Music can be a reflection of how a year or generation was shaped. We have 365 to 366 days, just imagine how many songs and albums came out within that period. Recently, Spotify released their annual “most-streamed” rankings worldwide and for specific countries.
In the Philippines, the ranking is a mix of local and international artists. Many of the songs also reminded us of key events that’ve happened this year so far, and we made a playlist out of them.
First, 2018 kicked off with another earworm song from Ed Sheeran, who is the most-streamed male artist in the PH. Remember that time “Thinking Out Loud” was playing everywhere? Since 2017, it’s been “Perfect.” It’s already December, radios are still blasting this song, and singers are still making covers. This song is the representation of every viral song in 2018—it’s both a blessing and an “overplayed in the radio” curse.
Speaking of trending media, Exes Baggage pretty much broke the Internet for weeks thanks to #CarGel. Ben&Ben’s “Maybe the Night” became an anthem for everyone who couldn’t stop swooning over the film.
This year has also been a great time for empowerment and self-love. BTS’ Love Yourself Answer album tackles just that and it’s further emphasized in their song “Answer: Love Myself.” At the same time, there were several men who were called out for not being accountable and playing the victim for their actions. For that, we’re blasting “IDGAF” by Dua Lipa.
There were also several engagements this year, most of them were whirlwind too—from Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson, to Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra. It’s only fitting that “Tagpuan” by Moira Dela Torre (most-streamed female artist) would represent this since she announced her own engagement in the music video. On the other hand, some of these engagements didn’t work out, which got emotions going from LANY’s “Thru These Tears” to Ariana’s “Thank U, Next.”
Lastly, 2018 is the wherein people got second chances. Just look at Amanda Bynes. If you had the redemption arc that you wanted, especially after a sh*tty 2017, “Look What You Made Me Do” is an exaggerated yet accurate song. And with this redemption arc comes the chance to make memories in the best ways. Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke” is probably resonating with these people hard.
If you were to make your own playlist to round up 2018 so far, what songs would you add?
Art by Marian Hukom
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