Music has often been called a universal language. Whether this statement holds validity or not, music is undeniably a binding piece of expression in our lives. In these times we’re having, there is no surprise that music is a therapeutic outlet for people to turn to.

Every year around early December many music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music offer personal statistics to their respected users. 

On our Instagram, we asked for these statistics, and more specifically what expressions in sound have been helping through the 2020 experience. There were a plethora of answers that contributed to a plethora of genres. 

The first of which was, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Bohemian Rhapsody became eight times platinum in September of last year, nearly half a century after its initial release. There’s no doubt that even in 2020 and 2021, Bohemian Rhapsody is still being listened to as an anthem for perseverance. 

Another response we got was Lost in Yesterday by Tame Impala from their latest album, The Slow Rush, released in February 2020. Featuring eccentric basslines and neatly processed drums per Tame Impala fashion; The Slow Rush quickly became an album liked among many. 

I Think We’re Alone Now was also a response we got for 2020 soundtracks. It wasn’t clarified which version of the song, but the only version in my eyes is the one by Tommy Jones & The Shondells. Originally written by Ritchie Cordell for Tommy Jones & The Shondells in the 60s, I Think We’re Alone Now is one of those songs that has many different versions that are passed through many different generations.

A notable version of the song that isn’t Ritchie Cordell’s would have to be Tiffany’s cover released in the late 80s. No shock comes with the idea that this is a song that helps define some people’s musical journey this year. 

Harry Styles is another musician who was mentioned in response to 2020 tunes. No song in specific, “literally just harry styles” was the reply. Harry Styles released his first solo single, Sign of the Times, in April of 2017. The song did well and a little more than a month later Harry also released his selftitled debut album. Harry Styles as a solo artist has done nothing but grow in popularity since.

His second studio album, Fine Line was released in December of 2019, which adds to Harry Styles’s placement in the 2020 soundtrack relevance.

The late Avicii’s song, The Nights, was also named amongst the responses. The song was featured on a 2014 project of similar name, The Days / Nights EP. In usual Avicii form, the project (and more specifically the song) features a tightly knit blend of house, what is called folktronica, and electronic dance. 

Various songs that were similar to these songs were curated along with these songs, and thrown into a Spotify playlist will be linked below. This playlist is made to represent the music that embodies those living through the 2020 experience.

Grandview’s Music in 2020