Before my first sip of coffee today, I saw a colleague share their Spotify Wrapped. It’s that time of year again! Excited to see the collection of songs I had listened to most this year, I picked up my coffee and sipped it as I went to the other room to get my phone. First, coffee. Then, music!
Spotify Wrapped walked me through the eras of music to which I had listened this year, reminding me of many artists whose music I have appreciated but haven’t listened to in months. It also mentioned April 19th, the day The Tortured Poets Department was released, Taylor Swift’s latest album. I remember listening to the first two songs after I woke up, but not having time to listen to more. Thus, I listened to most of the album sitting on the floor of a train station in New York. The music brought me so much joy.
This year, I am in the top 0.1% of Taylor Swift listeners. The songs to which I have listened most are all by Taylor Swift:
- The Bolter
- Florida!!! (feat. Florence and the Machine )
- Down Bad
- My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys
- Daylight
The Bolter was one of the surprise songs played at the Eras Tour on the night I went. I remember not knowing too many of the words at the time, but being so thrilled that was one of the surprise songs that night.
My top artists are:
- Taylor Swift
- MisterWives
- Oh Wonder
- Hilltop Hoods
- Lorde
Oh Wonder have been a long-time favourite; their soft music is soothing. Ultralife, in particular the music video, lifts me up. Hilltop Hoods are the band I listen to when I’m in the mood for rap. I would love to find more bands that rap like them.
I started listening to more Lorde toward the end of the year. Solar Power is a terrific album. After listening to the album in full a few times, I went to explore more of her music: Tennis Court, Supercut, Perfect Places. So many good songs!
I have memories associated with all of the artists and albums above. MisterWives’ upbeat music brings me energy. Oh Wonder’s introspective music has inspired me. Hilltop Hoods’ rap is exactly my style. 1955 is one of my favourite songs by them and the excellent Montaigne. I started listening to more of Montaigne’s music later in the year – they are a talented artist. Lorde has a wide musical range.
Over the years, I have come to appreciate the depths of Taylor Swift’s music. Songs like Florida!!! make me want to sing and shout. this is me trying gives me confidence. folklore makes me appreciative of the poetry of life.
Music makes me feel. It can delight, inspire, make me think. If I have heard a song enough times, I will try to learn how to play it on piano, too. Indeed, a portion of the minutes in my Wrapped can be accounted for by my sitting at my keyboard and playing along to my favourite songs.
What is in your Spotify Wrapped this year?
