Apple Music exclusive playlists support speech therapy

Geared toward young listeners, “Saylists” consist of tracks that repeat sounds deemed challenging for people with forms of speech-sound disorder (SSD), BBC reports.

Using a proprietary algorithm devised by Rothco, Apple Music scanned its library of 70 million songs for lyrics containing patterns of repetition commonly used in speech training. Examples include Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now,” Lizzo’s “Good As Hell,” and Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here, Right Now.”

The program is designed to complement a speech therapy strategy in which certain syllables, words, and phrases are repeated over and over, reports MusicWeek. “Saylists” are meant to combat the monotony of such therapy.

The first 10 “Saylists,” selected by Warner and speech and language therapist Anna Biavati-Smith, includes 173 tracks. More playlists could be added in the future.

“We believe utterly in the power of music and its ability to change people’s lives for the better,” said Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music UK. “Helping people express themselves is at the heart of what we do, and we hope that by creating a therapeutic tool that’s as engaging and accessible as Saylists, we can help anyone who’s struggling with their speech.”

“Saylists” are now available in the UK. It remains unclear if the program will be extended to other regions.