2022
in MusicAlbums
19
Artists
20
Milestones
37
Notable Releases
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story
BonoBono's memoir released as a multimedia project including audiobook, which won the Audiobook of the Year honour at the 2024 Audie Awards.
Growin' Up
Luke CombsThird studio album featuring the hit single 'The Kind of Love We Make' which reached number eight on the Hot 100.
You Proof
Morgan WallenA promotional single that became Wallen's third top ten entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and holds the record as the longest-running Billboard Country Airplay number-one of all time with ten non-consecutive weeks atop the chart.
Unholy
Sam SmithA collaboration with Kim Petras that became Smith's first number one single in the US and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, making Smith and Petras the first openly non-binary and transgender artists respectively to achieve this.
Harry's House
Harry StylesThird album that won Grammy Award for Album of the Year and included the global phenomenon "As It Was," breaking multiple records and ranked 491 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums.
As It Was
Harry StylesLead single from Harry's House that became the number-one song of 2022 globally, spent 15 weeks at number one in the US (fourth-longest running), and became Styles' second solo chart-topper.
Patient Number 9
Ozzy OsbourneThirteenth studio album featuring collaborations and marking return to live performances after three years
Good Morning Gorgeous
Mary J BligeFourteenth studio album whose deluxe version became her only release nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year
Renaissance
BeyoncéFirst installment of a trilogy paying homage to Black queer pioneers in dance music, featuring "Break My Soul" and debuting at number one.
Break My Soul
BeyoncéLead single from Renaissance featuring house and disco influences, becoming her eighth number-one single.
Anti-Hero
Taylor SwiftThe lead single from Midnights that made Swift the first artist to occupy the entire top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in the same week. The song won MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 2023.
Significant Milestones
Marriage to Ben Affleck
DebutLopez married Ben Affleck in Las Vegas, reuniting with him 20 years after their first engagement and inspiring her album This Is Me... Now.
Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame
AwardInducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
Academy Award for "No Time to Die"
DebutWon Academy Award for Best Original Song for "No Time to Die," becoming the first person born in the 21st century to win an Academy Award in any category.
Youngest Headliner for Major Festivals
Cultural MomentBecame the youngest headliner to date for Glastonbury and Coachella festivals, highlighting her major cultural impact and status in the music industry.
Las Vegas Residency Launch
TourWeekends with Adele Las Vegas residency premiered on November 18, 2022, initially scheduled for 32 concerts through March 2023. Received widespread critical acclaim for spectacular performances.
Second CMA Entertainer of the Year
AchievementWon CMA Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year in 2022, cementing his status as country music's top artist.
Third Album Release
AchievementReleased Growin' Up on June 24, 2022, continuing his prolific output and commercial success.
Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Performance
AchievementPerformed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, one of the most-watched performances in music history.
Acquisition of Death Row Records
DeathSnoop Dogg acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group (formerly eOne Music), returning to the label that launched his career as its owner and reviving the historic imprint.
First US Number One Single with 'Unholy'
Debut'Unholy' featuring Kim Petras became Smith's first number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100. Smith became the first openly non-binary artist to achieve this milestone.
Harry's House Album of the Year
Grammy WinReleased third album Harry's House which won Grammy Award for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. "As It Was" became global number-one song of 2022. Headlined Coachella to crowd over 100,000. Occupied top spot of album and singles charts in over 15 countries simultaneously.
Richest Young Musician in UK
DebutTopped Sunday Times Rich List of musicians under 30 in UK with estimated net worth of £100 million, marking first time at top of the list.
Madison Square Garden Banner Achievement
AchievementPerformed 15 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in August and September. Became third musical artist in history to have permanent banner raised inside venue.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
AchievementReceived a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 19, 2022, in the category of Recording.
