It’s been 4 years since we last counted down the Top 200 artists in my iTunes library. Since my iTunes stats are still intact, across multiple PCs, iPods, iPads, and iPhones, I figured it was time to take another look at the artists that have entertained me the most based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2021.
We continue today with our next batch of 10 artists, the remaining 1 tied for 140th place, 3 tied for137th, 4 tied for 133rd, and the 2 tied for 131st. Our newcomers are back, with 2 artists making their debut this week.
#140: 2Pac
iTunes stats: 60 plays
Previous ranking: #129
The slain rapper, whose murder remains unsolved after 24 years, picked up 26 new listens while dropping 11 spots.
#137: Lily Allen
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #129
The English chartreuse, who played a funny part in my roadtrip to Disney World back in 2016, falls 8 spots despite 27 new plays for the 27 songs in my collection, although only 3 of those songs make up her total.
#137: Ice Cube
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #145
A 29 play increase for the former NWA rapper who went from Fuck Tha Police to trying to curry favor with the Trump administration.
#137: Styx
iTunes stats: 61 plays
Previous ranking: #113
A 24 spot drop for the local outfit, who, thanks to the departure of Chris Sale from the White Sox, no longer get played as often.
#133: Led Zeppelin
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: #145
The quintessential rock band of the 1970s and noted musical thieves move up 12 spots thanks to 30 new listens, a 94% increase.
#133: The Police
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: N/A
A very impressive debut for the English band led by Sting, who added a whopping 42 new plays, the largest total we have seen so far.
#133: The Go-Go’s
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: #123
The seminal female new wave band of the early 80s added 27 additional listens to the 4 tracks in my collection.
#133: Violent Femmes
iTunes stats: 62 plays
Previous ranking: #152
The debut album from the Wisconsin band contributes the 4 songs in my collection that added 32 new plays to their total.
#131: The Ramones
iTunes stats: 63 plays
Previous ranking: N/A
The New York punk rock pioneers increased their total by 200% to make this fantastic debut.
#131: Hoyt Curtin
iTunes stats: 63 plays
Previous ranking: #139
The one-time primary musical director for Hanna-Barbera added 30 new listens to the totals from theme songs to 4 cartoons to make up this total.