In Focus

As the end of the year approaches, many apps are doing their version of a year in review, whether it’s the most liked photos or videos with the farthest reach. I find my music app interesting. 

Just a few months ago, I downloaded a popular music app. I had used it years ago, but it kept getting breached, so I stopped using it altogether and used others. So, I am back giving this one a shot. I am always on the search for new music and my favorite songs. I’ve been slowly building my list, from favorite artists and songs to adding new sounds. 

It is learning me well. I’m impressed with the song suggestions. From the original Linkin Park to Ice Nine Kills, I’ve been creating quite the list that would make an emo/metal/rock/punk kid happy. So I was surprised to learn the app told me my top songs and artists for the year, even though I’ve had it for maybe four months.

My top artists of the year, from fifth to first, were My Chemical Romance, Thousand Foot Krutch, Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace. I’m not surprised that Three Days Grace took the top spot. The top songs were Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace, War of Change by TFK, Never Too Late by TDG, Painkiller by TDG, and Throne by Bring Me The Horizon, with 13 streams. 

Of the 3671 minutes I listened to so far, 534 were just on Three Days Grace. I’m back in the early 2000s when my favorite music was a mix of Backstreet Boys and Blink 182. I know my list is free of country and Taylor Swift. It pleases the ear holes and calms the anxiety brain. 

This time of year, I get so burnt out on Christmas music that I started bringing earbuds to work so I don’t have to listen to the radio. I much prefer Black Veil Brides to Mariah Carey anyway. And I will listen to rock/metal covers of Christmas songs before the originals. Look at Trans Siberian Orchestra and Manheim Steamroller. Their versions are far superior to the originals, in my opinion. 

But to each their own. Music helps me stay engaged when I don’t need to listen to a recording or a meeting.

“So you can throw me to the wolves, tomorrow I will come back, leader of the whole pack, beat me black and blue, every wound will shape me, every scar will build my throne.”