok.
It’s a piece packed with the appeal of Da-iCE, known for their distinctive twin vocals spanning four octaves.
It’s the kind of song that can give you strength when you’re lost in life or want to take on something new!
lives remainingzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
This is a track marked by a driving sound and ACA-ne’s transparent, crystal-clear vocals.
Using a game “lives” motif, the lyrics powerfully convey the importance of moving forward without fear of failure.
Released in October 2022, it garnered attention as the ending theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man.
This work was Zutomayo’s (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.) first anime tie-in.
Brimming with energy that helps you face forward in any moment, it’s a perfect song when you want to boost your motivation.
Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN)V
A duet by V (Kim Taehyung) and Park Hyo-shin, distinguished by its heartwarming harmonies.
Sung about the warm bond that exists between them even in the harshness of winter, the song features a pleasant melody infused with jazz-pop elements.
Released in November 2024, it stands out with the tones of saxophone, trumpet, and prepared piano, and the two artists’ captivating vocals blend beautifully.
It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to spend time with someone during the cold season or feel the connection with someone special.
In conclusion
I introduced songs that were popular last year—how did you like them? There may have been tracks you actually listened to a lot, songs you often sang at karaoke, or ones you used at events. So, what kind of hit songs will be born this year? Let’s look forward to discovering new music and enjoy our music-filled lives!