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Spotify Wrapped 2021 is officially here!
Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash
In the spirit of the holiday season, I’ll be wrapping up a few of my top songs and sharing them with all of you! Here are a few of my most-listened-to songs of 2021.
H.E.R — Damage
Album: Back of My Mind
Release Date: 2020
How did I discover this song?
While sitting in the beauty shop one week, I caught H.E.R. playing on the radio. It was the first time I had ever heard the song, but the nostalgic feel set the scene to the perfect wind-down, leaving a lasting impression on my ears.
Why is it on my most played list?
Something about the song’s nostalgic essence keeps it on repeat. “Damage” is a sample of Herb Alpert’s 1987 record “Making Love in the Rain,” featuring Lisa Keith and Janet Jackson vocals. Though I’m a self-proclaimed 90’s r&b geek, I believe that some of the best samples come from the ’80s. H.E.R. put her foot in this one.
Tyler, The Creator — See You Again (feat. Kali Uchis)
Album: Flower Boy
Release Date: 2017
How did I discover this song?
After skimming through YouTube on a quest to find the perfect video, I ran across Tyler, The Creator’s Lollapalooza 2021 set. Although I’d known about Tyler, The Creator, for years, I had never heard “See You Again.” I instantly became a fan!
Why is it on my most played list?
This song makes you feel like you’re in a movie scene, running in a field full of flowers in a long white dress. It’s such a beautiful love song! Very soundtrack-esque. I feel like the album Flower Boy contradicted a lot of Tyler’s early work, like Goblin, which was a bit darker and rage-filled. Some would describe albums like Goblin as horrorcore, a sub-genre of hip-hop with dark imagery and aggressive lyrical delivery. I genuinely admire Tyler, The Creator’s evolution as an artist. As a sucker for a good ol’ love song, I adore when Hip-Hop artists get a little sappy and sentimental.
Kehlani — Hate The Club (feat. Masego)
Album: It Was Good Until It Wasn’t
Release Date: 2020
How did I discover this song?
Let me just preface this by saying I am in love with Kehlani! So it doesn’t surprise me that she’s the most played artist on the list this year. I’m not 100% sure when I discovered this song, but I’m sure I came across it while listening to the album.
Why is it on my most played list?
“Hate The Club” is such a beautiful blend of smooth jazz r&b. She and Masego do a phenomenal job painting the scene through lyrics and instrumentation. I can easily envision myself in the club with Kehlani, a jazz band playing onstage, smoke in the air, and the annoying ex walking by with a smug look on his face. It’s relatable, a great listen, and Masego’s saxophone, *chefs kiss*!
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