Join journalist Zack O'Malley Greenburg, who specializes in music and business, as he explores the surprising world of streaming. Discover which 1980s and 2000s songs top Spotify's charts, revealing unexpected hits. He dives into the impact of TikTok on radio, the enduring success of tracks like 'Mr. Brightside,' and how cultural factors influence global music reception. The conversation also touches on the contrasting styles of Kendrick Lamar and Drake, shedding light on their unique appeal in today's hip-hop landscape.
Streaming has revived older tracks, with songs like 'Every Breath You Take' dominating the 80s charts unexpectedly, reshaping listener preferences.
Cultural nuances significantly impact streaming success, as shown by Kendrick Lamar's limited global reach compared to universally appealing British artists.
Deep dives
The Impact of Streaming on Song Popularity
Streaming has significantly transformed the music industry's landscape, influencing song popularity and monetization. Notable shifts include the rise of older tracks that have regained traction on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, indicating a transformation in listener engagement. For example, Kanye West's 'Heartless' has overtaken 'Stronger' as his most streamed song, surprising many. Moreover, Eminem's 'Without Me' has surpassed 'Lose Yourself,' highlighting that listener preferences can often vary widely from personal expectations.
Surprising Hits from the 80s to Today
The discussion highlights unexpected popular songs from various decades, showcasing how certain tracks have transcended initial reception to gain prominence in the streaming era. For instance, 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police surprisingly ranks as the most streamed song of the 80s on Spotify. This contrasts with expectations favoring Michael Jackson's classics, emphasizing how historical context and ongoing consumption patterns diverge. Similarly, 'Mr. Brightside' by The Killers, although released in the early 2000s, continues to enjoy immense popularity, proving its timeless appeal.
Coldplay's Streaming Dominance
Coldplay's remarkable streaming success illustrates the varied consumption patterns of their music compared to other popular artists. Songs like 'Yellow' and 'Viva La Vida' have garnered billions of streams, showcasing a sustained audience engagement that defies genre trends. Coldplay's music, often described as ethereal and relaxing, appeals to listeners looking for a backdrop while engaging in other activities. This suggests that their catalog's value might exceed that of many artists from their era, given both their historical and ongoing relevance.
Cultural Context Influencing Streaming Trends
The cultural nuances tied to songs and artists often dictate their streaming success on different platforms globally. For instance, Kendrick Lamar's track 'Not Like Us' resonates predominantly within the U.S., demonstrating how American cultural references can limit international appeal. In contrast, songs from British artists or those with universal themes tend to perform better worldwide. This regionality in music consumption underscores how songs can thrive or falter based on cultural contexts and audience familiarity.
The most streamed song on Spotify from the 1980s is not from Queen, Michael Jackson, Prince, or Madonna. The most streamed Spotify song from the 2000s is not from Eminem, Usher, Beyonce, or Kanye West.
The streaming data is full of unique takeaways about what people really listen to.
Join me and Zack O'Malley Greenburg as we delve deep into Spotify and YouTube data, unraveling the surprises and the complex layers of music consumption.
04:10 Queen vs. Michael Jackson
07:23 The Rise of 'Mr. Brightside'
24:33 Does “Not Like Us” Have Global Reach?
28:46 TikTok's Influence on Radio
31:45 Music Catalogs and Value
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