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As the year approaches its close, the long-awaited Spotify Wrapped has finally made its debut. Whether you’re anxious to see just how bad your revisit to the "Hamilton" soundtrack really was or just excited to flex your results on your social media platform of choice, every Spotify user looks forward to the platform's annual release of listener data. 

Though this year has challenged us in many ways, it has undoubtedly also blessed us as far as music goes. The Editorial Board is proud to announce our non-comprehensive soundtrack to 2020, featuring our favorite tunes that got us through the year.

“F2020,” Avenue Beat

Written by up-and-coming girl group Avenue Beat, this song is 2020’s unofficial anthem as far as we’re concerned. It speaks to us on every single level. We haven’t loved 2020 and we’ve been known to use tactical profanity in our work as well. Big fans.

“WAP,” Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion

Although it received notable criticism for its exuberant use of colorful language, "WAP" is all about empowering women. Crafted by two of the most famous women in rap and filled with clever analogies and even a reference to Vine (RIP), the release of "WAP" made our 2020 much more bearable. It also provided us with hilarious memes of Ben Shapiro, so bonus points for that. 

“Betty,” Taylor Swift 

With "folklore," Taylor Swift gave us the cottagecore motivation we all needed to stay home. In fact, being forced to stay indoors all day long actually became pleasurable at the thought of making a cup of tea, wearing a favorite cardigan, and settling in under some blankets to listen to “betty” and “invisible string” over and over again. (Yes, she was our top artist of the year.)

“Say So,” Doja Cat

This song floods us with memories of early quarantine along with daily walks, the rise of whipped coffee and sleeping in. Doja's catchy beat evokes a simpler time and reminds us of the awe-inspiring collaboration and kindness we saw in our communities during the transition into the new normal. 

“Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s "Blinding Lights" broke the record for most weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 this year. Along with its commercial success, the song was popular among the Editorial Board as well. The Michael Jackson-esque drumbeat and the '90s-esque synth seems to take us back in time, to a time before quarantine and COVID-19 tests, and we can’t get enough.

“Heather,” Conan Gray

Conan Gray’s mesmerizing voice over a wash of layered acoustics had us absolutely enchanted for a full year, while the song's story of unrequited love had us crying over something else other than COVID-19. 

“Therefore I Am,” Billie Eilish

Released only last month, Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am” brings us hope for her new album and for new music in 2021. This song makes us feel confident, bold and assured of any future. Music like this can absolutely get us through anything 2021 has to throw at us.

“Bored in the House,” Tyga x Curtis Roach 

This hit is, once again, courtesy of TikTok (we’re sensing a theme here). It emerged early on as our quarantine anthem, back when we were bored instead of just plain sad. “I was really bored in the house,” Roach said to the Detroit Metro Times about making the now-viral video. Relatable.

“Iris,” Phoebe Bridgers & Maggie Rogers

On Election Day, Bridgers tweeted that if Trump lost the election, she would cover “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Well, Biden delivered, and so did Phoebe Bridgers. She ended up collaborating with Maggie Rogers on the track, and their harmonization is heavenly. We are simply not worthy.

Honorable mention: "Ratatouille" Musical, TikTok

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Although not an official musical, and not (yet) featured on Spotify, the TikTok phenomenon that is "Ratatouille" Musical has a special place in our hearts. We look forward to the day it features on our Spotify Wrapped, and even more to the day it appears on Broadway.

@dthopinion

opinion@dailytarheel.com