I’ve come to the conclusion that one of my favorite months of the year is December. It’s not because of Christmas and it’s definitely not because of the snow. But, as soon as December rolls around, I get so excited. Each day is full of anticipation, a constant waiting for the big reveal to happen. I wait all year, every year, just for this one day. Because at any given moment – my Spotify Wrapped could drop.
If you don’t know what Spotify Wrapped is, it’s basically where a very special and complex Spotify algorithm gathers a bunch of data on who and what you listened to the most in that year and creates a nice little presentation to show you. It is honestly one of the cutest things ever, and it makes me feel appreciated. Throughout the year, even, Spotify is constantly making me recommended playlists and putting in the effort to show that they care. Apple Music could NEVER.
Spotify started doing this in 2017, and each year, they present more and more data. They started off by only showing your top artists, songs, and genre of the year and it’s always so impressive, but the 2019 Spotify Wrapped really blew it out of the water. It was literally a whole ass five-minute slideshow that showed me my top songs of each season, who my top artists were, a global perspective on the type of music I listened to, the different types of genres I delved in, my top songs, the podcasts I listened to, new artist discoveries, and the total amount of minutes I listened in EACH year (2015-2019). What really got me was the fact that they thanked me for being such a loyal member and then started showing my top song and artist of each year since 2016. For real though, the people at Spotify really know how to play with my emotions. Then, to finish it off strong, they ended with who my top artist of the decade was and it was Hozier. I loved it so much that I literally screen-recorded the whole thing just so I could save it forever.
Another reason why Spotify Wrapped is so great is that in the end, they make this nice little infographic thing that sums up all your data so you can easily share it with your friends.
I love looking at everyone’s Instagram stories and seeing their music tastes and all that. When I see someone who may have similar stats as me, sometimes I’ll even slide up and start a conversation about that. Spotify out here bringing people together, wow.
Anyways, I showed my sister the bit where it revealed my top artist and song from each year since 2016, and she really called me “inconsistent.” And she was right. But my inconsistency is due to the fact that each year I grow out of what I used to like and that I need to find a new sound. So, now I’m going to analyze my results with you all:
2014; a really emo year. “We Don’t Eat” is a hidden gem that I’ll go back and listen to every once in a while. James Vincent McMorrow’s voice is so refined and clear, kinda reminds me of glass but in a good way. Would definitely recommend if you’re into being soft. Okay, in 2014, “Stay with Me” by Sam Smith had just become popular and, again, I was really emo, so I listened to his whole album, In the Lonely Hour, religiously. Looking back, it kind of made me feel like I was the main character in a coming-of-age movie.
I am proud of my 2015 and 2016 stats. I’ve been a One Direction fan since fifth grade and my friends called it a phase, but it’s not a phase if it never ended… Anyways, “Night Changes” and “Pillowtalk” definitely makes sense.
And I would just like to say that the transition from these two years was tough because my favorite member of the band at the time, Zayn, left and I was traumatized. On a more serious note though, it’s really cool that I was able to see this because recently, Harry Styles has been one of my top artists in 2017 and 2019, so it’s nice to see how my music taste has evolved pertaining to each member of the band.
If I had to describe 2017 and sophomore year in just one word, I would say it was “slow.” I wasn’t a freshie anymore and suddenly high school felt so real. So “Love” by Lana del Rey and The Lumineers really make sense. I remember when Lana first dropped “Love,” I felt an instant connection with the song. Something about the lyrics, the old-timey feeling, and her voice just fit so well with my style at the time, and I’m pretty sure I cried when I heard it. The Lumineers also released their second album, Cleopatra, this year and so I spent every night listening through it while I did my homework. Again, the lyrics and story behind each song, the folk-style, and the art of the album all complimented me so well – it was an essential piece of my sophomore year experience.
I guess 2018 for me was more happy (?) and the music I listened to leaned more on the alternative side. Even though “Thru These Tears” is literally about Paul Jason Klein’s public breakup with Dua Lipa, the song itself is really upbeat and I liked that. I vividly remember playing it every morning in the summer as I drove home from cross country camp, my windows down and my hand waving through the wind. Blue Madonna, the album that BORNS released in 2018, was revolutionary for me. I am not at all surprised that he was my top artist. I love his voice, style, and energy. Every song in that album is so unique and I think this was the first time I was actually obsessed with an artist. Literally, I mentioned him so much, I think some of my friends started getting a little annoyed.
Ah. 2019. What a year. Well, “Sanctuary” by Joji is a great song, I don’t know what else to say about it. I was first introduced to it by Kelly Zhou one summer night and I’ve listened to it non-stop ever since. Usually, when I find a song that I like, it will be the only song that I listen to for about two weeks and then I’ll get tired of it. But I never got tired of “Sanctuary.” It’s emo, but different than 2016 emo. I think it’s one of my favorite songs of all time. Hozier. My top artist of 2019; my top artist of the decade. He has been one of my top artists every year. He dropped Wasteland, Baby in 2019 and while I did love it a lot, I think I mostly listened to his old album from 2014 more. He covered “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child and it is my second top song of the year.
As much as I love and appreciate all that Spotify Wrapped provides for me, sometimes I don’t like the results I get. I’m pretty sure each year my top genre is Pop, and I am so offended each time I see it. There is nothing wrong with it, I guess – but it just doesn’t make sense when my top artists are people like Kendrick Lamar and Hozier, and then my top genre ends up being pop.
Also, in 2018, two of my top artists were Cardi B and Ariana Grande… I was so embarrassed, and for a period of time, I refused to believe it. But then I remembered that I had spent all of SuMmeR 2k18 listening to “Drip” by Cardi B ft. the Migos in my car with the bass turned to the maximum and all of first-semester blasting “Sweetener” by Ariana Grander, claiming that it wasn’t “that bad.”
Ever since Spotify Wrapped became a thing, I’ve actually become more conscious of what I’m listening to and it has pushed me to try new genres and styles. It’ll be the middle of March and I’ll be listening to some generic, radio-hit song – then I’ll suddenly ask myself, “Do I really want the remix version of ‘Despacito’ with Justin Bieber to be on my Spotify Wrapped?”
Spotify Wrapped and just Spotify, in general, are both such treasures. The music we listen to reveal a lot about who we are at the given time. So, to get Spotify Premium, it’s only $4.99 a month for students OR you could just use the free 30-day trial and unsubscribe right after 😉
My current vibe for the new year: 2020 groove
Do you remember my artist of the decade. That was truly embarrassing.
How could I ever forget?
This was so cute!! Not that many people could make an interesting blog about their Spotify playlists, but yours definitely is! I think something about the nostalgia of revisiting old periods of time and the person you used to be is so comforting. To me, it’s like trying on your old clothes and getting transported back to that time. So yes, Spotify’s marketing team really knows their stuff. Also, I definitely have you to thank since my top artist of the year was BORNS, which I would have never listened to had you not raved about him! This has been such a good year music-wise, and I’m so glad that Spotify gifted us with this tool to remember all the moods of the past year.
Thanks for reading my post Helenna! and Yes! Music has always played a huge role in defining my life during a cetain time, so listening to certain songs definitely brings a sense of nostalgia. Girl. I am so happy that I was able to introduce you to BORNS. I literally love them so much, and they NEED to release new music NOW.
Hi Jess!! I love this love letter to Spotify and moreover, how you connected it to a reflection on yourself and how you’ve begun to branch out. I remember seeing an Instagram post on my Explore that was captioned, “wow, my Spotify Wrapped is actually so accurate how” and everyone in the comments section saying,” Girl. It’s literally data”, so I found it funny when you pointed out how often people think they have one kind of musical taste (or whatever they think is the ideal one) but in reality, have something completely different. And that’s a great cause for self-reflection! Your post is so intriguing and made analyzing Spotify sound so much more interesting. Also, I’m currently listening to “Sanctuary” and LOVING IT. The beat! The voice! The melody! I think you’ve got me hooked. We’re definitely going to be jamming out to this is in the car sometime.
Hey, Nicole!! Thanks for reading my blog! Haha yes I remember seeing that post and I contemplated including a screenshot of it here. Looking at all the different types of music I listened to is made much easier when Spotify provides for you a Top Songs of ___ playlist- and it’s fun to see how diverse, or not diverse, our music tastes can really be! And YAY I’m so glad you’re listening to Sanctuary! You should definitely check out some Joji’s other stuff too!
Jess, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. My artist of the decade was THE GLEE CAST. Sophomore year was a cringy time. But, I love how you took the time to analyze the algorithm to understand how you (and your musical taste) has developed and matured over time. You did a great job taking me on the journey through your adolescence. It’s awesome how the songs you listened to most conjured up memories of people you care about, deep emotions, and silly memories. Cause we all need a healthy balance! Also, I am a big fan of Hozier and Sam Smith, so I was happy they made an appearance. Cherry Wine (Live) and Midnight Train?? Iconic songs, imo. I’ve really wanted to listen to BORNS for the longest time, so please give me song recs!!