I downloaded Spotify (iPad and iPhone App), registered and logged in, all in under ten minutes. A beautiful, polished user interface, with a style that heavily resembles Apples’ iTunes. I was in love! And I hadn’t even heard a song yet.
I spent the next few minutes browsing their new releases section – unfortunately, probably one of the weaker elements of the App. This is where I really wanted Spotify to excel. It’s really important for me to keep up to date with the latest albums, so a more detailed section of new releases would have been much appreciated. I’m not a fan of chart music as a whole, so I felt somewhat unimpressed by all of the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Top 20 features. I would have really liked to have seen some alternative charts, an acoustic chart… something a little less mainstream. I mostly chose to download Spotify because I wanted to embrace some new genres of music. So, after a less than impressive introduction to Spotify, I decided I’d use the search bar, and see how vast their catalog actually is. I take it all back! Right there, at my disposal, I have a whole library of all the music I could have ever hoped for. From the freshly released A Fine Frenzy album to some of my favourite international bands, such as Café Tacuba. I even found myself transported back to my youth, by listening to some old classics.
My absolute favourite feature that Spotify offers has to be its radio stations. Ironically enough, I’m not a fan of radio these days, haven’t been for years. Too much chitchat, and nowhere near enough music as I’d like… not to mention the same songs repeated every three hours. Also, I just cannot find a station that suits my eclectic taste. So, naturally, the radio feature was something I’d happily planned to skip… and I would have, if it wasn’t for accidentally clicking on the sidebar. So glad I did! With Spotify radio, you simply ‘like’ a song (look out for the little thumbs up sign), and based on your ‘likes’, it’ll bring up a station tailored specifically to your music taste. In the few hours that I’ve been using Spotify, I’ve already discovered several new artists that I absolutely adore.
Spotify is available for iPods, iPhones, iPads, desktops, laptops and Android, but the iPad App is, by far my favourite way to browse and listen to music.
Now, let’s list some of those pros and cons.
Pros:
Unlimited music streaming (paid accounts)
An enormous catalog of music. Not just the overheard singles. We’re talking about full albums.
Compatible with a number of different devices
Extremely fast streaming – your song begins immediately.
Includes social media (Facebook and Twitter plugins make sharing music with friends simple, and much more enjoyable. Learn what music your friends are listening to and discover new artists.)
The Playlist features makes for perfect parties.
A Radio station feature that creates a collection of the music that you love!
Offline mode – perfect for when travelling without wi-fi or 3G.
User-friendly interface and extremely polished and well presented App.
With music stores across the country dying out, and iTunes prices on the rise, Spotify introduces a whole new experience. At £10.00 a month, it’s an offer than cannot be missed. If you think about what you spend on iTunes for just two albums, while one months membership would easily stretch your money further and help your music collection expand greatly.
They offer a free membership.
Cons:
The price. Okay, so £9.99 does seem a little hefty, but this is where I deliver good news – students get a 50% discount each and every month! Just have your NUS card ready at registration, and everyone is also entitled to a free months membership if you join now.
The ads. Oh, dear… the ads! Yeah… those are actually rather annoying – extremely loud and distracting audio ads in between songs. Paid members are ad free, however.
Mainstream homepage. A greater selection of genres on the homepage is very much missed, and would be extremely welcomed on the next update.
Wow! Those pros do really outweigh those cons, don’t they?
So, there you have it… all you need to know about Spotify, but if you’re still not convinced that this genius little App will complete your life, and fulfil your passion for music, be sure to go ahead and get the free membership – I promise you… you won’t regret it.