It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times…For Music
The end of the year is an exciting time for music enthusiasts with Spotify Wrapped just around the corner. However, musicians have upped the scales lately and made this period extra special. Be it Jung Kook’s new album, Taylor Swift’s 1989 re-release, or Dua Lipa’s latest single, there’s a lot going on right now and not all of it is good!
BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys, has steadily risen in popularity since its debut in 2010. Vocalist Jungkook has been unstoppable after starting his solo career. In fact, his first album Golden, released on November 3rd, has already broken records!
As of October 20, “Seven,” one of two singles from the album, reached one billion streams on Spotify in just 108 days. It was the fastest song to do so, surpassing the 112-day record of Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” the artist’s hit single from her eighth studio album.
This has caused controversy among Cyrus’ fans who consider “Seven’s” success ridiculous and even fraudulent. Regardless, it makes Jung Kook an official member of the Spotify Billions Club alongside icons like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Harry Styles, and more.
It also makes Jung Kook the first Korean artist to be a Spotify Global chart-topper for four consecutive weeks.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” also re-entered Global Spotify, standing proud at #16 with 3.56 million streams while adding another achievement to the late singer’s list of accolades.
Speaking of achievements, Taylor Swift released “1989 Taylor’s Version,” which includes several tracks known as “From the Vault.” These include “Is It Over Now?” which is believed to be about her relationship with Harry Styles.
The song has already become a #1 hit on global Spotify and US Spotify with 5.85 million streams and 2.59 million streams, respectively.
Though Swift has been enjoying unparalleled success, it hasn’t been free from controversy. The megastar has been re-recording her stolen albums to reclaim ownership of them. While this has contributed towards her reaching billionaire status, record labels are unhappy about it.
In fact, major labels are overhauling their contracts to ensure that artists wait up to 30 years before re-recording their own music!
Fans are hoping that this will encourage the “Cruel Summer” singer to start her own record label. That may be wishful thinking given the fact that she has a packed schedule, especially with The Eras Tour beginning soon.
Meanwhile, Dua Lipa cleared her Instagram of all posts, except for the one announcing the pre-orders for “Houdini,” her third album. Fans are buzzing with excitement as this may be the kick off of a new era for her. Future Nostalgia, her last album, was released way back in 2020.
Of course, end-of-the-year celebrations wouldn’t be complete without the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, making an appearance. Carey dazzled in a new video snippet as she “defrosts” just in time for the holiday season. The “All I Want For Christmas Is You” singer is gearing up for a Merry Christmas One and All Tour that’s set to make this winter truly special.
