Spotify has recently bestowed every music lover’s favorite times of year: the release of their Spotify Wrapped. Clicking through countless Instagram stories to see people’s top artists and songs of the year is definitely a guilty pleasure. Music gives so much insight into a person’s character, whether it’s the sound of songs they like, the way they resonate to its lyrics or the memories they associate with their favorite tune.
As a shortcut to getting some new music recommendations and to learn more about a few people in my life, I’ve asked them what their favorite song of the year is (regardless of when it was released) and why.
“I Don’t Wanna Be Okay Without You” by Charli Burg
Jacob Domingo (Rutgers University): “Not because of a positive association but because it is probably most representative of my feelings during a very emotional period of my life this year. It accurately captured my sadness, which helped with the catharsis while also being sonically pleasing to me.”
“figured u out” by thuy
Jen Garcia (Montclair State University): “It’s a really fun, uplifting song to listen to when you’re feeling down, especially when you think other people are doubting your abilities. Also, thuy is Vietnamese, and I love southeast Asian female representation in pop music.”
“Oceans & Engines” by NIKI
Bethany Barber (Bentley University): “When I listened to this song for the first time, I was able to deeply feel the heartache that NIKI writes about in this song through her really descriptive, poignant lyricism. When I hear this song, I also think of its music video, which I was in such awe of how the choreography and cinematography work together to somehow make the song more heartfelt than it already is musically.”
“Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
Jenna Sundel (Montclair State): “I discovered the song over the summer when I had COVID-19. The song helped get me through that, and I’ve been a fan ever since. I have an entire playlist dedicated to songs that have a similar vibe.”
“Change” by Big Thief
Jalen Buliyat (Rutgers): “This song resonates with me as it’s been a huge year of change with new relationships, new friends, new experiences and soon a new school. I also love the song’s many themes including its symbolism of death, embracing and accepting change and the unknown, existentialism and struggles of moving on. I think the album it comes from, ‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You,’ is one of the best albums of the year and would definitely recommend if you’re into Indie Folk.”
“Untouched” by The Veronicas
Bridget Murphy (Montclair State): “This song reminds me of summer and all the memories made when this song was being played in the background.”
“Paper Airplanes” by Ruth B.
Megan Lim a.ka. The author of this article (Montclair State): This comes from Tyler Perry’s movie, “A Jazzman’s Blues,” which is one of the most gut-wrenching films I’ve watched this year. Listening to this song while knowing how it captures the tragedy in the movie makes it even sadder. But even without watching the film, “Paper Airplanes” hits hard either way both in sound and lyrics.
Hopefully you’ve found a few songs to listen to and add to your playlist! With 2023 right around the corner, let’s cheers to a new year filled with new music and new, happy memories behind them :)