This Monday, as with every other Monday, Spotify dropped a new playlist of 30 songs curated just for you — that is, you, one of 205 million listeners worldwide who also received a personalized playlist. Discover Weekly has taken the music world by storm, each week inviting its listeners to “enjoy new music and deep cuts picked for you.”
But despite its usefulness, many do not take advantage of this incredible technology. A recent poll discovered that only one in five Newton South students actually listens to their Discover Weekly on a regular basis. That means that most are missing out on countless songs which could end up being their new favorite. Some people take issue with the algorithm, claiming it does not represent their taste (which we see even more with Spotify Wrapped). “My Discover Weekly sucks. My Spotify algorithm doesn’t understand me at all,” explains senior Mitchy Bojar.
Others simply do not utilize the tool because they forget about it or just think it’s insignificant. Junior Reese Pinto divulges that she “just never thinks [she has] time to listen to it,” even though she is otherwise an avid music listener.
I do see how the algorithm can seem stupid sometimes. For example, although the songs are always new to you, they may be from artists you have heard before or just feel repetitive. Since my Spotify AI knows I prefer indie rock with female singers, much of what they recommend falls under that category.
However, I truly hold the belief that this AI is a valuable tool to help me become more aware of music. The intricately coded algorithm is also so much more outreaching and adventurous than I could ever be. Without it, I would have never discovered many of my favorite songs, artists, and albums.
The Spotify algorithm takes into account playlists sitewide, as well as your own taste. It references the millions of playlists on the app that music is pulled from, whether it be your friends, followers, or Today’s Top Hits. Spotify also examines your personal playlists and liked songs and compares that to music you have yet to listen to, but would probably enjoy. The idea is similar to the commonly utilized feature Spotify Radio, which creates a playlist based on a certain song, album, or artist, but I prefer Discover Weekly since it brings you more variation and does not feel like an echo chamber of songs. It is human nature to desire new things and crave new experiences, and listening is one of the best and most magical experiences of all.
I am constantly hearing a cyclical argument about music and the ways it has changed due to social media. Many have pointed out certain patterns of production and the ways artists consciously change their music, prioritizing catchiness or viral potential over quality. If you are also sick of this pattern and/or sick of hearing about it like I am, you should try something new. Try discovering Japanese bossa nova or math rock or chalga or anything that you (or your Spotify algorithm) can dream of.
Of course, Apple Music has an option of its own that equates to Discover Weekly. This isn’t a question of which music service is better, but rather a highlight of the wondrous power of AI “discovery” technology. I’m simply stating that not enough people are talking about it! Take my advice and listen to your Discover Weekly.
