One Game-Changer: I Ditched CD Streaming and Rediscovered My Love for Music

wRecently, many people compared their Spotify listening stats for artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Fontaines DC during December’s wrap-up. It may sound odd in today’s digital era, but I decided to stop streaming music entirely. Instead, I returned to buying CDs, which reignited my passion for music.

Now, I find myself immersed in music around the clock. I can’t focus on work without it, nor can I wash the dishes without some tunes in the background. I usually purchase albums in CD or vinyl format and play them repeatedly until I grow tired of them—an admittedly annoying habit. Back when I was a student, one brave housemate would blast music throughout the apartment, flooding my room with city hymns while he drained CDs and even leaped out the window.

The arrival of Napster, file sharing, and eventually Spotify felt like a stroke of luck to me. I quickly ditched my expensive CD collection for a digital platform that could play any song available. I began exploring new albums from familiar artists as well as those in the vast universe of music. However, laziness soon set in. As Spotify got to know my taste, its recommendations became increasingly obscure. Before I realized what was happening, Spotify was suggesting songs from the latest Gorillaz album or outlandish jazz-folk tracks I didn’t ask for, yet I was always too bored to skip them. Listening felt akin to conversing with a music snob who thought they knew better than I did.

Recently, with the rising costs of Spotify subscriptions, I decided to cancel and go back to purchasing CDs. Now, I read reviews in NME and The Guardian, using Shazam to identify songs I enjoy, such as those from the T2 Trainspotting soundtrack and tracks by Wolf Alice. Rather than random Spotify suggestions, I’m rediscovering my music taste freely. Sure, this route might keep Jeff Bezos smiling, but nothing compares to the joy of holding tangible music in my hands. Appreciating the album art and examining the inner sleeves make every penny spent worthwhile.

Plus, I no longer share a space with noisy college roommates, allowing me to listen to my favorite albums on repeat. My current favorites include Drives to the Golden Hammer due to divorce, among others. As I prepare for their live performances, I’m also delighting in a nostalgic return to Oasis. I couldn’t be happier, even if my shelves are nearing their weight limit with the growing CD collection.