My 2024 Spotify Wrapped
it’s that time of year when Spotify releases our Year in Review.
Even though everyone has noticed something off with their analytics, I’m pretty satisfied with my lineup. One of the best things about having a blog is that I have an excuse to overshare my interests.
That being said, here’s a detailed look at my 2024 Spotify Wrapped:
top songs
#1 China Girl by David Bowie
Spotify knows how to make me feel special because I’m definitely proud to be part of the top 0.005% of listeners for this song.
I became obsessed with "China Girl" after remembering one particular scene in The Wedding Singer—the one when Robbie (Adam Sandler), Julia (Drew Barrymore), Glenn, and Linda were at the club, and the song started to play. I remember asking my mom what the title of the song was and then playing it in the car for the first time. Once I heard the Asian-inspired guitar riff, that was it for me.
"China Girl" is a very sexy song. The fact that it’s about invasion and exploitation makes it all the more alluring.
#2 Honky Tonk Woman by the Rolling Stones
I don’t remember when I first heard this song, but I do remember requesting to sing "Honky Tonk Woman" during my voice lessons. I also sang it at karaoke during a celebration with my mom’s side of the family.
I have an affinity for lyrics that include "honky tonk." I sometimes fantasize about being a cowboy in the Old West, drinking and square-dancing in a saloon.
The lyrics, as well, are very cheeky—my cup of tea.
#3 State of Shock by Mick Jagger and Tina Turner (live Aid, 1985)
Nobody ever bothered to tell me that Tina Turner and Mick Jagger shared the same stage at Live Aid. I had to learn about it through an Instagram reel.
I can’t understand why this performance isn’t more popular. These two are electric and make me feel so alive. And to think that Mick and Tina were both in their 40s!
Mick Jagger is known for collaborating with many artists on stage (e.g., Lady Gaga, Sheryl Crow, Amy Winehouse, etc.). I enjoy most of these performances, but let’s be real—nobody can match the energy Tina brought to this show. I mean, that voice and those legs?
One of my favorite performances of all time. The name of the song is just about right.
#4 Harvest Moon by Neil Young
I started listening to this song more when I learned to play it on the piano. You’d think you’d get sick of playing the songs you learn, but I love it just as much—if not more.
If there’s a gold standard for love songs, "Harvest Moon" is it. It’s sentimental and romantic without being cheesy. The harmonica solo is a heart-melter. I also appreciate the full moon rising reference—very hippie.
I’m looking forward to performing this in front of my family during Christmas.
#5 As Tears Go By marianne Faithfull
"As Tears Go By" perfectly captures the spirit of the '60s. I appreciated this song more when I learned about Marianne Faithfull and her connection to The Rolling Stones. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and Their version of it is just as stellar.
I’m not a Swiftie, but Taylor also collaborated with The Stones on this song. It’s worth mentioning because her voice blew me away and brought me to tears (though not everyone agrees in the comments section).
All in all, one of my favorite ballads of all time.
Top Artists
#1 The Rolling Stones
My obsession with The Rolling Stones is not subtle at all. I’ve already mentioned them multiple times.
Historically, I was only a casual fan. I became a not-so-casual fan when I started crushing on Mick Jagger. He’s the best rock 'n' roll frontman of all time. That is not an opinion but a fact.
Keith Richards has the same effect on me once he starts playing the guitar. His riffs sound like they come from Mars. Combine Mick’s stage presence with Keith’s guitar playing, and you’ve got the key to heaven’s gate.
It’s crazy how they’re still kicking to this day. It’s my dream to watch a Rolling Stones concert. I hope I’m able to before Mick or Keith decide to check out… They’re in their 80s, for crying out loud.
#2 David Bowie
For many years, I only saw David Bowie as an aesthetic and couldn’t form a connection beyond the pictures I saw of him.
I guess it’s all about divine timing because one day, I found myself enamored by his showmanship. It suddenly clicked why “Starman” is so beloved.
I fell in love with Bowie’s stage persona, Ziggy Stardust. According to Wikipedia, Ziggy Stardust is “an androgynous, alien rock star who came to Earth before an impending apocalyptic disaster to deliver a message of hope." So avant-garde.
While I love his underground glam rock phase, I also enjoy his music from when he became a commercial success in the ‘80s (thus, my most played song in 2024: "China Girl").
Some fans theorize that David Bowie is an alien. I’m going to back that one up. He’s too good-looking to be of this Earth.
#3 The Beatles
I’ve loved The Beatles ever since my brother decided, when we were kids, that they were his favorite band. I know The Beatles’ entire discography and history; it’s almost embarrassing.
My “favorite Beatle” used to be John Lennon. Now, they’re all equal to me. Ethan Hawke’s character in Boyhood explains it perfectly in this scene. It’s all about balance.
The Beatles had many phases, and not one is more superior than the other. "Love me do" is just as groundbreaking as "tomorrow never knows."
They are the greatest rock 'n' roll band of all time. I’m willing to debate anybody on this.
#4 Madonna
Out of all the artists I’ve mentioned so far, Madonna is one I didn’t expect to be a fan of. My introduction to her was when my mom made me watch The Virgin Tour concert (1985).
I became so invested that I read her biography. She is the epitome of "larger-than-life."
Like The Beatles and David Bowie, she knows how to evolve and push the boundaries with her music. Although I appreciate her changing with the times, I find myself only listening to her early stuff.
She’s controversial, but that’s why I love her so much. Why be an artist if you’re not going to be provocative?
#5 The Mamas and Papas
i’ll be honest… This is a bit underwhelming.
It’s not that I don’t like The Mamas and the Papas. I do, but it feels a bit misplaced that they’re at the top of my lineup.
Anyway, I think it has to do with me listening to “California Dreamin'“ on repeat. It’s been in my rotation for many years, but I played it heavily during and after my last trip to California.
I also listened to "Dream a Little Dream of Me" quite a bit because I was planning to learn it on the piano but ended up not getting to it. And "Monday, Monday" every Monday earlier this year. Perhaps some other songs of theirs as well. Okay, maybe I did listen to them a lot.
The Mamas and the Papas had a pretty messed-up history, but there’s no denying that their harmonies are sublime. Mama Cass, Michelle, John, and Denny have the perfect vocal blend.
The Mamas and the Papas’ music defined the free-love movement of the '60s: beautiful and haunting.
Top Podcasts
#1 tetragrammaton with rick rubin
I found the name Tetragrammaton odd at first. It’s a mouthful and goes over your head.
Once I started listening to it regularly, I realized it fits perfectly.
It’s not so much what Rick Rubin says in his interviews but the vibe he brings to them. I actually like it because he doesn’t talk that much. You know what they say, it’s the silence between the words.
Rubin has been around for a while, but like many people, I became a fan of him when he released The Creative Act. He brings the same energy to his podcast as he does in his book.
As far as personal taste goes, I share many of the same interests as he does. I like browsing through his website for this reason.
I also appreciate the old-school vibes of his intro and ads. If I had a podcast, I’d do something similar.
favorite episodes:
• Steven Pressfield of the war of art
• ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend
• Richard Rudd of the Gene Keys
#2 Call Her Daddy
I was 23 when I first listened to Call Her Daddy. A friend recommended it to me, and I couldn’t believe the things they were saying. It was vulgar, raunchy, and problematic.
And I completely ate that shit up. It was the "gluck gluck 9000" that sold me.
Having listened to them since their early days, it’s wild to see how successful and big the podcast has become. I’ve been through the Alex and Sofia era, the single father era, the Spotify era, the unwell era, and whatever era it is right now.
It’s also a pleasure to witness Alex’s character development over the years. She’s about my age, and I feel like I’ve grown up with her.
Aside from the fact that Father Cooper is such a remarkable talent, I can feel the passion she brings to her work. She’s also a motherfucker when it comes to business, which I respect a lot.
I am a proud Daddy Gang member. Call Her Daddy’s success is my success.
favorite episodes:
• Megan Fox: burned at the stakes
• How I glucked my way to the top
• episode 1: sext me so i know it’s real
#3 Know Thyself
I’ve been on a spiritual kick for seven years but only started tuning into this podcast this year. In the sea of new age content, Know Thyself stands out to me the most.
Not only are the episodes well-produced, but André Duqum is also an excellent interviewer. He asks the right questions, has incredible insights, and brings out the best in his guests.
André is one of those people you know who are “doing it right.” He knows how to scale his podcast without sacrificing the quality of his product. Spirituality is tricky when you’re trying to sell it. If not executed well, you can come off as a grifter, opportunist, or scam artist.
I don’t get any of those vibes with André. You can tell that he cares about what he’s creating and is very intentional with his content.
I’m also amused by how he was part of Impaulsive a few years ago. Logan Paul’s whole brand is rowdy, outgoing, and a bit hasty— the complete opposite of André’s brand right now. Talk about parallel realities and shifting timelines.
favorite episodes:
• Rupert Spira - The Essence of non-duality: Ego, Love, aWARENESS, dEATH, & hAPPINESS
• Marianne Williamson, heart-centered leadership: a new political paradigm
• Aaron Abke - Find Enlightenment & End Suffering Using the law of One
#4 Botanical Studies of Internet Magic
This blog is heavily influenced by this podcast.
I discovered Botanical Studies of Internet Magic through a Substack article about digital world-building by Kening Zhu. I got the idea of creating a digital home off social media from Kening. After exploring her website, I knew I wanted to replicate the same thing for Angel Sandy.
As much as I want to take credit for leaving social media to create my own digital world, it wasn’t an original idea. I was inspired by Kening’s articles, drawings, and podcast. I admire her creative spirit and ‘all or nothing’ mindset in expressing herself authentically. I appreciate her sharing her big feelings and existential dilemmas. They hit too close to home.
Botanical Studies of Internet Magic is truly a hidden gem. If you’re an introvert, tortured artist, or have any desire to express yourself creatively, consider listening to Kening’s podcast.
favorite episodes:
The podcast episodes build on another, so i’m going to recommend the first 3 episodes
• 01. hello friend, welcome
• 02. throwing away the iron rice bowl
• 03. this is a one way road
#5 Off the Grid: Leaving Social Media Without Losing Your Clients
For two years, I’ve been in a back-and-forth relationship with wanting to leave social media. Amelia was the seed that got me to rethink why I was on it in the first place. Although I don’t have a business that ties me to Instagram or Facebook, I’ve been on these platforms for more than a decade.
Off the Grid is meant to target small business owners who are sick of social media but feel the need to be there. Even if you don’t have a business, the podcast is still relatable and insightful. Being dissatisfied with social media is a universal feeling.
I recommend Off the Grid to anyone who’s on the fence about social media. Even if you’re not sold on the idea, it’s worth hearing her perspective.
Favorite episodes:
• 4 myths & a truth about social media for small businesses
• how I left Instagram & my 5-step Plan so you can too
• To substack or not to Substack
J’ai fini! Write to me and let me know what you think.
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