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Top 89

Top 89 of 2022: Barb Abney's top 10 songs

Top 89 of 2022 - Barb Abney
Top 89 of 2022 - Barb AbneySara Fish for MPR/Artwork by MPR

by Barb Abney

December 19, 2022

The end of the year is upon us, and it's time to reflect on your favorite music of 2022! Here are Barb Abney's favorite songs of the year (in no particular order). Once you've made your own list, vote in The Current's Top 89 poll by December 19, and we'll count down your Top 89 of 2022 on Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2.

Top Songs of 2022

Lizzo - “About Damn Time”

Come on, it was clearly the song of the summer.

The Afghan Whigs - “I’ll Make You See God”

My boys are still making fresh music that rocks so hard it surprised even me.

Black Keys - “It Ain't Over”

Love the soulful sounds of this entire record.

US Girls - “So Typically Now”

I love this tune for the ‘80s nostalgia vibe I get from it!

Foals - “2am”

A straightforward dance gem.

Haim - “Lost Track”

This was the first tune I heard on the station after being hired back in the spring. I am such a sucker for those poppy harmonies!

Lucius - “White Lies”

This is the song I play if I need to trigger a good cry. These harmonies are so perfect. I have a visceral reaction whenever I hear this!

Orville Peck - “The Curse of the Blackened Eye”

I didn’t get the hype at first. No one knows what this guy looks like because he covers his face on stage? And then after about my third listen… it clicked.

Silversun Pickups - “Scared Together”

Sounding darker than ever and I love it!

Tegan & Sara - “Yellow”

Love the songwriting on this one. 

Top Local Songs of 2022

Chastity Brown - “Wonderment”

Probably my most-listened-to song of 2022. Chastity’s voice just transports me.

Cloud Cult - “Back Into My Arms”

The most incredible live performance I saw this year was this band with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Jeremy Messersmith - “666”

A sweet lil Halloween diddy that I’m always going to remember forever because of the genius way Jeremy used TikTok.

The Alarmists - “Don’t Be A Mystery”

Okay, my appetite has been sufficiently whetted, where’s the record?

Durry - “Losers Club”

Came to this one a little late, too. But I can‘t get enough of it!

The Top 89 of 2022 is supported by GiantsRidge.com.