On December 4th, Spotify took the spotlight, almost outshining the Christmas season as users immersed themselves in the gift of a year’s worth of music.
For those unfamiliar with the infamous Spotify Wrapped, the music platform presents each user with their statistics over the past year: their minutes listened, top five most listened-to artists, and most listened-to songs.
38,180 minutes later, I consider myself a credible source to recommend my top three most-listened-to artists.
Lana Del Rey ranked number one among my most listened-to artists, which didn’t surprise me – almost every time I opened Spotify, she was the last person I’d listened to. I want to introduce you to one of my favorite songs, “Paris, Texas.” The deliberate choice of the title perfectly reflects the thought and intention Lana puts into her work. While the name “Paris” reminds listeners of the famous tourist destination in France, she is actually referring to a small town in Texas, setting the tone for the song.
The lyrics in “Paris” explore a sense of longing and emotional distance, capturing the desire for something that feels out of reach, yet being okay with the result. Repetitively referencing these small towns that share names with popular destinations exemplifies Lana’s realization of her contentment with living a quiet, more meaningful life. One that doesn’t involve flaunting her wealth as most celebrities do. Hearing the piano and Lana’s voice seamlessly intertwine, I fell in love with this song. The two instruments echo each other, intensifying the struggle of constantly wanting more, only to ultimately let go of those fantasies and find satisfaction in the things she already has. Overall, this feeling is incredibly relatable, Lana’s craftiness is evident in all her music as she expresses her complex emotions, which is why I adore listening to it.
I was captivated by SZA’s authenticity as she expressed the challenges and triumphs she faced with past love interests, securing her second place as a top artist. The song “Normal Girl” speaks to many listeners, and for good reason. However, it was not one of my top songs but it is one of my favorites. It addresses the harsh realities women experience in the dating world. SZA is not afraid to share the vulnerability that comes with her bold personality and how her personality is often met with negative reactions from men. This song also serves as a release, SZA is letting go of unrealistic expectations, allowing growth, and realizing that the right partner will allow her to be her true self.
This sad truth is emphasized throughout the song when she repeatedly wishes to be a “normal girl,” doubting her ability to be the perfect, ideal romantic partner. I know that many teenage girls can relate to feeling as if they’re too much or not enough. When women don’t conform to the expectations of femininity imposed on them, they are often ridiculed. This song challenges why these standards exist and sheds light on the painful reality of wanting to be with someone but resting due to their negative feelings towards a woman’s true personality.
Coming in third place was The Marías; a charismatic four-person band with the lead singer María. What initially grasped my attention was the upbeat flow of their music. It immediately transports me to a summer day, driving with the windows down as the wind takes my hair. I’m overwhelmed by the pure happiness I felt in the moment which kept me wanting more as I listened to the instruments and lyrics blend perfectly.
My all-time favorite song, “Cariño,” opened the door to discovering this incredibly talented band. Its infectious tune pulled me in, and I was instantly hooked. This song creates a laid-back, effortless vibe, complemented by María’s voice; a sense of intimacy is brought into the picture. Everything about it feels naturally good–nothing is forced. Weaving in a deeper theme adds several layers to this song while maintaining its lightheartedness, making it emotionally resonate.
If I want to experience emotions, I lean on Lana’s cinematic storytelling; If I’m dealing with relationship drama, I play SZA, which encapsulates the raw realness of human connections; When I crave a sense of nostalgia, The Marías takes me there. If you’re a big Swiftie or a Gracie Abrams fan, I highly recommend you listen to these three artists. You might just find your new musical obsession.
