My favorite part of this year, aside from the Christmas movies and seasonal Starbucks drinks, is when Spotify releases the Spotify Wrapped playlists. As a music lover, this is especially interesting because my music taste always changes as I branch out and listen to new music. Here are my top 10 songs!
1. "Love Songs - Bonus" by Kaash Paige
This is my top song this year. I remember how it showed up in one of my Daily Mix playlists when I was cleaning my entire dorm room, and it sounded really catchy. I ended up playing it on replay. I don't know how to describe Kaash Paige's vocals in this song, but its chill and easy to learn the lyrics.
2. "None of Your Concern" by Jhene Aiko and Big Sean
It was no surprise to me that my top artist of the year was Jhene Aiko. After she released her new album, I played her songs all the time, no matter what I was doing. This song is one of my favorites as it features Big Sean, and their collaborations on songs always come out good.
3. "Creve Coeur 1" by Hobo Johnson
I got this song from TikTok, but I added it to my playlist sometime during the summer. It is one of the songs you play when you're already sad but need to play sad songs to add to the vibe.
4. "Falling" by Harry Styles
Harry Styles is such an amazing lyricist and vocalist, I can't explain properly how much of a great artist he is. On the album, this song is part of the story that highlights the vulnerability and hurt one feels after a breakup and just how hard it is to move on from that person. It is also a bit reflective of how some of us view ourselves in this negative way that we want to stay with them just to avoid being on our own again.
5. "Rules" by Doja Cat
Doja Cat's music videos are always creative because she thinks outside of the box for each one that she releases. Obviously, her songs aren't intended for a younger audience. Regardless, she's one of the new female artists in the music industry who is pushing boundaries and ignoring the expectation that women shouldn't be so explicit in their songs.
6. "Love" by Keyshia Cole
Songs from the 2000's will always hold a special place in my heart, and this song is my favorite from the r&b era. It's truly one of the best songs from that time period, and the high note she hits in the final chorus is just amazing. It is one of the songs you have to play in the car whenever you're driving somewhere, along with Mary J. Blige's song " Be Without You."
7. "Triggered (freestyle)" by Jhene Aiko
Another one of Jhene's songs from her new album made my top 10. The melodies in this song and her vocals in general just make the entire song complete. I just really love her new album and the songs on it because they're all just so good.
8. "Fine Line" by Harry Styles
I love this song from Harry's album because it is realistic. It states that whatever hardship we're going through won't automatically get better. It will take time to heal, and it isn't going to be an easy path. Regardless, it's okay, and we'll be okay. Again, his vocals and the orchestra at the end really make this such a good ending to his album.
9. "DO YOU LOVE HER" by Jessie Reyez
This is the first song that introduced me to Jessie Reyez. It's part of her debut album that she released back in March of this year. In this live performance, Jessie depicts the amount of hurt and pain that she feels because of constant mistreatment in her relationship.
10. "XXX. FEAT. U2" by Kendrick Lamar and U2
With all the social injustice going on in America, this song is the perfect balance of anger and frustration. It also reflects on the disadvantages that minority groups face on a daily. Originally released in 2017, Kendrick Lamar's song highlights some issues going on in our country. It's definitely worth a listen.
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