Readers Say

48 motivational songs for 2022, according to readers

"It just resonates. I think we’ve all wanted to shout at some point over the last two years."

Singer Gloria Gaynor in 2019. Gaynor's 1980 song "I will survive" was submitted as a reader-recommended song for 2022. Matt Licari/Invision/AP

By Lily McIntyre

2 minutes to read

Throughout the past few years, the highs have been high, and the lows have been low. So when we asked our readers what songs they’ve been channeling as we enter the new year, we weren’t surprised when we ended up with a playlist filled with a wide variety of artists, genres, and moods. 

From Passion Pit to Ariana Grande to Ed Sheeran, readers recommended over 45 songs from artists that are both helping them get through tough days and feel the upbeat excitement of starting a new year.

Check out the full list of readers’ go-to songs for 2022 below or find our Boston.com playlist on Spotify.

  • “1400 / 999 Freestyle” by Trippie Redd and Juice WRLD
  • “16” by Baby Keem
  • “A Bloodsoaked Symphony” by Whitechapel
  • “Alive And Kicking” by Simple Minds
  • “Alive” by Pearl Jam
  • “Anklebiters” by Paramore
  • “Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran
  • “Better Days” by Dermot Kennedy
  • “Break Free” by Ariana Grande and Zedd
  • “Can I Get It” by Adele
  • “Chaise Lounge” by Wet Leg
  • “Common People” by Pulp
  • “Defenceless” by Louis Tomlinson
  • “Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis
  • “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
  • “Fly Me To The Moon” by Diana Krall

“Sung by Diana Krall, it’s upbeat and fun! The last thing we need these days is some depressing song. Time to have a little fun!”

—Eileen M., Manchester, NH
  • “Gasoline” by The Weeknd
  • “Green Light” by Lorde
  • “Here We Go… Again” by the Weeknd ft. Tyler, the Creator
  • “I Bet You Think About Me” by Taylor Swift ft. Chris Stapleton
  • “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
  • “Let’s Go Crazy” by Dirty Honey
  • “Let’s Stay Together” by The Rippingtons and Brandon Fields
  • “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
  • “Lost Meaning” by Cloakroom
  • “Mercy” by Sam Gelston
  • “New York Beach” by Walk On Mars
  • “OM” by Smolik and Mika Urbaniak
  • “Out of Time” by The Weeknd
  • “Pepas” by Farruko
  • “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
  • “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
  • “pushin P” by Gunna, Future, ft. Young Thug
  • “Rage” by Dirty Heads ft. Travis Barker and Aimee Interrupter of The Interrupters
  • “RELENTLESS” by Gunna ft. Lil Uzi Vert
  • “Sandman” by Ed Sheeran
  • “Se Preparó” by Ozuna
  • “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran
  • “Shout” by Tears For Fears

“It just resonates. I think we all have wanted to shout at some point over the last two years.”

—Michelle M., Holbrook
  • “Step by Step” by New Kids On The Block
  • “Suffer Little Children” by The Smiths
  • “Take a Walk” by Passion Pit
  • “The Cincinnati Tilt” by Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol
  • “This Year” by The Mountain Goats
  • “Try” by P!nk
  • “Wait by the River” by Lord Huron”
  • “willow” by Taylor Swift
  • “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” by Judas Priest

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