The Best Canadian Songs of 2022

From Drake and The Weeknd to Jessie Reyez and more, here are The 20 Best Canadian Songs of 2022 from Complex Canada's Top Music of the Year lists.

The Best Canadian songs of 2022
Complex Original

The Best Canadian songs of 2022

The Best Canadian songs of 2022

Not unlike the ranking of Canada’s Best Albums in 2022, Drake and The Weeknd also factored heavily into the best songs list. It’s only natural, as both were firing on all cylinders this year with major releases. But when it comes to tracks, other Canadian artists were able to make just as much noise in 2022, and it wasn’t always about the big two.

Here are Complex Canada’s selections for the 20 best songs of 2022.

20. Akintoye, “Pizzazz"

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Album: n/a

The closest thing Canada had to a groundswell success story in 2022, and it’s really no surprise why the Toronto rapper’s story resonated with so many. With the pandemic raging and our collective mental health struggling, Akintoye cut through the clutter and struck at the heart of what it means to navigate our turbulent times. With 8,000,000+ streams on Spotify, it’s clear many were looking for catharsis and found their way to his unflinching and yet uplifting message. —Erik Leijon

19. Nonso Amadi f/Majid Jordan, "Different"

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Nonso Amadi and Majid Jordan are a pairing we didn’t know we needed. The trio effortlessly flow on their self-produced single. In what sounds like an ode to women around the world, “Different” feels like both a vibe for a chill night in with friends or a night yet simultaneously a night out at a club. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Amadi found a love for music and afrobeats at a young age. In “Different,” he brings his heavy afrobeats influence and fuses cool R&B rhythms to make an undeniable groove. Majid Jordan is known for their silky funk R&B sound, but here they’ve been able to hop into Amadi’s world and make their own presence felt. —Risi Bello

18. City Fidelia f/Shelley fka Dram, "Soulmate"

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Album: Painkiller

“Soulmate” is a nostalgic return to the early 2010s when rappers would frequently include an R&B singer-assisted feature on a love song. While it’s easy to fall into the common pitfalls of making these types of tracks, City Fidelia understands what makes them work. The Ottawa rapper turns to his vulnerable side about the difficulties of moving on while Shelley fka Dram leads the chorus with serene vocals over velvety strings and glittery drums. Fidelia hands the keys to the song’s bridge over to his guest, who doesn’t relent in telling his girlfriend that they’re meant to be together. —Louis Pavlakos

17. Dylan Sinclair, "Open"

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Album: No Longer in the Suburbs

While the undeniable guitar riff that kicks off “Open” brings attention to the immediacy of Sinclair’s fast-rising artistry, it’s the track’s other impressive elements that indicate Sinclair is going to be a mainstay lock in Canadian R&B for years to come. Sinclair’s deep-seated sincerity is manifested plainly in his singing and on “Open,” he makes a strong case to nullify emotional hesitancy from his partner, outlining his commitment to exclusivity brushing off outside distractions. It doesn’t hurt that producer Jordon Manswell fashions an intricately executed groove to match, sprinkling guitar stabs and percussive flourishes playing off Sinclair’s vocals underlining that this formidable team is only just getting started.  —Del Cowie

16. Sadboi, "That's Your Problem (Stank Hoez)"

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Sadboi first previewed “That’s Your Problem (Stank Hoez)” at a Toronto Boiler Room set and from that very moment everyone knew it was special. Previously known as Ebhoni, the Toronto artist brings a new confident flare to her rap cadence that holds us down until she rides the beat with ease into the chorus. “It’s 22, and I’m feeling real cocky,” she raps convincingly, confirming that this is indeed her year. A summer anthem that has everyone feeling themselves and ready to pop out and show out for any occasion. Sadboi brought us into her colourful world of limitless music. After one listen you can be sure to feel like that girl. —Risi Bello

15. Chxrry22, "The Falls"

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Album: The Other Side

For as conflicted as “The Falls” is, Chxrry22 still sounds sincere. Despite her running off to Niagara Falls with a mysterious beau, she still finds time to acknowledge that she was wrong for cheating. But acknowledgement isn’t an apology and the Toronto singer refuses to concede, chalking it up to her having too much pride. Even as Chxrry22’s states her case, her sultry voice and Sensei Bueno’s feathery production make “The Falls” sound more romantic than it does an admission of cheating. —Louis Pavlakos

14. Skiifall, "Fam Without Blood"

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Album: n/a

Gliding in like a tropical breeze as 2022 comes to an end, Skiifall’s “Fam Without Blood” continues the slow tease for what fans hope will soon bear a debut full-length project. The Montreal rapper’s casual, confident patois plays nice once again over the woozy, rich production that’s become his calling card. Right now, some egghead is out there training an AI to jack the style. But the sway can’t be duped, and on “Fam,” producers WondaGurl and Yama//Sato take it to the wall. If Skiifall ultimately remains a singles-oriented artist and just keeps bangers like this coming at his leisure, can we really complain? —Darcy MacDonald

13. Dvsn, "If I Get Caught"

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Album: Working on My Karma

“If I Get Caught” reasonably stirred a lot of debate on social media upon its release because of its apparent condoning of infidelity, causing it to be labelled “the cheating anthem.” Particularly, the uber-catchy chorus, “If I get caught cheating, that don’t mean I don’t love you,” did not sit well with many. The OVO Sound signees’ have since defended their anthem, which samples Jay Z’s “Song Cry,” claiming that the lyrics are more about stroking the male ego and how they would address hypothetical claims of disloyalty in romantic relationships. Whatever the inspiration may be, there’s no denying it’s well constructed R&B. —Jacob Carey

12. Sinzere, "The Mission"

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Album: Tabula Rasa

The Calgary rapper opens album Tabula Rasa with a clear roadmap that prepares listeners for what’s to come: a rebirth of the self, an opening of the mind to the possibilities. Sinzere views her mission of gaining freedom as similar to Harriet Tubman’s, and there’s history seeping into every nook and cranny of this fiery opener over a stern piano. With personal and shared experiences intertwined, there’s no better captain for the voyage than the skilled and engaging artist from the Prairies. —Erik Leijon

11. Nate Husser, "Dwayne Carter Flow"

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Album: All Time High

Lil Wayne’s influence on the current generation is immeasurable, but few have ever tried to capture his pure essence quite like Nate Husser on “Dwayne Carter Flow.” The track sees Husser gliding over a bass-heavy DJ Coco-produced instrumental as he puts on a technical display, weaving in and out of the track’s percussive layers with multisyllabic schemes at a breathless pace. Possessing a rare combination of craftsmanship and a hook catchy enough for pop radio, this is a perfect homage to Wayne, while simultaneously being an exemplary showcase of Husser’s expanding abilities. —Wesley McLean

10. Nav, "Demons in My Cup"

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Album: Demons Protected By Angels

“Demons In My Cup,” is one of the standouts on Nav’s Demons Protected By Angels, and it really encapsulates every aspect of who Nav has come to be in the rap game. “Write my lyrics with what I see daily/I make sure that there’s nothin’ I leave out,” he sing-raps in his signature melodic flow, after staying true to this claim. He remains confident, but he’s still battling addictions, he’s still spending lots of money and can still drop an (unintentionally) funny line: His car is new, so no, he can’t play a CD in it. He manages to flex about his lifestyle, but also be vulnerable about his vices and paranoia all in one place, which is why this particular track works so well. It’s reminder that in some ways, there is only one Nav. —Isaac Fontes

9. Daniel Caesar f/Badbadnotgood, "Please Do Not Lean"

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Album: n/a

There’s something that feels so right about Daniel Caesar teaming up with Badbadnotgood for one of his most romantic and melodically stunning tracks yet. Thematically, Caesar pours all of his heartache out about the beauty of an imperfect relationship, detailing how he can’t be what someone needs. That admission is bound up in some of his most poetic lyricism thus far, reminding listeners that the crooner is at his best when sharing his heartbreak. —Natalie Harmsen

8. Northsidebenji f/Unknown T, "One In the Chamber"

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From the jump on this cross-ocean collab, “One In The Chamber” doesn’t pull any punches with Northsidebenji rapping “If there’s one in the chamber, oh you know that we hittin’ him.” It’s the sort of line that demonstrates how singularly minded the Toronto rapper when it’s his turn on the mic, and it’s a commanding moment. But Benji isn’t alone on this, as he enlisted U.K. rapper Unknown T, who adds his own bravado to an already brooding track. If Benji is the brains behind the track, Unknown T is the muscle. —Louis Pavlakos

7. Pressa & Smiley, "Vince Carter"

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Album: n/a

If you’re going to name drop arguably the most famous Raptor in your song title, you better not miss. This all-Toronto pairing did Vincanity justice over a flickering beat by fellow Canuck Boi-1da and Swiss producer Oz, hopping in at different flows in ways that complement each other but also add to the chaos. Somewhere between a between-the-legs dunk and a full-on leap over a 7-foot-2 tall centre, Pressa and Smiley rise to the challenge on a track brimming with confidence. —Erik Leijon

6. Dijahsb, "Khadijah"

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Album: n/a

There aren’t many other rappers that can continuously make music reflecting the positives in their lives, even at their murkiest times. “Khadijah” sees Dijahsb at their most jaded, but with a beat as chirpy and colourful as this one, it’s easy to see that the Toronto rapper still seems hopeful in that quest for true love. While positivity has always been Dijahsb’s bread and butter, on “Khadijah,” their vulnerability shows that there’s still a middle ground to be found between anxiety and happiness. —Louis Pavlakos

5. The Weeknd, "Out of Time"

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Album: Dawn FM

Just as it was upon first listen, the standout single “Out of Time” remains the catchiest sing-along tune on The Weeknd’s hit album. While it differs from the dark and moodier songs that brought him into the spotlight a decade ago, this track samples Tomoko Aran’s “Midnight Pretenders” and feels like the peak of sounds that he’s experimented with in the past. “Out Of Time” is the perfect blend of a signature production and dreamy falsettos. Despite feeling like a warm tune, the artist’s lyrics are sure to pull at the heartstrings of anyone who have longed to mend a relationship where all hope is lost. And, lest we forget the eerie outro featuring Canada’s beloved Jim Carrey as he eases us into the unknown of purgatory. Jacob Carey

4. Savannah Ré f/Dylan Sinclair, "Last One"

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Album: No Weapons

Both Savannah Ré and Dylan Sinclair sound like R&B veterans on this rich, full bodied love song. Each artist’s smooth vocals complement the other’s perfectly to make a decidedly sweet statement on locking someone down: “I’ma be the last one to love you now.” It’s made all the more romantic by lyrics that present love as a no-frills fact. Perfectly in sync, together the two intertwine to create a track that’s equal parts charming and seductive. —Natalie Harmsen

3. Kaytranada f/Anderson .Paak, "Twin Flame"

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Album: n/a

Built on a majestic sample of Sister Sledge’s 1979 track “One More Time,” this latest Kaytranada and Anderson .Paak collaboration has reportedly been in the vault for years because of the red tape hold up over said sample. It’s worth the wait. Featuring .Paak’s soul-baring celebration of a deep emotional connection, Kaytranada deploys his inimitable offbeat souldust, expertly pacing the proceedings, evoking the chemistry this duo evoked in the past on tracks like “Glowed Up” and “Lite Weight.” If there’s any room in .Paak’s schedule beyond his Soul Sonic and NxWorries group projects (let alone his solo career), this is the type of track that demands a full joint project with Kaytra supplying the beats.  —Del Cowie

2. Jessie Reyez, "Mutual Friend"

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Album: Yessie

When a hockey player says “it is what it is,” they’re usually passing the buck in the postgame scrum. When Reyez says it, over a grand procession of strings, there’s unbearable weight to the phrase. It’s the culmination of all the soul-baring she’s been doing since the beginning, and really the only thing a person would say as the emotion spills over and the instruments swell. It’s a song about the end of a relationship, when the tears have run out and there’s nothing left to say, except those five magical words. —Erik Leijon

1. Drake f/21 Savage, "Jimmy Cooks"

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Album: Honestly, Nevermind

“Bitch, don’t tell me that you model if you ain’t been in Vogue” was one of the more omnipresent Drake lyrics from 2022 that was TikToked into oblivion and sung on repeat —for good reason. The lyric hinted something new and playful was around the corner for Drake and 21 Savage. As the last song to close out Honestly, Nevermind, it’s a trappy, energetic track sprinkled with nods to Shaq and Kobe, the infamous Oscars slap and more, that turned out to be the perfect song to announce that the two rappers were teaming up for their joint album, Her Loss. —Natalie Harmsen

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