I love Spotify Wrapped. It’s always a blast because, no matter the results, you have to admit: “Yeah, that’s what I listened to…”
Below are my top-played artists and songs. The artists? No surprises there. But two songs caught me off guard: Adele and Scandal (with Patty Smyth).
 |
 |
Let’s Start with the Songs
There’s no doubt I listened to a lot of NF this year. What can I say? His music is creative, honest, haunting, original - and just all-around great. I can’t think of another artist who so openly wears their heart on their sleeve in their music. That’s why I love it and why I keep listening. It’s no surprise that 3 of my top 5 songs were by NF, with “Running” taking the crown as my most-played track.
I love that song. The guitar, the hook, the verse, the lyrics… it’s just an incredible track.
Now, “Send My Love” by Adele? That one caught me completely off guard. Did I listen to it a lot? Oh, absolutely. It’s my favorite Adele song. But I was mostly playing it because I was learning that syncopated, percussion-like guitar part (yes, I play guitar). It’s such a dope track, but I didn’t realize I’d played it enough to make the list 🤣. I’m not mad about it - I’m kind of impressed.
And then there’s “Warrior” by Scandal featuring Patty Smyth. I was reintroduced to it this year and had no idea I listened to it that much. This year, I went on a bit of a ’70s/’80s binge. I couldn’t stop listening to Def Leppard, Talking Heads, Joy Division, New Order, INXS, Big Country, Duran Duran, Blondie, The Runaways - just all-around great music from that era. “Warrior” has a nostalgic 80’s movie vibe about it - you know back when great songs were made for movies? Songs like “You’ve got the Touch” by Stan Bush or “The Transformers: The Move” (1986) and “Winner Takes All” by Sammy Hagar for “Over the Top”? I didn’t even mention any of the many Kenny Loggins 80’s movie hits (he had a song on “Over the Top” too). The 80s were magestic!
To quote Peloton Instructor Hanna Frankson:
Kids today could NEVA! Hanna Frankson
IFYKYK.
Top 5 Artists
This list? Totally unsurprising.
-
NF – As I said earlier, I listened to a ton of NF this year. His music is incredible, and I’m not shocked at all to see him in the top spot.
-
Clutch – I listen to a lot of Clutch. They’re one of my top 5 favorite bands ever. Bonus: my wife loves Clutch too, so it gets a lot of play in the house.
-
The Bronx – My favorite band of all time. They’re always in my top 5. Donnally and I even saw them live twice this year.
-
Kris Kristofferson – My favorite songwriter of all time. I’m actually surprised “Sunday Morning Coming Down” didn’t crack my top 5 songs because I listen to it a lot. Losing Kris this year hit me hard. His music reminds me of my dad and sister more than anything. My dad passed away when I was 19, and my sister in my early 30s - they were both huge fans. Their love for Kris is one of my fondest memories.
-
Ryan Adams – I wouldn’t say he’s one of my favorite artists, but I listen to “Gold,” “Rock n Roll,” “1989,” and “Easy Tiger” all the time. Those albums are just so good. Fun fact: it was his 1989 album that made me realize what a talented songwriter Taylor Swift is.
Another year down! If there’s one omission that surprises me, it’s Frank Turner. In my head, I feel like I listen to Frank more than anyone - but apparently, the data disagrees.
I can’t wait to see what next year brings. Bring on Spotify Wrapped 2025!
