Iowa’s Most-Streamed Songs of 2024–2025: What the Heartland Was Really Listening To

From the rolling cornfields to the bustling college towns, the state of Iowa has always had a unique relationship with music. It’s the kind of place where playlists are shaped by long drives, family barbecues, rainy porch talks, and Saturday night bonfires. And in the past year, Iowa listeners once again turned to music that speaks to both emotion and everyday experience.

According to YouTube Music streaming data between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, the most-played songs in Iowa tell a compelling story—one where country-pop crossovers, introspective ballads, rap anthems, and soulful confessions all found their place. These are the tracks that Iowans couldn’t stop streaming, and for good reason. If you ever want to learn how to make music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s break down the top 9 most-streamed songs in Iowa this year—and explore why each one resonated so deeply across the state.

1. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (3.91 Million Views)

Sitting proudly at the top of Iowa’s list with 3.91 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was the party anthem of the year across the Hawkeye State. With its genre-blending mix of country twang and nostalgic hip-hop (sampling J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy”), the track became a feel-good favorite for all ages.

Whether blasting from pickup trucks at tailgates, echoing through college dorms in Ames, or getting dance floors going at weddings and backyard parties, “A Bar Song” was pure energy.

It captured everything Iowans love: a bit of grit, a nod to simpler times, and a beat that makes you move.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Genre fusion with both country and hip-hop appeal

• Infectious beat and shout-along chorus
• Perfect for social gatherings and pre-game playlists

2. “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (3.28 Million Views)

With 3.28 million views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” proved that Iowans have a deep appreciation for emotional, introspective songwriting. This piano-led ballad is about gratitude, anxiety, and the fear of losing something precious—and it found a permanent home on playlists across the state.

Whether played during morning commutes, quiet late nights, or emotional turning points, Boone’s vulnerable vocals struck a chord.

In a state that values honesty, family, and slowing down, “Beautiful Things” wasn’t just a hit—it was a moment of stillness in a busy world.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Sincere lyrics about gratitude and fear

• Emotional depth and strong vocal performance

• A favorite for introspective and reflective listeners

3. “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (3.05 Million Views)

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” came in strong with 3.05 million views, riding the wave of 2024’s most viral music moment—his explosive feud with Drake. But in Iowa, it wasn’t just about the drama—it was about the art.

Kendrick’s precise wordplay, the hard-hitting beat, and the sheer confidence of the track made it a workout staple, a driving anthem, and a cultural conversation starter.

While Iowa isn’t always associated with rap dominance, Kendrick proved that lyrical mastery transcends genre and geography.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Smart, sharp lyrics with real-world relevance

• Part of the year’s biggest music storyline

• High replay value for fans of quality hip-hop

4. “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (2.75 Million Views)

With 2.75 million views, Teddy Swims’ live version of “Lose Control” was one of the most emotional and soulful hits of the year in Iowa.

Swims’ raspy vocals and stripped-down live performance gave the track a rawness that stood out in a playlist dominated by big beats and radio-ready hooks. His message of heartbreak, vulnerability, and letting go resonated with Iowans of all ages.

For listeners in places like Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs, “Lose Control” was often the soundtrack to personal reflection and emotional healing.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Powerful live vocals with undeniable soul

• Emotional lyrics about losing love and control

• A song that invites quiet moments and deep thought

5. “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)” – Post Malone (2.57 Million Views)

One of the year’s biggest country-pop crossovers, “I Had Some Help” brought together Post Malone and Morgan Wallen in a collaboration that felt tailor-made for Iowa—and it racked up 2.57 million views statewide.

With lyrics about shared blame, relationship drama, and stubborn love, it hit close to home for anyone who’s been through messy heartbreaks and imperfect apologies.

The contrast between Wallen’s drawl and Malone’s melodic hook gave the song wide appeal—perfect for singalongs, bar playlists, and windows-down drives on long country roads.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Crossover appeal for both country and pop fans

• Lyrics that are fun, flawed, and very human

• Two beloved artists coming together in style

6. “Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan (1.79 Million Views)

Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” continued its quiet reign in Iowa with 1.79 million views this year. The minimalist country-folk ballad about love lost and lingering hope captured the hearts of Iowans looking for honest storytelling without frills.

Bryan’s soft vocals and poetic lyrics resonate particularly in rural communities, where the beauty of silence and simplicity still holds weight.

It’s not just a song—it’s a companion for reflective drives, late-night journal sessions, and memories of relationships that didn’t go as planned.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Acoustic and heartfelt without being overproduced

• Lyrics that feel like pages from a personal journal

• Resonates with fans of Americana and country-folk

7. “Wild Ones” – Jessie Murph & ? (1.72 Million Views)

Though the feature on this track is incomplete in the data, Jessie Murph’s “Wild Ones” earned 1.72 million views and connected strongly with Iowa’s younger audience, especially Gen Z listeners.

Murph’s blend of country, pop, and alternative R&B, paired with lyrics about being misunderstood and living with emotional intensity, struck a chord with teens and young adults in cities like Iowa City and Davenport.

“Wild Ones” is the anthem for those who don’t fit in—and don’t want to.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Youth-focused anthem of emotional resilience

• Hybrid genre appeal

• Empowering yet vulnerable tone

8. “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (1.68 Million Views)

With 1.68 million views, “Die With A Smile” offered Iowa something upbeat and optimistic—a disco-funk hit with a deeper message.

Gaga and Bruno’s collaboration radiated joy, confidence, and a call to live life on your own terms. In a year filled with emotion-heavy tracks, “Die With A Smile” was a breath of fresh air, reminding listeners to celebrate what they have—even in the face of uncertainty.

It became a staple on feel-good playlists and workout mixes across the state.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Catchy, high-energy production

• Life-affirming lyrics with pop legend power

• A moment of joy in a moody music year

9. “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (1.68 Million Views)

Tied for ninth place, Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” speaks to the pain and redemption that define much of his journey—and with 1.68 million views, it’s clear Iowa is listening.

The song blends country grit with hip-hop soul, and its lyrics about addiction, regret, and hope have made it a source of comfort for listeners facing real-life struggles.

In Iowa, where mental health, recovery, and community support are growing conversations, Jelly Roll’s openness was not just heard—it was embraced.

Why Iowa Loved It:

• Raw, unfiltered emotional storytelling

• Speaks to real-life pain with real-life hope

• Crosses musical lines to connect with many

What Iowa’s Top Songs Say About Its Music Culture

Iowa’s most-streamed songs in 2024–2025 reveal a few powerful truths about what really matters to local listeners:

1. Authenticity Rules 💬

Whether it’s Zach Bryan’s quiet honesty, Jelly Roll’s painful redemption, or Teddy Swims’ raw soul, Iowans connect deeply with artists who sing from the gut.

2. Genre Doesn’t Define You 🎶

From rap and country to disco and indie, Iowa listeners don’t limit themselves to one sound—they just want something that feels real.

3. Emotion Drives Engagement 🥹

Almost every song on this list is rooted in some form of emotional truth, proving Iowans stream what moves them—not just what’s trending.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional streaming analytics, which track music video views by location. The rankings reflect the most-streamed songs in Iowa between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on total views from users in the state.

This localized data provides a meaningful look at what real people in Iowa were playing, no matter what the national charts said.

Final Thoughts

From backyard parties to rainy day drives, Iowa’s most-streamed songs of the year offered comfort, energy, and connection. These tracks weren’t just played—they were lived.

Whether it was Shaboozey’s country banger, Benson Boone’s emotional reflection, Kendrick’s lyrical fire, or Jelly Roll’s confessional ballads, each song found a place in Iowans’ hearts.

In a world that often feels disconnected, these artists helped remind Iowa of one important truth: music still brings us together.