The time of the year is finally here. Music lovers across the nation woke up early on the morning of Dec. 4, eagerly anticipating the reveal of their 2024 Spotify Wrapped. This reveal proves to be a monumental part in the year for music lovers, as it provides them with a visual representation of what artists, songs and albums shaped their year.
Spotify launched its annual “Wrapped” in 2016, and since then, it evolved into a cultural sensation, captivating millions of people around the world.
“I really look forward to getting my Spotify Wrapped every year,” freshman Ryan De Los Santos said. “I like to learn what I was listening to throughout the year and see if that’s changed since last year.”
When opening Spotify Wrapped, multiple highlights of one’s music activity over the year– including top songs, albums and artists– can be found.
“I had a really big fixation on Gorillaz at the beginning of the year, like the only thing I would listen to was gorillas,” junior Ash Shuman said. “It came as no shock to me when I saw that my top song was ‘Trance’ by Gorillaz. My top album was ‘The Now Now’ by Gorillaz, and my top artist was, of course, Gorillaz.”
After revealing top artists and songs, Spotify provides nicknames based on listening habits over the year.
“My Spotify Wrapped [classified] my listening habits as ‘Cottage Core Banjo Folk’,” junior Kathryn Snow said. “I thought that was really funny, I guess in a way it is accurate, but the way it was described made me laugh.”
For many people, Spotify Wrapped not only provides a snapshot of their listening habits over the past year but also offers a chance to reflect on their musical journey. It highlights changes in their tastes, the evolution of their favorite artists and even how their mood or lifestyle may have shifted throughout the year.
“My Spotify Wrapped is important to me because it shows me the growth that I had over the year,” junior Charles Robinson said. “Last year, my top songs were nothing but ‘Hamilton’ musicals, but this year I’ve started listening to more modern songs and artists.”
As the year comes to a close, Spotify Wrapped becomes a cherished tradition that helps people reconnect with the artists who shaped their year while celebrating growth, change and self-discovery.
“In my opinion, Spotify is just all around amazing,” Robinson said. “I don’t know how people listen to Apple Music or anything else, Spotify is just the best.”
