Delaware might be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to music taste. Located at the crossroads of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the state’s listening preferences reflect its unique blend of urban energy, suburban soul, and beach-town cool. And in 2024–2025, Delaware’s top songs proved that the First State likes its music emotional, empowering, genre-blending—and above all—real.
With artists from hip-hop, pop, soul, and global genres topping the charts, Delawareans didn’t just follow national trends—they made the year their own with personal favorites that soundtracked everything from workouts to late-night drives and celebrations. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s break down the top 9 most-streamed songs in Delaware and uncover why each resonated so strongly with local listeners.
It’s no surprise that Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” leads Delaware’s chart with 788,000 views. The explosive track, which set the internet ablaze during Lamar’s high-profile feud with Drake, became a cultural touchstone and the hip-hop anthem of the year.
But beyond the headlines, “Not Like Us” is a masterclass in lyricism, West Coast energy, and swagger with substance. In Delaware—where cities like Wilmington thrive on lyrical hip-hop and college campuses in Newark embrace music that challenges the mind—Kendrick’s bars hit hard.
This song wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement, and Delaware replayed it like it was personal.
Why Delaware Loved It:
At number two, “Die With A Smile” earned 436,000 views across Delaware, proving that feel-good anthems with emotional weight still dominate the state’s playlists.
This duet between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars blends disco, pop, and soul with lyrics about living life unapologetically. It struck a chord with Delaware listeners—especially those who appreciate songs that uplift without sugarcoating reality.
From happy hour playlists in Rehoboth to brunches in downtown Dover, “Die With A Smile” was the go-to for joy with depth.
Why Delaware Loved It:
With 348,000 views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” proved that Delaware listeners crave introspective ballads that tug at the heart. The rising singer-songwriter’s biggest hit to date blends emotion, gratitude, and a fear of loss—something that felt personal for many fans this year.
Perfect for slow evenings, rainy days, or long solo drives through the Delaware countryside, Boone’s lyrics reminded listeners to hold tight to what matters most.
Why Delaware Loved It:
In fourth place with 331,000 views, “APT.” is a dreamy collaboration between BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars that found an especially strong fanbase in Delaware’s young adult and K-pop fan communities.
Set in the backdrop of a lonely apartment complex, the song is a modern love story about two souls falling for each other across balconies and thin walls. With lush production and a cinematic feel, it felt tailor-made for listeners navigating love, longing, and city living.
Why Delaware Loved It:
With 315,000 views, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became Delaware’s most unlikely but unstoppable party anthem. By blending country swagger with a classic 2000s hip-hop sample, Shaboozey delivered the kind of crossover banger that works in almost any setting.
Played at beach parties, dorm get-togethers, and backyard BBQs, this song struck a fun, lighthearted tone that offered relief from heavier tracks.
Why Delaware Loved It:
Teddy Swims’ raw live version of “Lose Control” landed in sixth place with 313,000 views, showing that Delaware isn’t afraid to lean into soulful vulnerability.
With a gravelly voice, emotional delivery, and minimalistic setup, this version of the track brought out the pain and passion that define Teddy’s appeal. Fans across the state played it during personal lows, romantic rough patches, and reflective nights alone.
Why Delaware Loved It:
Delaware turned up the volume with “Wanna Be,” the fiery collaboration between GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion, racking up 287,000 views statewide. This track was pure confidence, pure fun, and pure energy.
It became a go-to anthem for women across the state, delivering boss-level bars and Instagram-ready lines that dominated TikTok, parties, and pregame playlists.
Why Delaware Loved It:
With 285,000 views, “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter was one of the brightest, bubbliest hits in Delaware this year. The song’s flirtatious lyrics and retro-pop production gave it endless replay value, especially among Gen Z and young millennials.
Its effortless coolness, viral potential, and confident vibe made it a must-play for sunny days, beach drives, and everything in between.
Why Delaware Loved It:
Closing out the list with 284,000 views, “N o C h i l l” by PARTYNEXTDOOR offered atmospheric R&B for Delaware’s quietest nights. This song’s sultry energy and slow tempo made it the perfect backdrop for introspection, romance, and everything in between.
While not a chart-topping mainstream hit, its placement here shows Delaware’s deep love for low-key, vibe-heavy music that doesn’t scream—but whispers.
Why Delaware Loved It:
The top-streamed songs in Delaware this year offer more than entertainment—they give us a look into the emotional pulse of the state:
From Kendrick to Benson Boone to Teddy Swims, Delaware listeners are choosing music that says something—and says it beautifully.
Whether it’s heartbreak (“Lose Control”), gratitude (“Beautiful Things”), or confidence (“Wanna Be”), Delaware’s playlists are filled with emotional honesty.
Pop, rap, R&B, K-pop, country fusion—Delaware’s listening preferences aren’t boxed in by genre. If it hits the heart, it hits play.
Songs like “Espresso,” “A Bar Song,” and “Not Like Us” all gained traction through social media—and Delaware was quick to catch the wave.
The streaming data for this article was sourced from YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which measure total video views by geographic location. We reviewed data for Delaware listeners between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, and ranked the top nine most-streamed songs based on total in-state views.
This method reflects actual listener behavior in Delaware, giving us a clear picture of what residents across the state were playing on repeat.
Delaware’s top songs of 2024–2025 paint a rich picture of a state that feels deeply, celebrates loudly, and listens intentionally. Whether it’s Kendrick’s lyrical fire, Teddy’s emotional soul, or GloRilla’s fierce anthems, the First State's listeners are connecting with music that reflects their world.
Small but mighty, Delaware continues to be a place where real music thrives—not because it’s trending, but because it means something.