Top Songs in New Jersey (2024–2025): What the Garden State Streamed Most This Year
From the bustling streets of Newark to the shorelines of Asbury Park and the boardwalks of Atlantic City, New Jersey is a state with a rich musical legacy and a passionate listener base. Known for producing legends like Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and the Fugees, the Garden State has always had an ear for great music.
And in 2024–2025, that legacy of musical taste is alive and well. According to YouTube Music streaming data, these are the top-streamed songs in New Jersey between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025—and they showcase a wide-ranging appetite for hip-hop, Latin pop, ballads, K-pop, and genre-blending bangers. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s dive into what New Jerseyans were listening to this year—and what that says about the state’s evolving musical identity.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (8.22M views)
Topping the charts with 8.22 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was New Jersey’s undisputed anthem of the year. Born from one of the biggest rap feuds of the decade, this track became a cultural firestorm—and New Jersey listeners turned it into a streaming juggernaut.
From the urban centers of Jersey City and Camden to the suburbs of Morris County, Kendrick’s powerful bars, razor-sharp delivery, and undeniable beat dominated workouts, parties, commutes, and TikTok videos alike.
Why It Took Over in New Jersey:
- Massive cultural relevance
- West Coast flavor with East Coast respect
- Replay-worthy flow and memorable punchlines
“Not Like Us” turned into more than just a song—it was a movement, and New Jersey rode the wave all year long.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (6.00M views)
At number two with 6 million views, “Die With A Smile” paired two of the most powerful voices in pop: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. This ballad delivered a dramatic, retro-inspired performance that resonated deeply with New Jersey’s love for big vocal moments and theatrical flair.
The track’s timeless arrangement, orchestral flourishes, and deeply emotional message made it a favorite across generations—from teens discovering Gaga for the first time to longtime fans of Bruno’s throwback style.
Why New Jersey Loved It:
- Broadway-style vocal performance
- A timeless theme: live passionately, die with joy
- Played in homes, lounges, and romantic playlists statewide
“Die With A Smile” brought a touch of old-school glamor to New Jersey’s modern music mix.
- “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (5.18M views)
Coming in third with 5.18 million views, “APT.” is a sensual, moody collaboration between BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars. This track proved that New Jersey listeners are embracing global music trends, especially with the rise of K-pop and R&B fusions.
With its late-night energy and chill production, the track became a favorite in places like Hoboken coffee shops, Princeton dorm rooms, and NYC-adjacent lounges.
Why It Resonated:
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Smooth R&B vibe with pop structure
- Popular among Gen Z and K-pop fans
“APT.” confirmed that New Jersey is listening globally and streaming locally.
- “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” – KAROL G (4.62M views)
With 4.62 million views, KAROL G’s romantic reggaeton ballad “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” showed the Garden State’s strong connection to Latin music. As New Jersey’s Latino population continues to grow, so does the popularity of artists like KAROL G, Bad Bunny, and Peso Pluma.
The track’s sultry lyrics and tropical rhythm made it a summer staple in Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, and beyond.
Why It Hit Big:
- Romantic lyrics and emotional tone
- Popular at Latin clubs and summer parties
- Reinforced the influence of Latin music in New Jersey
“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” brought Caribbean vibes to New Jersey’s playlists—all year long.
- “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter (4.44M views)
With 4.44 million views, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was the pop spark that energized New Jersey listeners. Bright, catchy, and full of flirty charm, the song became a viral sensation thanks to social media, especially among younger listeners.
Its clever wordplay and caffeinated metaphor made it the ultimate get-ready track across dorms, boutiques, and brunch spots from Montclair to the Jersey Shore.
Why New Jersey Pressed Play:
- TikTok virality meets actual chart power
- Bubbly pop production and clever writing
- Huge following among teens and 20-somethings
“Espresso” was the feel-good, mood-lifting jam of the season in the Garden State.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (4.42M views)
Nearly tied with Sabrina, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” earned 4.42 million views as New Jersey’s go-to emotional ballad. His heartfelt piano-driven track about gratitude and the fear of loss played heavily in both suburban and rural parts of the state.
From quiet nights in Hunterdon County to rainy drives through the Pine Barrens, this song hit deep with its simplicity and sincerity.
Why It Stuck:
- Raw, honest lyrics
- Minimalist arrangement for maximum emotion
- Great for self-reflection and relaxing
“Beautiful Things” became a go-to comfort track for New Jerseyans in search of stillness.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (4.14M views)
At 4.14 million views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” proved that soul still sells in the Garden State. The Georgia-born vocalist stunned with his gritty delivery and emotional range, and the live version brought an intimacy that studio versions can’t match.
It was especially popular in smaller venues, artistic communities, and among musicians and audiophiles across the state.
Why It Worked:
- Live format brings authentic emotion
- Blends soul, rock, and R&B
- A standout vocal performance
“Lose Control” gave New Jersey’s music lovers a reminder of how powerful a voice alone can be.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (3.59M views)
With 3.59 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” landed squarely in New Jersey’s top 10 as the fun, genre-blending party track of the year. Fusing hip-hop elements with country energy, it resonated especially well in New Jersey’s college towns and shore destinations.
It was perfect for tailgates, road trips, and late-night house parties from Rutgers to Rowan.
Why It Hit:
- Nostalgic for early-2000s while sounding current
- Massive crossover appeal
- Easy to sing along with at any event
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” brought the party spirit New Jersey is famous for.
- “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish (3.39M views)
Rounding out the list with 3.39 million views, Billie Eilish’s “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” delivered a haunting, poetic exploration of love and attachment. Known for her moody yet minimalist style, Billie captured the ears (and hearts) of thousands of New Jersey fans once again.
The song’s inclusion in a major streaming show’s soundtrack helped it gain traction among both longtime fans and new listeners.
Why It Resonated:
- Atmospheric and cinematic tone
- Strong emotional message
- Billie’s continued dominance in alternative pop
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” was a gentle ending note to a playlist filled with emotion, energy, and empowerment.
What New Jersey’s Top Songs Say About Its Music Identity
New Jersey’s most-streamed songs of the year reflect a music culture that is diverse, emotionally rich, and globally connected. From rap feuds to piano ballads, Latin pop to K-pop, the Garden State’s playlist is anything but predictable.
Key Trends:
- Genre Diversity: From reggaeton to soul, New Jersey’s listeners embrace all sounds.
- Emotional Lyrics Matter: Songs that explored relationships, love, and introspection topped the charts.
- Women Dominated: Gaga, ROSÉ, Sabrina, Karol G, Billie—all strong female voices made the top 10.
- Cultural Fusion: Whether it’s K-pop or Latin pop, NJ’s musical borders are wide open.
Methodology
This ranking is based on YouTube Music’s streaming analytics, tracking total video views by location. All songs listed were streamed by users in New Jersey between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, giving us a real-world look into what Garden State listeners played most frequently.
Final Thoughts: New Jersey’s Playlist of the Year
From the swagger of Kendrick Lamar to the delicate lyricism of Benson Boone and the genre-bending energy of Shaboozey, New Jersey’s top songs in 2024–2025 reflect a state that listens with passion, diversity, and an open heart.
It’s a state where emotional ballads live beside party tracks, and where local flavor meets global sound. As the next music year rolls in, expect even more surprises—because if there’s one thing we know about the Garden State, it’s this:
New Jersey doesn’t just listen to music. It lives it.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025