🎶 Songs That Don’t Suck: Playlist Overload, AI Curation & 5 Tracks You Need Now
Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck, the music podcast where your host Mark Bradbourne (not Bradborn!) listens to a mountain of new music so you don’t have to. This week, we take a detour into the world of Spotify playlist culture — the statistics, the strategy, the rabbit hole — before rolling into five killer tracks that will definitely earn a spot on your next favorite playlist. Let’s get into it 👇
🧠 The Playlist Paradox: 8 Billion and Counting
Mark’s deep dive into the playlist industrial complex started with a jaw-dropping stat:
🎧 8 billion user-generated playlists on Spotify.
Let that sink in.
And in just the first half of 2024? Another 725 million were added. That’s more than 4 million playlists per day. These include algorithm-driven ones like “Driving Mix” or “Goblin Core Mix” (yes, that’s real), as well as the ones we create ourselves — from the deeply personal to the absurdly niche.
Top Playlist Stats from the Episode:
- 🇰🇷 South Korea leads the world in playlist creation — 50% more than any other country!
- 🎵 60% of users create at least one playlist, but that still leaves 40% who ride the algorithm wave.
- 📊 Average user-generated playlists: Between 100–200 per user (lifetime total? active? who knows — Spotify isn’t saying).
- 🧠 Pro tip: Use Chosic to analyze your playlists for vibe, genre, and even star ratings. Mark’s 2023 playlist scored a 4.5 ⭐️ and 2024 is trending higher!
And soon, AI will build your playlists based on natural language prompts like “songs for night drives with existential dread” or (Mark’s dream) “less songs that suck.”
🎧 This Week’s 5 Songs That Don’t Suck
1. “Tear It All Apart” – Michael Marcagi
🎤 A blend of Noah Kahan meets The Lumineers, with a whisper of Rolling Stones magic.
This Cincinnati-based singer-songwriter is a hidden gem (unless you’re one of the 300 million who streamed Scared to Start). Marcagi brings a familiar but unique voice, storytelling chops, and folky vibes that hit just right. The Stones influence? Subtle, but it’s there.
▶️ Recommended if you like: Ryan Adams, Gregory Alan Isakov, heartfelt Americana
2. “Angel Blessings” – Sex Week
🧘 Kurt Cobain meets a haunted choir in reverb-heavy alt-folk heaven.
Ignore the provocative band name. From the jump, this track evokes Nirvana Unplugged but with crisper vocals and layered, ethereal production. It’s emotional, intimate, and full of surprises — like the delicate finger cymbals that punctuate the track.
▶️ Recommended if you like: Mazzy Star, Big Thief, spectral vibes
3. “Frank Geary” – JOHNNYSWIM
🏛️ Comparing your life to the GOAT architect? That’s the metaphorical genius here.
Named after the world-renowned architect behind iconic buildings like Seattle’s MoPOP and Cleveland’s Peter B. Lewis Building, Frank Geary is a lyrical reflection on self-worth, envy, and pride. Longtime JOHNNYSWIM fans (or new converts via this pod) will love this second single off their upcoming album.
▶️ Recommended if you like: The Civil Wars, Drew Holcomb, soulful reflections
4. “Tortuga” – Webbed Wing
🐢 Alt-rock with crunchy guitars and classic pop sensibility à la That Thing You Do.
Despite the slowpoke title, Tortuga is a fast favorite. Webbed Wing returns to the pod with volume, layering 90s-style guitars and sticky choruses that feel familiar but fresh. If you’re into hooks and harmonics, this one’s for you.
▶️ Recommended if you like: Superdrag, Foo Fighters, crunchy nostalgia
5. “Already On My Mind” – Odie Leigh
🧡 Addictive vocals + clever lyrics = instant replay.
Odie Leigh continues her hot streak with a pop-folk gem that showcases her lyrical craft and vocal warmth. A must-listen for fans of singer-songwriters who actually write songs with meaning. Think Sarah Harmer, with a Gen Z twist.
▶️ Recommended if you like: Julia Jacklin, Fenne Lily, songwriting that sticks
🔥 Quote of the Week
“If you build your house in the shadow of a Frank Geary, you’re never going to live up to that.”
🎙️ — Mark Bradbourne
Remember to follow Songs That Don’t Suck on your favorite platforms and keep supporting the artists that make music worth hearing. Until next week — keep those playlists tight, and your ears open. 🎶
