CULTED WRAPPED: WHAT THE TEAM LISTENED TO IN 2022
It seems Spotify wrapped has taken over everyones social media this week. With the whole world coming together to share their top song, albums and artists of the year – it was only right we did the same here at CULTED.
Keep reading to see what the team listened to in 2022.
ANA
AMAARAE, KALI UCHIS AND MOLIY – SAD GURLZ LOVE MONEY REMIX
This afro-pop song was already a vibe, but when it was remixed by Kali Uchis, it became an anthem – making its way to the top of my Spotify Wrapped. Can’t say I’m surprised. With the synergy of three powerful women, this song is the perfect tune to hype yourself up at any point of the day, month and 2022 as a whole, cause let’s be honest, we’ve needed it!
Voicing their feelings on independence, empowerment, sex and wealth through the combination of strong melodies and relevant statements, the trio embody and vocalise the mindset of today’s modern woman, doing so with THAT attitude we love.
OSCAR
HARLEY ASH – PHASES
From relatively unknown self-producing artist Harley Ash, Phases is the perfect soundtrack to a late night drive. Harnessing a meditative atmosphere, Harley’s reverberant vocals echo alongside a synth-heavy instrumental with modern trap drum influences. Discussing the phases we all go through in our lives, the song has an unmistakably psychedelic energy unique to Harley’s music.
TIMOTHY
A$AP ROCKY – SUNDRESS
Now everyone knows that A$AP Rocky is almost certainly a vibe but did you know that his 2018 song ‘Sundress’ is a collaboration with Tame Impala? No me neither and that makes this tune that even more of a banger. Being a sample of their “Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind?” released on their 2010 debut album, the synergy between them and Rocky makes it seem like these two are destined to return with another meet-up on a track.
SAM
DAY ONE – FENG SUAVE
Feng Suave came onto my radar this year and really left a mark. My flatmate is a big fan, and has always listens to them while he’s cooking in the kitchen. Day One was the first song that really caught my attention, it starts off so slow, with really meaningful lyrics until its builds into such a beautiful crescendo toward the second half of the song.
we both actually went to see them in concert last month, they’re still a pretty small, under-appreciated band so the concert was super intimate. Let me tell you, they are as good live as they are on record, definitely worth a listen.
MARCUS
WHAT DO YOU MEAN? – SKEPTA, J HUS
The true and honest CULTED Wrapped! What Do You Mean played an instrumental role in my life this year. When I needed some energy, it came through. If I was on a late night drive, bumping tracks, this one would come on first. If I needed something to belt in the shower, this was it. Other than the sentimental value, this track was produced flawlessly from “The Hustle is still in my genes,” to the “if you ain’t on my team.”
CHIOMA
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE – KING
Unfortunately, I found this masterpiece way too late in the year, and thus it failed to make the Spotify Wrapped list. Absolutely.Gutted. However, it deserves an honourable mention! Florence Welch, aside from having extraordinary writing capabilities, has vocals that capture every drop of rage, defiance, and determination with each note’s quiver. The sheer feminine and ethereal power and force that King emanates is mind blowing.
King is the bubbling gradual crescendo that perfectly describes the journey to womanhood, for all women, at every stage of the journey. The inner turmoil and fight to escape the supposed preordained role that society may have for you. The raw outcry that Florence emits, holding the long note towards the end, paired with the forceful instrumental gives me goosebumps every time, triggering something deep within me. Lucky for me I just bought tickets to see them live next year, so watch out for Spotify Wrapped 2023.
AVA
LITTLE FLUFFY CLOUDS – THE ORB.
Song of the year is a hard ask – with Spotify Wrapped only scrapping the surface of music discovered this year. However, while working my way through grey skied streets – no song makes me feel more like it’s a sunny day than the 7” edit of Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb.
Upbeat and fun, the song is a guaranteed enjoyer – with plenty of range reminding us of The Orb’s mixing talents. Dip your toe in this tune and your day is guaranteed to be perkier.
