2022 was a year where we saw the full comeback of live music, some huge news, and tons of great music …
This past year, we wrote about a lot of music. We also introduced you to some great emerging artists. Of all the music we wrote about though, there were some songs that you couldn’t get enough of.
Music fans were actively seeking new music and new artists, and the proof is in our analytics.
Every year around this time, we take a look at the top Canadian country songs of the year.
We took our top performing music reviews and created this list of the Top 10 Canadian Country Songs of 2022 from the Front Porch. This was determined based on how many people saw the feature on our website (Page Views).
So here are the top singles from 2022 on Front Porch Music.
2022’s Top Canadian Country Songs
10. Dustin Bird – “Cowboy Stay”
Dustin Bird likes to keep listeners guessing. His creative mind takes his music to the edges of the country genre, continuing to challenge the boundaries.
“Cowboy Stay” was the first single release of 2022 for Dustin and takes listeners on quite the journey.
Introducing listeners to the song easily, it starts off with traditional pianos and a drawing fiddle, but soon picks up with poppy instrumentals, then dialling back for a stripped down vocal before diving right back into the magic.
“Cowboy Stay” is about a love that makes you want to change everything you‘ve known about yourself to stay with “the one”.
RELATED: Learn more about “Cowboy Stay” and how Dustin takes us on a journey in the song …
In the fall, “Cowboy Stay” x The Long Rider film music video premiered with the story of Filipe Leite’s 25,000 km, two year long journey from Calgary, Alberta to São Paulo, Brazil on horseback.
“Cowboy Stay” keeps listeners on their toes, so it comes as no surprise that this track cracked the top ten.
Listen to our conversation with Dustin On The Porch podcast
9. Nicole Rayy – “House Of Cards”
Nicole’s first release of 2022 “House Of Cards” showcased an edgier, and rock-forward sound that we haven’t heard from Nicole before.
“House of Cards” is edgy and dangerous. And the story, while relatable, may cut a little deep for those who have danced with the captivating but unstable relationship devil.
“This song is about a very passionate but dangerous relationship. One that is unstable and is bound to fall apart at any moment,” Rayy shares. “This relationship is one that you have been in before and you know it will likely crash and burn but you can’t help but try it again.”
RELATED: Nicole shows an edgier side with this one. Give it a listen …
Nicole Rayy has shown diversity in tone, genre crossover, and style over the last couple years.
Throughout the year, audiences have gone back to this song over and over again, making it undeniably one of the top songs of the year on the porch.
8. Jesse Slack – “Who You’re Gonna Be”
Jesse has had a big year!
He had lots of firsts as a new dad, released some great music, and received his first GOLD certified single as a songwriter on Robyn Ottolini’s “Tell You Everything”.
He released “Who You’re Gonna Be” at the very end of 2021, and it picked up some steam steadily in the first few months of the year.
The slow, ballad-style song is about his newborn son, Rebel James Slack. Rebel joined the world in December, and Jesse says on Instagram that “the minute I found out I was going to be a father my world had changed!”
“Who You’re Gonna Be” is one of the most personal songs that he has released to date.
7. ANNIKA – “Strangers”
With every release we hear from ANNIKA, we see a new side, and get a sense for just how broad her range and talent is.
She has a voice that stops you right in your tracks, and this is on full display in her song “Strangers”.
“Strangers” is an edgy, upbeat anthem about heartbreak. The piano holds down a steady beat, and stacked vocals punch through each chorus. And as usual, ANNIKAs vocals do not hold back. When it comes to the chorus, her voice packs a punch and is impossible not to sing along with.
We were excited to premiere the music video for this song a few weeks ago. In just a few short weeks “Strangers” became one of the top songs of the year on Front Porch.
6. Elyse Saunders – “Genes”
Elyse is one of the most respected and prominent independent artists in Canada.
She knows her audience, and she knows what they want. She consistently releases authentic music that brings messages of positivity. “Genes” is no different …
”Genes” highlights themes of inclusivity and community through the lyrics and music video. Elyse continues to push her brand of ‘spreading positivity through country music’ forward.
RELATED: Elyse Saunders was out first guest on our podcast. Go give it a listen …
Elyse says, “Genes” is about coming together, no matter what race, gender, or place you come from and celebrating that. The song shares this message in a light and almost ambiguous way that will invite fans to peel away new layers of the song every time they listen to it. The video captures the fun, upbeat, and diverse nature of the song, and I hope that everyone who discovers it – especially my country music friends – will be inspired to bring more diversity to the genre overall.”
The message of inclusivity resonated with audiences to make it one of the top songs on Front Porch Music this year.
Listen to our chat with Elyse Saunders
5. Jade Eagleson – “She Don’t Know”
This one’s cute!
Jade released “She Don’t Know” around Valentine’s Day and it became a relatable love song for couples across the country.
After finishing his album Honkytonk Revival, Jade realized they never touched upon a love song. So he included “She Don’t Know” on the album. “The lyrics in it are what really hit me because my love language isn’t words … I’m not really great at talking as far as love goes, but I might clean the kitchen and I’ll think that’s romantic, in my mind. So, when I heard this, I just had to sing this one,” said Jade.
RELATED: Catch our interview with both Jade and his wife about their love story …
Jade and Marina Eagleson met on the set of Jade’s first music video, “Got Your Name On It”, which took place on his family’s farm. From there, their relationship bloomed.
The compelling story in this song resonated with audiences. That’s why it’s one of the top songs of the year.
4. Riley Taylor – “Good Things”
Riley Taylor’s debut single was one of the most anticipated releases of 2022.
As the 2021 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase winner, we were very excited to hear music from him. Having never released music before, no one was really sure what to expect, or what his sound would be like.
RELATED: Relive the moment he was crowned the winner of the Emerging Artist Showcase …
When his single “Good Things” was released, it delivered and proved why he won that contest.
With the single’s release through Warner Music Canada, Dave Stelling says, “Riley’s here to prove that good things don’t come easy, but he’s put in the work and is ready to take things to the next level.”
The 24-year old singer-songwriter from Burton, New Brunswick grew up surrounded by influences from the country classics played on his uncle and grandfathers’ guitars.
Riley has a voice that is truly unique in the Canadian space. It’s clear why people came back to the website over and over to make it one of the top songs of 2022.
Listen to our conversation with Riley Taylor on the podcast
3. Graham Scott Fleming – “Better Man”
2022 has been a banner year for Graham Scott Fleming.
It all started in January when he was named one of our top Artists To Watch In 2022. He released his first charting single “Better Man” which cracked the top 40. He was also nominated for “Rising Star” at the CMA Ontario Awards and signed a record and management deal with Open Road Recordings/RGK Entertainment Group.
Listen To Our Conversation With Graham When He Joined Us On The Porch
His song “Better Man” quickly, and has consistently remained one of the top songs on our website for the better part of this year.
Packed with emotional lyrics and hard-hitting electric guitar, “Better Man” showcases Graham’s vocal range and ability to tell his stories in a way that connects with listeners to the core.
“Better Man” started out as a journal entry after an awful breakup.
There are some big plans for Graham in 2023, but there’s no denying that this song was one of the top songs of 2022.
2. Hunter Brothers – “Peace, Love & Country Music”
This band of brothers consistently release solid music that resonates with audiences.
Growing up in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, this act has become known across the country for their incredible harmonies and infectious personalities.
They put out some of their best music this year, but “Peace, Love & Country Music” embraced audiences like a warm hug. The song came at a time where the collective national tension seemed to be at its highest. This one served as a reminder that we all just need to take a beat.
The opening lyrics: “What if we turned off the news and turned on the stereo
And turned up some good vibes on a good time radio” set the tone for the entire song.
“When we wrote ‘Peace, Love and Country Music,’ everything just seemed to fall into place. We could feel the energy before the write, and it carried through until it was finished,” explains Ty Hunter.
He continues, “In a time where division can so easily happen, it’s so important for us to find common ground in the midst of it all. We are hopeful that this song brings exactly what it says to everyone – peace, love and some good country music.”
This song is well deserving of being one of the top songs on the Front Porch for 2022.
We had the brothers join us On The Porch with Front Porch Music
1. Josh Ross – “First Taste of Gone”
This has been a huge year for Josh Ross …
He landed a major record deal with Universal Music, played the halftime show for the CFL Grey Cup, was one of the finalists for the SiriusXM Top Of The Country, and released some of the biggest songs of the year.
Josh Ross Joined Us For The Season 2 Premiere Of On The Porch with Front Porch Music
His single “First Taste of Gone” exploded earlier this year, and helped contribute to his accomplishments.
“First Taste Of Gone” shares the story and emotions around finally accepting the end of a relationship.This song helped showcase a different side to Josh. He really opened his heart up with this one.
Josh shared with us that it’s one of the most personal songs that he’s written. It came from a place of true heartbreak.
The song resonated strongly with audiences too. Landing at number 5 on the Canadian Country Billboard chart, it’s his highest charting single to date.
Month-over-month, this has consistently been THE top visited song on Front Porch Music.
When we look back at the year, it’s hard not to smile a bit when you listen to all the great songs these Canadian country artists have shared with us.
What do you think? What songs were your favourite this year? We’d love to hear from you.
We can’t wait to hear what 2022 has in store for us.
Be sure to follow along all year with the top music by listening to our Top Canadian Country playlist on Spotify
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
