The 2022 Grammys are over! But there were a lot of great songs that were performed, honored, mentioned and even awarded during the ceremony.
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The Root saved you some work and created a playlist of some of the best songs from this year’s Grammys that will be perfect for your Spring and Summer gatherings. Add them and enjoy!
Silk Sonic - “Leave the Door Open”
If you’re trying to serenade your lady or just love a good ballad this is the song for you. It was everywhere since it was released and at the 2022 Grammys, this song swept every single award it was nominated for.
Silk Sonic - “777”
Do you love Vegas? Do you love the casino? This song is it then. Silk Sonic performed this song to open the Grammys that took place in sin city. Play your chips right and put this on your summer playlist.
Doja Cat & SZA - “Kiss Me More”
If you have kids or you yourself are on TikTok, you’ve probably already heard this song a million times over. Doja, a rapper, and SZA, an R&B singer, came with a pop hit that will continue to rule the spring and summer for years to come. SZA wasn’t on crutches on this track.
Jazmine Sullivan - “Pick up Your Feelings”
Jazmine Sullivan not only won the best R&B performance for this song, but she also won the best R&B album for Heaux Tales. Good song if you’re cleaning around the house and do what Sullivan does on this song and “Don’t leave no pieces.”
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar - “Family Ties”
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Do you like rap? Do you like hard beats? Crazy flows? Tough lyrics? Hype songs? This banger of a rap song switches beats three times and each beat switch becomes more and more epic with Kendrick and Keem trading bars like a seasoned rap duo. Keem was rewarded by winning best rap performance at the Grammys.
Kanye West - “Jail”
Despite Kanye West being a no-show at the Grammys, West still has a knack for creating these anthem-type songs. The song features fellow rap legend Jay-Z and while it sounds like it should be played in an arena, it still sprinkles in some deep messages. Probably the reason why it won the best rap song at the Grammys.
Tyler, the Creator - “WUSYANAME”
Has there been a rapper that has definitively had a better three-album run than Tyler? It seems like the Grammys agree because his past two albums have been winners of the best rap album. This song finds Tyler falling madly in love with a woman he just met. So if there’s a lady you’re eyeing, you might want to play this song for her just to show her how much you like her.
Jon Batiste - “Freedom”
No lie, this may be the best song for those summer and spring cookouts for my people in the south. Hailing from Louisiana, Batiste has that southern twang that pulls you and the grooviness to make you move your hips. The Recording Academy recognized his talent and awarded him with the album of the year award.
Nas - “Rare”
Nas is just a lyrical god at this point and he was able to showcase it for everyone at the 2022 Grammys with his performance. I mean this song is for people that just like bars because is just rapping his ass off throughout the three and half minute song.
H.E.R. - “We Made It”
What can H.E.R. not do? She can sing, play the piano, play the drums and play the guitar. The intro song to her 2021 album, Back of My Mind. This is a song for those late-night drives in the big city where you may want to reflect or wind down.
H.E.R. - “Damage”
Now, this is the record if you’re n your feelings. Grab a bottle of wine, light some candles and don’t touch that phone to text your ex, because this song has the ability to make some people do that.
Saweetie - “Best Friend”
I mean this song just speaks for itself. If you’re preparing for a night out with your friends, this is the go-to anthem. Joined by fellow rapper and pop star, Doja Cat, this song is if you’re just trying to loosen up.
Lil Nas X - INDUSTRY BABY
While this song did not take home any hardware at the 2022 Grammys, this song is up there with “Family Ties” as maybe the biggest rap banger of the past year. It sounds like there’s a damn band behind the production on this record and it slaps every time you play it.
Arlo Parks - “Black Dog”
A talented and underrated singer/songwriter, Parks’ soft voice will ease anyone’s spirit. This song is perfect when your day is coming to an end and you would like to wind down and relax. The best new artist nominee will ease your worries with this song.
GIVĒON - “Heartbreak Anniversary
GIVĒON has one of the most unique and powerful songs in the music industry and this song showcases that. Nominated for best R&B song, this song is all about heartbreak. So if you’re going through some heartbreak, this might make it harder, but if you just like some sad R&B, this is for you.
Leon Bridges - “Born Again”
Assisted by talented and acclaimed pianist Robert Glasper, Bridges is another artist that has a soulful voice that oozes into his music, particularly with this jazzy production assisting him. Perfect song for those beautiful spring days in the park.
J. Cole - “m y . l i f e”
Jermaine Cole has an ear for these soulful bangers. Featuring acclaimed trap artist, 21 Savage, this song is almost like a part 2 to the 2018 song “A Lot” and this one may be just as good. The soul and emotion that comes across in this song are uncanny and I cannot stop listening to it.
Mickey Guyton - “Remember My Name”
We didn’t forget about country, Guyton, who also sang the national anthem at Super Bowl 56, is also one of the rising stars in country music. Guyton has a powerful voice to urge everyone around her to remember her name.
CeCe Winans - “Never Lost”
I don’t know about ya’ll, but I still need some gospel in my life and CeCe is arguably the best to ever do it. This is a timeless song for a timeless sound that is perfect if you’re getting ready for church or at the pew yourself.
Jimmie Allen - “Un-Break My Heart”
This isn’t your normal country song, on this track Allen is assisted by Nelly. But don’t worry, you still get the southern country feels from Allen with his powerful country voice. As the songs states, play this song when you just want the good times to continue.
Lucky Daye - “How Much Can a Heart Take”
Winner of the best progressive R&B album award at the Grammys, Daye’s music has a soft bounce to it that makes you just want to vibe out in your apartment is your cleaning and burn some incense once you’ve finished your duties.
Alicia Keys - “A Beautiful Noise”
Keys has been there and done that when it comes to winning these awards shows. But that doesn’t mean she still can’t flat out sing. The song includes her signature piano planning and is a nice slow song that sounds different than her from when she first started, but it still has Keys’ signature voice on it.
Black Coffee - “You Need Me”
For my electronic and dance lovers out there. This song by the South African DJ includes singer/songwriter Maxine Ashley as her angelic voice floats over the fast and electronic production. If you love pumpkin your fists, this DJ is for you.
Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi - “Avalon”
When’s the last time you heard a Black folk artist? If you haven’t then maybe Rhiannon Giddens could be your introduction. Her voice is soft but as unique and different as it gets and this song is no different. If you love being in nature, like taking a walk in the park or forest, this song is perfect for you.
WizKid - “Essence”
I mean if you haven’t heard this song at a brunch, wedding, baby shower or any Black function I don’t know where the hell you have been. This song from the Afropop star Wizkid literally took over the world and Tems beautiful voice only adds to the enjoyment of this song.
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