SZA's 'Saturn' resonated with listeners because it captured the emotional turmoil and existential questions many faced in 2024. The song's lyrics, such as 'How can things get any worse? How much more can a person take?' and 'If there is a point to being good, then where's my reward?' spoke to the struggles and reflections of listeners who experienced significant losses and personal challenges. The soothing melody provided comfort and a sense of not being alone.
Josh in Dayton, Ohio, picked 'Child of Mine' by Laura Marling because it poignantly reflected his experiences as a new parent. The song's lyrics, particularly the lines 'Long nights, fast years, so they say. Time won't ever feel the same. And I don't want to miss it,' resonated with his feelings of love, the rapid passage of time, and the desire to cherish every moment with his daughter.
Michelle in Philly chose 'Two Hands to Heaven' by Beyoncé because it perfectly encapsulated her journey to finding true love at age 45. The song's themes of perseverance, surrender, and the joy of finding a lifelong partner resonated deeply with her personal experiences and the emotional high of finally meeting the love of her life.
Sue in Cleveland picked '25' by Lake Street Dive because it evoked memories of her first love in college. The song's storytelling and Rachel Price's emotive voice brought back feelings of new love and the sweetness of those early romantic experiences, even from a distance of decades. It also helped her reflect on life changes and the passage of time.
Olivia in Washington State chose 'Love Song from a Dog' by Shovels and Rope because it provided comfort during a difficult time. She received a concerning health update about her dog, and the song played immediately after the call, making her feel like her dog was trying to express his love for her. The song beautifully captures the loyal and loving bond between a human and their dog.
Mary in Massachusetts picked 'Man at the Garden' by Kendrick Lamar because it challenged her to reflect on her own worth. The song's repeated refrain, 'I deserve it all,' served as a powerful mantra and wake-up call, making her question what she truly deserves and why. It encouraged her to believe in her own potential and the idea that everyone deserves peace and happiness.
Marsha in Belfast, Maine, chose 'One Last Dance' by Baby Rose because it captured the bittersweet emotions of running into a former lover. The song's lyrics about the lingering feelings and the hope that the other person is doing well resonated with her own experiences of reflecting on past relationships and the gratitude she feels for those who have been part of her life.
Michael in Massachusetts picked 'Sadness as a Gift' by Adrian Linker because it resonated with his experiences of loss and the emotional journey of a short-lived relationship. The song's theme of seeing sadness as a form of enduring love and the gift of great memories aligned with his own reflections on grief and the depth of his feelings.
We asked listeners to tell us about the one song they couldn't stop listening to in 2024 because of how it made them feel. On this episode we share some of their picks and the stories behind them.Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected])Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)