The Top 11 Electronic Songs Halfway Through 2022
From lasers to two-step - we examine the cream of the crop from the electronic world so far.
By: Exile Staff
All 11 songs compiled in a neat and tidy playlist found right here.
11. sumthin sumthin
“Salt”
Sitting third on sumthin sumthin’s 4 song EP, Light Garden, is “Salt”, a dynamic and dark track that will pull you in quick.
Complete with three distinct and different drops, the pieces all fit together in a groove that pushes the boundaries of what you can expect in the current state of electronic music.
10. The Range
“1995”
The Range, along with his latest album, Mercury, handed over a tune that is as meticulous as it is simplistic. With its throwback and nostalgic vibe, catchy vocal hook, and precise bass line, “1995” is a track that will get stuck in your head without you even noticing. It should be thrown on repeat for some heavy playlist rotation this Summer.
9. Odesza
“Behind the Sun”
The always impresive duo Odesza is releasing their fourth studio album, The Last Goodbye, on July 22nd, and have been releasing a stream singles this year to support it. Among them, is “Behind the Sun” - a classic Odesza sounding tune, equipped with large vocals and an anthemic emotional coating. It’s an impressive piece of production even by their standards, with a unique pace and structure. It’s a huge tune with pounding jungle drums that will pump you up.
8. Noisia
“Cleansing”
In their final record, Closer, Noisia left no stoned unturned in their last lap around the drum n’ bass track. But tucked into the middle of the 20 song marathon is “Cleansing” - a slower, beautifully ominous track with quintessential Noisia production. It bends and haunts, mixing in soothing saws with an incredibly rich bass line, and showcases the talents of the drum n’ bass legends one last time as they wave farewell.
7. BRUER
“I Can Feel It” (Big Gigantic/BRUER Remix)
BRUER took the original banger from Big Gigantic and twisted it into something even more exciting. The remix is fresh - full of creative drops while keeping the flair from the original intact. The first half of the drop is a wavy upbeat time, while the second half brings the heavier side to the song.
6. JAWNS
“Bodybreaker”
A no-frills, straight-forward bass/trap tune bursting with energy. Perfectly produced, the track captures your attention immediately and continues to deliver. It’s a song you nod your head to while driving fast and belongs high up on all heavy bass playlists.
5. Just a Gent
“Nova”
Ok, Ok, “Nova” may have technically come out as a single in 2021, but since it was included on Just a Gent’s 2022 album, Planet Oasis, we are counting it. We had to. Just a Gent brings the heat with an absolute monster of a 4-on-the-floor tune, with a compact bass line and a chill middle section that enhances the finale.
4. BuriaL and Four Tet
“Nova”
An awesome collaboration, and two greats doing what they do best. “Nova” is a patient track that progresses and winds - settling into a nostalgic and meloncholy vibe. It’s simplicity is something to be admired, as both musician show off their finesse in crafting stripped back and beautiful tunes.
3. Crankdat
“Lasers”
Maybe the opposite of our #4 track on this list - “Lasers” is a cacophony of wobbles, drops, and yes, laser sounds. It’s a complicated mashup of dubstep sounds, but put all together its heavy as hell and goes hard. It’s a decadent treat, with so much to enjoy through the process.
2. Flume
“Sirens”
Possibly the most ‘Flume’ sounding track on Palaces, “Sirens” is undeniably powered by Caroline Polachek’s falsetto performance. Flume expertly wraps his signature sound around them, with a subtle and magical synth pattern. The result is a heartbreaking and emotional song, staying powerful while not overcomplicating the piece.
1. Bonobo
“Shadows”
While Fragments might be the Electronic Album of the Year, it’s fitting we’ve got the album opener, “Shadows,” as the best electronic tune produced so far in 2022. It sets the stage for whats to come on the record, with a masterfully crafted swell, complete with perfect vocals, a walking bass line and catchy chorus. It belongs on all electronic and chill bass playlists for 2022, and should be a staple in your rotation.