California’s Top Songs of the Year: The 9 Most-Streamed Tracks That Defined 2024–2025

California has long been a trendsetter when it comes to music—from surf rock and West Coast hip-hop to Latin pop, indie soul, and festival anthems. In 2024–2025, the Golden State continued to shape the national soundscape with a playlist that reflects its cultural diversity, emotional depth, and global influence.

Streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025 reveals a fascinating mix of hip-hop power, international collaborations, Latin ballads, pop excellence, and vulnerable storytelling. Whether you were driving along Pacific Coast Highway, dancing in the Bay, or chilling in a downtown LA apartment, these nine songs were California’s soundtrack. If you want to learn about music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s break down the most-streamed songs in California—and why each one struck a chord across the state.

1. "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar (66.4 Million Views)

Topping California’s streaming charts with a jaw-dropping 66.4 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural earthquake.

The track, a sharp and unrelenting diss directed at Drake, reignited coast-to-coast conversations about hip-hop dominance, lyrical superiority, and the importance of regional pride. But in California, the song meant more. Kendrick, a Compton native, reminded the world that West Coast rap is not only alive—it’s leading the way.

With a hard-hitting beat, quotable lines, and unapologetic swagger, “Not Like Us” became California’s unofficial anthem of 2024, played at clubs, basketball games, block parties, and protest marches alike.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Pure West Coast energy and hometown pride

• Lyrics that challenged the hip-hop establishment

• A moment that felt made for California

2. "Die With A Smile" – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (40.8 Million Views)

The unexpected but brilliant collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars gave us “Die With A Smile,” a disco-tinged pop-funk anthem that captured California’s upbeat side. With 40.8 million views, this was the feel-good hit that still carried an emotional edge.

The track celebrates living fully, loving freely, and going out on your own terms—a message that deeply resonated with California’s lifestyle and values. From Venice Beach to Silicon Valley, listeners connected with its joyful yet reflective energy.

Why Californians Loved It:

• A celebration of life and freedom

• Danceable, stylish, and meaningful

• Gaga and Bruno Mars are both California favorites

3. "Si No Quieres No" – Luis R Conriquez & Neton Vega (38.8 Million Views)

With 38.8 million views, Luis R Conriquez and Neton Vega’s “Si No Quieres No” proved just how mainstream regional Mexican music has become in California. This emotional duet brings the corridos bélicos style into romantic territory, creating a ballad that’s as gritty as it is heartfelt.

The lyrics tell a story of rejection, heartache, and pride—emotions that deeply resonate within California’s massive Latino population. Whether you were in Riverside, Fresno, or East LA, this song was a staple on playlists and car stereos.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Traditional instrumentation with modern delivery

• Emotional storytelling rooted in cultural identity

• Massive Latino audience celebrating their roots

4. "APT." – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (34.3 Million Views)

In fourth place with 34.3 million views, “APT.” is a dreamy, slow-burning duet between ROSÉ (of BLACKPINK) and Bruno Mars that became the late-night anthem for urban romantics.

The song paints a cinematic picture of two lonely souls connecting across apartment balconies—moody, modern, and melancholic. Its universal themes of isolation, connection, and longing resonated with Californians navigating city life and complex relationships.

The collaboration also shows California’s global taste—embracing K-pop, neo-soul, and soft pop in one irresistible package.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Genre-bending blend of K-pop and soul-pop

• A love song for urban millennials and Gen Z

• Bruno Mars remains a West Coast favorite

5. "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter (28.5 Million Views)

With 28.5 million views, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was the caffeinated pop bop that brought sass, flirtation, and fun to California’s summer of 2024. From Coachella to Calabasas, this track was everywhere.

Its infectious chorus, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and retro synth-pop vibe gave it major TikTok appeal, helping it go viral. Carpenter’s star has been rising fast, and this track solidified her place in California’s pop culture rotation.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Flirty, confident, and extremely catchy

• Big on TikTok, bigger on car speakers

• A perfect track for warm weather and good vibes

6. "Lose Control (Live)" – Teddy Swims (27.3 Million Views)

Teddy Swims’s emotional powerhouse “Lose Control (Live)” earned 27.3 million views in California, proving the state's love for soulful vulnerability and live performance magic.

Swims’s gravel-voiced plea and passionate delivery make this version even more stirring than the studio original. It’s a ballad of love, desperation, and self-awareness that Californians couldn’t stop playing—whether alone on the freeway or in a dimly lit bedroom.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Live vocals with undeniable emotional depth

• A go-to song for heartbreak or healing

• Fits the state's introspective side

7. "Regalo De Dios" – Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda (26.1 Million Views)

Julión Álvarez returned to the spotlight in California with “Regalo De Dios,” racking up 26.1 million views in a year where regional music dominated the state. This heartfelt ranchera-style song celebrates family, faith, and love—three pillars of Mexican and Central American culture.

In California’s Central Valley and border communities, the song was a staple at weddings, baptisms, and family barbecues. With traditional brass, rich vocals, and timeless lyrics, Julión reminded listeners why he's a legend in the genre.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Traditional banda sound with universal themes

• Strong cultural ties across generations

• Julión’s legacy and loyal fan base

8. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" – Billie Eilish (24.8 Million Views)

California’s own Billie Eilish brought introspection and longing to the playlist with “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” earning 24.8 million views. The haunting track, which featured in the Netflix series Heartstopper, returned Billie to her softest, most poetic self.

From her bedroom studio beginnings to global stardom, Billie has always resonated most strongly in her home state. This song, steeped in vulnerability and acoustic ambiance, became a soundtrack for quiet reflection, long walks, and emotional breakthroughs.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Local artist with global impact

• Soft, introspective tone

• Used widely in short films, TikToks, and mood playlists

9. "Beautiful Things" – Benson Boone (24.7 Million Views)

Closing out the list with 24.7 million views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” was a gentle reminder of what’s worth holding onto in life. With a soaring chorus and lyrics about appreciating the present before it’s gone, this ballad resonated deeply in California.

The track found fans across demographics—from college students in Berkeley to retirees in Palm Springs. Its clean arrangement and emotional message made it a modern-day classic for listeners seeking peace in a noisy world.

Why Californians Loved It:

• Hopeful lyrics with emotional payoff

• Crossover appeal between pop and indie

• A quiet hit with universal resonance

A Sonic Portrait of California

California’s top songs of 2024–2025 tell a powerful story:

• Kendrick leads with pride and purpose—bringing West Coast hip-hop back to the front.

• Latin artists like Luis R Conriquez and Julión Álvarez show how deep regional music runs in the state’s DNA.

• Pop collaborators like Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Sabrina Carpenter prove California still has room for fun.

• And artists like Teddy Swims, Billie Eilish, and Benson Boone round out the state’s love for emotion, introspection, and lyrical meaning.

Together, these tracks form a playlist that’s global, local, joyful, and real—just like California.

Methodology

Streaming data was sourced from YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which track user behavior by location. This article focuses on streams from California between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025. Songs were ranked based on total YouTube views generated by users within the state during this period, offering a geographically specific snapshot of California’s listening habits.

This data provides valuable insight into the artists and sounds that truly connected with California listeners this past year—beyond national or global averages.