While I love lots of music and have created way too many playlists, I always get fixated on the same five songs during a period of time, before inevitably finding new ones to be attached to (and “retiring” the previous ones into the void of my Spotify liked list).
I used to think it was a strange way to listen to music, especially since I can be so obsessed with a select # of songs and then just forget they exist, or only revisit years later. But when I do go back, or hear the songs play out in the wild, it’s so cathartic and bittersweet. I can remember the exact chapter of my life, how I was feeling at the time/what I was going through, and it reminds me how much time has passed and all the experiences I’ve had/the various people I’ve met (temporary or not). I can remember and feel the feelings, and then just allow it to fade back into the background.
I doubt I’m the only one listening to music this way, but if that’s not you, it’s a sentimental outlook to lean into!