‘Spotify Wrapped’ arrives each December, flooding phones with personalized data capturing the evolving soundtrack for everyone’s lives. For University of Denver students, Spotify Wrapped is more than just information but a snapshot of all the moments that have carried them through the academic year.
Spotify Wrapped is a musical feature that analyzes listening habits over the course of the year. It allows someone to see their most played songs, top artists and albums and even preferred genres. Not only is it an informative tool but it has turned into a cultural event with people sharing their favorite music with friends and peers.
Whether it’s walking to class with headphones, hanging with friends or studying, music carries people through their everyday lives — capturing all the highs and lows of being a college student.
Expressing her love for her top album of the year, “Among My Swan” by Mazzy Star, Tenny Schermer expressed that this album was good to listen to for her everyday life. A deep sound carried by a soft voice, the album is compatible for beautiful calm days on campus and late night study sessions.
“This album has a lot of emotion and is versatile for every feeling. I love that I can listen to it whenever,” said DU sophomore Schermer.
Following a more peaceful aesthetic, the band Stick Figure was mentioned as a fan favorite among DU students.
Multiple students revealed their fondness of the band and the feel good vibe they bring. Releasing a new album in 2025, Stick Figure continues to unleash a colorful wave of rhythms fusing sound and atmosphere together.
With most lyrics revolving around peace, gratitude and choosing joy, this band makes life seem uncomplicated.
Adding more energy to DU’s Spotify Wrapped was DU sophomore, Evelyn Schlomer. Bad Bunny’s latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” was the top album of the year for Schlomer.
“‘DtMF’ by Bad Bunny summarizes my college experience so far. I love that his music isn’t boxed into one style,” said Schlomer.
Bad Bunny has integrated an immersive production style into his music and that was clear in 2025. His new album has a deep bass with layered vocals and lots of synth providing a beat made for movement. At the end of the day his music is emotional, strong and lively.
Whether students are up late or rise early to hit the ski slopes, Zach Bryan seems to capture the small moments. Zach Bryan was DU sophomore Eliza Schwartz’s top artist of 2025.
“I like that his music is chill and good for long drives and study sessions,” said Schwartz.
Zach Bryan covers everything from love, loss, family and identity. He blends country, folk and modern Americana that makes for a nostalgic feeling. As a college student, his music can help you feel grounded and more in touch with your emotions.
While these artists are very different from one another, they represent a community of people connected through music. These top soundtracks of the year paint a picture into DU’s students’ lives. Spotify Wrapped recaps our year of moments and mile stones that reflect everyone individually.
As another year unfolds, students have the opportunity to define memories with new and classic anthems.
