Our music choices are a huge giveaway of our thoughts and feelings; we use it to shape our personality and express our moods.
It can guide us socially, but it can also tune the world out when we need it to. Sharing your taste in music can bridge connections with strangers and it can deepen existing relationships. What you're listening to has never mattered more.
"It's important to care about what you listen to, because it says a lot about you," ABC Classic Breakfast presenter Megan Burslem says.
"We can learn so much about ourselves from our listening habits. Our music choices are a reflection of our inner selves, a reflection of the life we have been living."
So it's no wonder that every year since 2016, Spotify users have been riddled with anxiety come December, wondering if they have done enough to create the perfect music wrap to represent who they are.
If you're determined to create a good Spotify Wrapped for 2024 and you don't trust your own music habits to organically build a show-offable Top Five, here are some tips to try and get the Spotify Wrapped of your dreams.
Plan, plan, plan!
Double J's Music Editor Dan Condon says planning a playlist might be the key to a successful Spotify Wrapped.
"If you're worried about the end-of-year wrap-up, then maybe you should pack this playlist with songs that aren't just safe, but songs that will make you look cool," he quips.
Unfortunately for some of us, our Spotify account is not as personal as we would hope. If you have young children you'll know better than anyone that Bluey or The Wiggles – Hot Potato, anyone? – are going to make an appearance on your Spotify Top 5.
To avoid a Spotify Wrapped dominated by the sounds of cheery chants and the melodica, try creating a special playlist alternating between a child's pick and then an adult's pick.
You could all choose music from the score of your favourite movies, a piece of music from a much-loved video game, or pick the number one song of the year you were all born. There are so many creative ways to build a playlist and a great way to revisit some classics.
Broaden tastes in music
The downside of sticking to your tried and true playlists is that you may not discover new music.
"My suggestion would be to listen beyond what you are familiar with," Megan says.
"One of the greatest joys in my life is to ask someone I'm in the car with to play the music they love while we drive. If I drive, the passenger is the DJ, and that's the greatest way of discovering new music."
But if you're stuck in a music rut and really unable to pull yourself out of Für Elise on repeat, why not try the Radio play function where it will suggest similar music.
Take Dan's advice on how to broaden a slightly embarrassing music choice.
"Really want to hear Nickelback but worried what your friends will think? Sub them out for someone like Filter or Everclear. Or, even better, find a local band that scratches that same itch."
Carve out time
Most people will tell you there isn't enough time in the day to fit in some extra listening, but there may be some moments where you can sneak in a song or two – during a meal, on a commute or even as a way to wake up.
Megan always likes to start her day with a piece of music, and says it can get her in the right mood for whatever is ahead.
"The number of times I got out of bed with Harry Styles last year was inspirational,” she says. I find that the first piece of music you listen to can really set the scene for your day."
Megan also suggests to pop some headphones in when you go out, or even when you stay in.
"I listen to music when I do housework, often wearing noise-cancelling headphones (mostly so the sound of the vacuum cleaner doesn't interrupt the third Rococo Variation). Or listen while you walk or run. Taking classical music out into nature is especially magic."
Game the system
There is a way to game the system, as Dan discovered.
"When Spotify was just starting, I accidentally left a John Farnham playlist running on repeat over an entire weekend while my computer was at work," he said.
Whether you're motivated to support your favourite artist or just looking to knock out any Fortnite music your pre-teens have added, Dan's idea of playing a song on repeat might just be the answer to getting the best top artist on your Wrapped.
"Turn down the volume, find the coolest looking playlist you can (shameless plug) and go about your business while your stats add up,” he says.
Ignore peer pressure
Although you may feel like your Spotify wrapped needs to reflect a certain part of your personality, music should be enjoyed without peer pressure.
Megan says: "It can tell you the year you've had; was there a lot of grief, did you listen to empowered women to get you through a breakup? I could probably show my Spotify wrapped to my psychologist and she would laugh, nod, and probably write something down on her notebook."
"Spotify wrapped is that gorgeous reminder of what we really love when no-one is watching."
Music sharing has changed over the past 30 years, mostly thanks to social media.
Instead of carefully curating your CD tower to display to visiting house guests, Spotify today now does this for you and there's no hiding from the algorithm.
If you're still feeling the pressure to get a good end-of-year music Wrapped, Dan reminds us: "No-one cares about your Spotify Wrapped. And if they do, then that's on them."
"Forget about guilty pleasures, you can love whatever music you want. And why not fly that flag high on Spotify Wrapped day? No-one's gonna remember anyway. "