Throughout the year Spotify users worldwide look forward to the day Spotify Wrapped comes out. Spotify Wrapped is a personalized experience that compiles listening habits and reveals top artists, songs, and genres. Some like it because it reflective, reminding them of their music taste from earlier in the year. Others enjoy the annually changing design aspects that follow a colorful theme. As the day approaches, anticipation ramps up among Spotify enthusiasts who gradually get more excited or anxious to see their music year in a nutshell.
Spotify launched its first year-end review in 2013, and in 2016 they started calling the data showcase Spotify Wrapped. Every version has its own features, this year the newest addition being a sequence that assigns listeners a city based on their listening habits. It also had a new design that highlights users’ top genres in a sandwich, with the highest one taking up most of the sandwich. Mauricio Valdivia, 12th grade, stated, “I thought that it was super fun and I really loved the genre sandwich.” There was also an effort to connect listeners with artists through a message from users’ top artists. This was popular with some listeners, Andrea Gallegos commented, “Normally I don’t like Spotify Wrapped; however, this year was better because of the message from your top artist.”
Nonetheless, the wrap still has its critics. Some people aren’t huge fans of the review’s design elements. As senior, Guadalupe López, puts it, “I thought the graphics were ugly, revolting. they made my stomach turn.” Others commented on the way Spotify Wrapped is viewed by others. Nisa Cabrera, 12th grade, mentions, “I don’t understand how people complain about it being inaccurate when it’s data. But I like the design this year.” Overall, a variety of viewpoints exist regarding the wrap, reflecting conflicting perspectives among listeners.
To sum up, Spotify Wrapped’s impact is extensive. It has grown to be immensely popular and generates wide-ranging discussions on music. I see its impact as positive because it’s an opportunity to meet new people based on common interests, it sparks engaging conversations. Ultimately, Spotify Wrapped serves as a celebration of humankind’s universal love of music.
