Whether I’m going to work, heading home, going to UA, or to pole dance, my car is where I destress the most, listening to my favorite songs. For the past few years, it’s been one genre in particular. Yes, I’m not ashamed to admit that this middle-aged girl still listens to reggaeton daily in her car. Only people who ride with me would guess (except mom). I usually switch to the radio when she’s in the car, especially when I’m listening to this one artist (which I know she secretly loves, hihi). 

Breaking the Habit (or not)

Speaking of my music habits, this year there was one album I listened to all year, from January to December. Can you guess which one? It’s by the artist my mom dislikes (she claims she can’t understand him), and it’s also the most-streamed album of 2025. Yes, it’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (DtMF) by Benito, duh. When I first heard it on January 5th, 2025, I knew it was special. But I had no idea it would blow up to this extent. One might argue that it even topped Un Verano Sin Ti (UVST) in impact, connecting communities worldwide, including those who don’t speak Spanish. I recently tried to explain to mom that older people had the same thoughts about Chayenne when she was a young adult, but she insists I’m wrong.

De Velda

My favorites were: VeLDA, BAILE INoLVIDABLE, KETU TeCRÉ, BOKeTE, and KLOuFRENS. DtMF scares and saddens me whenever it plays again (I really hope que los mío’ nunca se muden). It was no surprise that Benito was my most listened to artist of 2025 (and for the last 4 years). LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii and LA MuDANZA felt like political commentary, just like El Apagón. The themes especially speak to (small island) Caribbeans.

The first time I saw the video for “El Apagón” I was in awe. I recognized a few things happening here in Aruba, too. Now, after three years, I realize Aruba has indeed turned into Hawaii (overcrowded and exploited). Maybe, to some extent, I’m exaggerating. I’d like to think we are not there yet, but eventually it will reach that point. We have yet to fully feel or see the impact of gentrification and overtourism. I’m just afraid it will be too late by then, just like Hawaii. Keep in mind, I’m not an expert on tourism or environmental crises, but the consequences of over tourism and gentrification are well-documented online. 

The only critique that I have on DtMF is the word choice of “trafique” in VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR. That word had no business being in that song. They could have thought of any other word, any. Human, and sex trafficking is terrifying, illegal and inhuman, and doesn’t need any glamorization.

On Repeat

Another album that really stood out to me was Island Boyz by Myke Towers. I had it pretty much on repeat during summer time. As an island girl, I really liked the album. It gave us heat, reggae, nostalgia, and tropical vibes. One of my favorite songs was: SUNBLOCK (composed by Allymar Maduro of Tribal Kush, like how awesome is that?). The album gave me tingles that J Balvin’s Vibras did for me back in 2018, for some reason. I can’t quite explain. Other albums that stood out to me were Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0 and Tropicoqueta.

The Spotify Paradox

Spotify has a way of reflecting what you did throughout the year, reminding you of who you are, and even how you felt. For example, it reminded me of the day I threw a bash for my mom’s birthday, the genres I listen to most, and even guessing my age (it thought I was 38). I was surprised to see alternative rock in my top 5 genres. For some reason, I got really hooked on Creed around March (teenage Jammita hated Creed) and Breaking Benjamin. Sometimes I fixate on one song and repeat it until my feel-good hormones stop responding. Yes, totally talking about My Sacrifice. Are you into playlists? If so, do share some with me. Maybe that way I will start listening to other music genres as well. Can you believe Spotify thought I was 38? (Don’t know if I should be flattered or insulted.)

As for my experience with Spotify Wrapped this year, I was less excited than usual. Probably it’s because I already knew what it would look like. It also had to do with people boycotting the app this year because it ran ICE recruitment ads on its platform, which drew backlash. Plus, the CEO invested millions of dollars in European defense technology, raising ethical concerns. The app has been hated on for other things, too, like underpaying artists and for its lousy algorithm. So all those things made me less excited than in previous years. Knowing all things puts me in the position of a hypocrite, because I’m using an app that runs ads for an organization that is doing a lot of harm to different communities in the US.

Perreo Baby TRA TRA Baby

On a lighter note, the other unhinged thing I did this year, besides watching The Office three times, was creating a playlist of old-school reggaeton. This made the last weeks of work and academia in December more bearable. It was worth it: I danced and sang every day, which made me happy. It also made me realize how much I love Tego, Hector, Tito, and Jowell y Randy. The playlist teleported me back to high school. I used to stay up late on weekends watching Hurbano on HTV (my dad wouldn’t let me out, so I danced in the living room instead). My prefrontal lobes judged the lyrics of each song, all the while.

Bis’e

Now, let’s talk about the man of the hour: Jeon. Although he didn’t even come close to being my most listened-to artist, I recognise that hits were all he’s gotten out of this year, including the freaking anthems for Curacao’s soccer team. As Arubans, we are all so proud. My favorite songs of Jeon were: Bis’e, Peg’e, Bluewave, and Padel. I hope to see him live in 2026. Also, I pranked my mom that Jeon was coming out with a song named Ch*ng’e this year. The prank lasted only a few seconds because my mom totally fell for it and looked concerned, then my sister and I burst out laughing and crying. My mom just looked at me, confused and upset at the same time. She is supposed to expect those jokes from me, but still she hasn’t gotten used to them, it seems. 

End of Beginnings

I know my husband will be upset that I didn’t mention his favorite band: activemirror. Sure, “What’s it Worth” caught my attention immediately (it has a Placebo tune to it, and the album is good, but it wasn’t my first pick when I needed a pick-me-up). So, I know everybody is into Djo’s “End of Beginnings” at the moment (me too), but I’m curious: what songs did you listen to the most this year? Tell me, so I can listen to them because even my sister said I’m too much into perreo lately. 

Anyway, by Sunday, I will wrap up this long-ass recap of 2025. Can you tell that I felt behind on my writing? LOL.