LONDON: On the occasion of World Music Day, Spotify released a special list of the top tracks and artists Saudis listened to most in 2023.
The popular audio-streaming platform found “a remarkable openness” and “unwavering appreciation for global music” in Saudis.
While Adele’s 2011 hit single “Set Fire to the Rain” topped the charts, SZA’s electrifying and upbeat track “Kill Bill” seized the second spot.
These tracks were followed by Interworld’s “Metamorphosis” and “Alo Aleky,” the 2022 hit song by Egyptian singer and producer Mohammed Saeed.
“Snowfall” by Øneheart and Reindenshi took the fifth spot as Saudis’ favorite track.
The list also unveiled the top-streamed artists so far in 2023, showing a more global taste in Saudis’ choice of music.
The Weeknd reigned as the top-streamed artist in the Kingdom, having become in February the first artist on the platform to reach 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Saudis settled the debate as to who was more popular between Taylor Swift or BTS, with the American singer-songwriter prevailing in the second spot. They also enjoyed listening to Lana Del Rey and Drake.
The lists are based on music streaming activity from KSA on Spotify from Jan. 1 to June 12, 2023.
Spotify has previously launched similar initiatives, revealing the music tastes of its listeners.
Every December, the Swedish platform presents Spotify Wrapped, a compilation of data about trends on the platform over the past year.
