Simplifying logos is either going to turn out good or bad, there really is no in between, and while most logo simplifications will have lash back from someone, there are a few simplifications that I like.
First the Spotify logo, having gone through three notable logo designs, the newest version which has stuck from 2015 – the present is exactly where Spotify thrives. Their original logo, running from 2008 – 2013 uses a swampy Shrek feeling color, and the wordmark makes me think of a radio station instead of music streaming. The next version running from 2013-2015 still uses a similar (ugly) green color, but takes on a nice format. But the current design feels perfect. The brighter green feels right for them and although their logo has gotten increasingly more simple over it’s lifetime, It’s only been getting better.
While some logo’s have taken bad turns (Patreon, X, Pringles), there are also companies who have simplified the right way and created something even better! like Spotify, Instagram, and Youtube.