The Joy of Reflecting on Music: Spotify Wrapped and Personal Growth
The holiday season brings a unique blend of joy and reflection. For many, including those who celebrate Christmas and others who embrace diverse traditions, this time of year amplifies a sense of goodwill, gratitude, and a focus on renewal. One of the more delightful aspects of this reflective period is Spotify’s year-end feature, Spotify Wrapped. This annual celebration of personal listening habits has become a cultural phenomenon, providing not only entertainment but also an introspective look into our lives through the lens of music.
The Significance of Year-End Reviews
The appeal of reviewing our yearly habits transcends mere nostalgia. For individuals who, like me, relish documenting their experiences over time, these reviews serve as a fascinating window into personal evolution. As a writer with a long-standing focus on the Black community, reviewing my past work allows me to compare who I was to who I am today. Music has been central to this journey; it’s intertwined with daily life, shaping emotions and memories. Spotify Wrapped is much more than a summary; it’s a living record that captures how our tastes shift, what influences us, and even our shared experiences with family.
Analyzing Listening Patterns
My Spotify Wrapped for 2025 reveals that I logged 25,419 minutes of music—about 17 days— over the year. This figure is perplexing given that I recall years where my numbers soared closer to 50,000 minutes. The difference this year lies in my increased podcast consumption. In a musical landscape filled with diverse sounds and narratives, I’ve discovered that my love for music is now complemented by a growing interest in discussions about it, as evidenced by my extensive podcast playlist.
In a light-hearted moment, I must confess that my teen daughter clocked in over 34,000 minutes. How is that even possible? It’s an amusing blend of parental rivalry and a reflection on the changing dynamics of music consumption in our household.
Genre Confusion and Curated Lists
Diving deeper into my Wrapped results, I was confronted with the revelation that pop rap dominated my listening habits—an categorization that had me scratching my head in confusion. According to Spotify, my “listening age” is 21, a bizarre allure that underscores the platform’s algorithmic interpretations of my tastes. Such insights spark friendly debates within music circles; how can a music lover reconcile these findings with personal identity?
In contrast, my love for specific songs reigns supreme. “Perfect Combi” by King Promise and Gabzy stood out as my most-played track, underscoring my affection for Afrobeats while also revealing my personal, eclectic sonic landscape. Falling closely behind were tracks like “30 for 30” by SZA and Kendrick, and “Black Pearls” by Apollo Brown, each a testament to the diversity in my listening habits.
Celebrating Legacy Albums
One aspect I cherish is recognizing the albums that have shaped my soundscape over the years. This year, SZA’s “SOS Deluxe: LANA” topped my list, much to my surprise. Yet, it was Jagged Edge’s “A Jagged Love Story”—an album I consider a modern masterpiece—that delighted me the most. Having it consistently show up in my top albums cements my longstanding love for nostalgic R&B. Music isn’t just background noise; it’s a scrapbook of memories, emotions, and cultural heritage.
Discovering New Artists
Amidst familiar sounds, new artists continuously enliven the scene. In 2025, anaiis, the French-Senegalese singer, emerged as my most-listened-to artist. Discovering new music is akin to unearthing hidden treasures; the thrill of finding a voice that resonates deeply is irreplaceable. This year, anaiis became a cornerstone of my playlists, showcasing the power of music to connect cultures and experiences.
Specific Memories Encapsulated in Music
One of the most exciting new features Spotify introduced this year is the ability to relive specific moments through music. For instance, I discovered that on February 18, I relished in a repeat-heavy listening day, spinning “Perfect Combi” and Jagged Edge tracks for 316 minutes. Perhaps more memorable was my Juneteenth celebration, where my friends and I collectively jammed to Afrobeat tunes for over ten hours. Such moments not only highlight the social aspect of music but also create an enduring sense of community.
Insights Beyond Numbers
As I reflect on my Wrapped results, I’m able to weave stories that are more than just numbers—a veritable timeline of personal history conveyed through melodies and beats. Each year is like a chapter, revealing what was happening in my life through the musical backdrop. This insight extends beyond personal reminiscence; it offers an opportunity to understand growth and change, shaping who we are and how we engage with the world.
In embracing this knowledge, I join countless others who have engaged in the annual ritual of reflection through Spotify Wrapped, not just for entertainment but for a meaningful connection to our past and the possibility of growth in the future. As I aim to ramp up my listening stats for 2025, I recognize that the journey itself—one filled with milestones, memories, and unmatched rhythms—offers the truest celebration of life.