Tis’ the season for Spotify Wrapped! While there are people who will complain and say they don’t want to see your list, let it be known that the BANDED Staff would LOVE to see what you’ve been listening to all year. With that being said, we figured we’d share our Top Artists and Songs to get things started….
SARAH
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Four of my top five songs came from the same record, Waiting on a Song by Dan Auerbach, his second solo record.
This record became a real source of comfort for me this year. It’s a brilliantly light and summer-y record that is a remarkable mood booster. I’d put it on when I was feeling sad or grumpy and it would cheer me up, I’d put it on during those early mornings when I was up at 5am getting ready for school after not getting enough sleep and it would wake me up, I’d put it on when I was already happy and I’d feel even happier after listening; I have found it to be a perfect record to make any moment better. I listen to it in its entirety at least once a week, and most weeks usually more. It’s not new in 2022, but it’s certainly been my favorite thing this year.
Fun fact: One of the songs from this record (and one of my top five), King of a One Horse Town, is on Greta Van Fleet’s pre-show playlist. I heard it several times in the pit this year on the Dreams in Gold Tour and it made me smile every time!
With 566 artists listened to, I know there’s a plethora of artists that I listened to for the first time this year. I would have loved to see my new artists outlined in some way. In addition to knowing my top five overall artists, I’d love to see my top five new-to-me-in-2022 artists alongside them, especially to see if there’s any overlap in the years to come.
Baylee
My Spotify Wrapped results were pretty much far from shocking and the results sum up my taste perfectly. My top artists were The Beaches, The Living Street, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and The Aces.
All of those artists have been my comfort artists this year. After going through a rough time with my family this year, I’ve connected with all of these artists in one way or another. The Beaches with their badass punk sound that shows that women can rock, The Living Street with their acoustics and harmonies, Taylor Swift with her sad girl music on her “folklore” album, Harry Styles with his 70s disco-esque music and The Aces with their infectious indie pop sound.
All of them are my favorite artists and they all have been a massive comfort to me this year and for that, that’s why I felt connected to all of them.
Cassie Irene
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This year, I never realized how much time I spent listening to Halsey until Spotify Wrapped was released. As an avid Halsey fan I’m not surprised though! Halsey has been a constant in my life since her release of Badlands. Her latest album release, If I Cant Have Love, I Want Power, was an immaculate concept record. With my constant streaming of her songs “Whispers” and “Girl is a Gun,” no wonder she was my ride or die this year
It wouldn’t be my Top Artists without Billy Strings, he will forever be a constant in my listening history. He’s joined by Harry Styles and Taylor Swift.
I was shocked to see “Phyllis” by Lettuce make the 3rd slot in my top songs of the year. Their funky instrumental tracks filled my work week with good vibes. This is probably why one of their tracks eased their way into my soul and into my playlists.
Finally my TOP song with them slowly creeping up to be my favorite band. Holding the 5th artist slot is Pigeons Playing Ping Pong with “Elephante.” This funky tune was THE song to blast in my car this summer. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong were my favorite band to photograph this year. They’re clearly working their way into my top slot. Who knows… maybe next year!!
BECKS
If we’re being honest, there were no surprises in my Top Artists this year. With a new album from Harry Styles and tour dates to support it…the top spot was spoken for. No questions asked. Since the album was new, it grew on me in the best way. We went from getting to know each other, to falling in love, to it bringing me pure joy; and who doesn’t need that in their life?
Greta Van Fleet returned once more. I truly never tire of their music and catching them live a couple of times this year only fueled that flame! Even on repeat, ‘Weight of Dreams’ STILL gives me goosebumps every time.
I was over the moon to see Halestorm and Dorothy make my top list. Two female rockers who truly stole my heart this year. While I had been familiar with both of them previously, seeing them live and hearing their new albums really sold me.
While I new I enjoyed Nothing More, it wasn’t until they played a festival I worked that I realized how incredible they are. Their singles were heart pumping and contagious and I ACHED for the release of their new album. It did NOT disappoint and is still on heavy rotation.
Along with Sara, I would have loved to see newer artists in my rotation spotlighted in some way. While Harry Styles stole my Top Songs, I can’t help but think about the few days I had Avatar (another festival find) on repeat. THAT is the kind of range I would have loved to see represented in our wrapped reviews.