Now here is the thing. Come December, I'm like a child on Christmas morning. Is 2024 Spotify wrapped out yet? Constantly checking my Spotify app for that year's unwrap. Strange, because I'm deliriously waiting to see the outcome of the music I'd chosen to listen to all year.
But I like analysing what songs / music genres top my lists. What months or seasons fuelled my music decisions. I like to look back and remember what was happening in life when certain songs or artists overly feature.
So, here's my Spotify 2024 Wrapped. The soundtracks, playlists, favourite tunes and stats quantifying a year's worth of sonic exploration - as revealed by Spotify Wrapped.
The Sonorous Recap
From the anthems that powered daily commutes to the melodies that underscored quiet, introspective moments, every one of these 672 tracks, from 470 artists tell their own story.
My Spotify Top Artists
This year is a genre-defying dream team: Kaytranada, the king of smooth beats and funky grooves, kept the vibe effortlessly cool. Kept me company for some 2,524 minutes of the year. Still some way (1,326 minutes) off my most listened to tune of 2023 but good company none the less. Next to him, I've got 50 Cent, the poet. He brought back the grit and swagger with his hip-hop classics. There's no surprise that those two are among my top artists. This year's surprise, the one that surely piqued my interest comes in the form of Teddy Swims. His voice - soulful, raw; with Leisure and Giulio Cercato rounding out this eclectic mix.
Top Songs
And having noted my artists, it's no surprise seeing their tracks make it into My Top Songs.
But here's what I have noticed. These songs share a common thread. A thread of emotional depth and smooth, soulful vibes. Exploring themes of love, longing and introspection but wrapped in such rich, textured soundscapes, they make for an easy connection. Teddy Swims touched me with his heartfelt delivery of Bad Dreams. Kaytranada's infectious groove in What You Need got me up, got me going and I escaped on a sail to somewhere capricious with LEISURE's Lonely Nights, warm ocean breeze on my skin included.
Spotify Wrapped Musical Milestones
It's clear I spent less time with Spotify this year. Some 3,960 minutes less than last year's 45,810 minutes. Though I've increased my song count, taken musical pleasure in 672 songs (95 more) than last year's 577 songs from 470 artists, (395 in 2023).
It does mean that I have slipped down one from the top 6% of Spotify listeners worldwide. Yes, to the top 7%. But I'd still like to who know how many minutes of listening to Spotify lands you in the top 1%?
Unexpected Gems
For the third year running, I can proudly (or embarrassingly?) announce that January remains the reigning champion of Spotify listening month. New Year, new me? Nah, it's more like New Year, same playlist on repeat!
By summer however, there came a change. June was my dance party, throwback R&B, Hip Hop phase. I've got 50 Cent, G-Unit and the 2Pac to thank for this. The sun being out, makes for the type of tunes you play in the low ride. 50 Cent in particular made me sit up, listen. Smiled and laughed out with his 'haha' a few times listening to Best Friend. The man is a poetic genius and a storyteller.
July, I switched it up with some old school dancehall and Reggae from Buju Banton and Junior Kelly. All those summer family BBQ's might have influenced that.
August was officially Kaytranada Season™. I missed his concert but made up for it by going on a 5-day Kaytranada listening spree. That may have left the neighbours thinking I run a pop-up nightclub.
Just noticed, I have three (3) songs titled 'Smile' on my playlist. Winston Surfshirt, G-Unit and Lily Allen in that order.... clearly, I like my grins with a side of funk, swagger and sass!
The Constants and Oldies But Goldies
Tame Impala, Cosmos Midnight and Winston Surfshirt (Make a Move and Smile) - all out of Australia remain constants on my Spotify playlists. Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor and Bob Marley (out of Jamaica) with their oldies and goldies stay put. For a dance and up tempo, Pete Heller's Big Love is faithful for a groove and so too is Vamos by Megablast and Cloak Dagger's Cut Me Open.
Spotify Wrapped 2024
One of the downsides of Spotify Wrapped coming out at this time of the year is that none of my Christmas playlist makes the wrap. There's no Fairytale of New York or Driving home for Christmas. There's no Wham or Boney M's Mary's Boy Child. or Mariah Carey.
Away from that, my overall musical taste remains eclectic, valuing a good dance beat, a good groove, a good rhythm and storytelling. It continues to reflect mood-driven listening and cultural appreciation for various music styles.
From my playlist, you can start a dance party and too, inspire introspection or relaxation!
Still, until this time next year, here's to all the music I've loved in 2024. All the songs that made me happy. Took me on a dream ride, made my days. What about you? What songs or piece of music made your year? What words or musical composition pierced through your soul in 2024?
