Top Songs in North Dakota (2024–2025): What the Peace Garden State Streamed the Most
When it comes to music, North Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind—but its streaming trends tell a compelling story. Across wide-open plains, small towns, and close-knit communities, the Peace Garden State’s music preferences reflect a mix of country roots, emotional depth, and genre-blending hits that appeal to listeners of all backgrounds and ages.
Based on YouTube Music streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, here are the top nine most-streamed songs in North Dakota—and what these choices reveal about the evolving sound of the state. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (619K views)
Taking the top spot with 619,000 views, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey proved to be North Dakota’s ultimate party anthem. This country-rap hybrid track draws inspiration from J-Kwon’s early 2000s hit “Tipsy,” combining throwback appeal with modern swagger.
In a state where Friday night get-togethers, tailgates, and rural bar culture are core parts of social life, this song hit the sweet spot. Its catchy hook and genre-defying beat made it a favorite in both city bars and bonfire playlists.
Why North Dakotans Loved It:
- Blends country charm with rap nostalgia
- Easy to sing along to and perfect for group settings
- A breakout viral hit with mass appeal
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is more than a track—it’s a mood setter for the North Dakota weekend.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (603K views)
Close behind in second place is “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, with 603,000 views. This piano ballad, which explores themes of gratitude and vulnerability, struck a chord with North Dakotans looking for something soft, reflective, and meaningful.
With its raw emotion and minimalist production, it became a go-to soundtrack for drives through North Dakota’s scenic landscapes or late nights spent unwinding at home.
Why It Connected:
- Deeply emotional and sincere
- Universally relatable message
- Resonated with rural simplicity and introspection
“Beautiful Things” captured North Dakota’s quieter, more contemplative side.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (518K views)
Coming in at number three with 518,000 views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” brought hip-hop fire to the Northern Plains. This diss-heavy, energetic track generated headlines and became one of the year’s biggest cultural talking points—and North Dakota listeners tuned in with interest.
Though primarily a rural state, North Dakota’s younger generation—especially in cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks—streamed “Not Like Us” heavily, drawn to Kendrick’s signature storytelling and lyrical genius.
Why It Rose in the Ranks:
- Viral buzz around a historic rap feud
- Complex lyrics and top-tier production
- Appeal to younger, urban listeners in North Dakota
“Not Like Us” was North Dakota’s hip-hop moment of the year.
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (feat. Morgan Wallen) (472K views)
At 472,000 views, “I Had Some Help” offered a perfect mix of country twang and pop swagger, pairing Post Malone’s laid-back vocals with Morgan Wallen’s Southern grit. This collaboration quickly became a North Dakota favorite, especially in areas where country music dominates the radio.
The song’s story of shared blame in a relationship breakup resonated with fans who appreciate a little humor mixed with heartbreak.
Why It Was a Hit:
- Strong fan bases for both artists
- Relatable lyrics and singable chorus
- Bridges country and mainstream pop effortlessly
“I Had Some Help” was the soundtrack for campfires, truck rides, and backyard parties.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (391K views)
With 391,000 views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” proved that emotional, soul-filled performances never go out of style. His gritty voice and passionate delivery resonated with North Dakotans seeking something more raw and authentic in their playlists.
Live performances offer a kind of intimacy that studio tracks often miss—and this one captured hearts from Dickinson to Devils Lake.
Why It Stuck:
- Honest emotion and vocal powerhouse performance
- Crosses genre lines (rock, soul, gospel)
- Perfect for late-night reflection or long drives
“Lose Control (Live)” offered a soulful reprieve in a high-energy music landscape.
- “Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan (358K views)
A favorite in rural communities, Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” earned 358,000 views and continued its multi-year run as a modern-day country-folk classic. With its stripped-down instrumentation and poetic lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of heartbreak and longing—emotions that resonate across small towns and quiet evenings.
Zach Bryan’s authenticity and Americana roots make him a North Dakota favorite, especially among fans of traditional storytelling.
Why It Endures:
- Simple yet powerful acoustic arrangement
- Country roots with folk honesty
- A go-to for relaxing moments or deep thinking
“Something in the Orange” is North Dakota’s modern campfire classic.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (355K views)
With 355,000 views, “Die With A Smile” brought dramatic flair and lush production to the top charts in North Dakota. Combining Lady Gaga’s theatrical intensity with Bruno Mars’ soulful delivery, the track offered a cinematic experience from start to finish.
It appealed to listeners who appreciate musical storytelling, bold vocals, and a touch of old-school elegance.
Why It Worked:
- Two global superstars with wide appeal
- Nostalgic sound with a modern twist
- Played well in both pop and adult contemporary circles
“Die With A Smile” added a theatrical touch to North Dakota’s year in music.
- “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (274K views)
With 274,000 views, “APT.”, a smooth, sensual track by BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, brought an international edge to North Dakota’s charts. This mellow, late-night anthem resonated with fans of K-pop, R&B, and laid-back pop, especially among younger listeners and college students.
It’s the kind of track perfect for winding down, studying, or romantic evenings—and it highlighted North Dakota’s growing embrace of global pop trends.
Why It Charted:
- ROSÉ’s global fanbase + Bruno’s crossover appeal
- Smooth, relaxing production
- Breaks traditional genre boundaries
“APT.” brought global flavor and cool elegance to North Dakota airwaves.
- “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (269K views)
Rounding out the list with 269,000 views, Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” gave voice to real-life struggles with addiction, redemption, and pain. With his deep Southern roots and country-rap crossover sound, Jelly Roll has earned a loyal following in places that value honesty and emotional grit.
In North Dakota, “Save Me” spoke to fans of country, gospel, and Southern rock alike, carving out a unique place on playlists.
Why It Resonated:
- Raw, honest lyrics
- Blends country, gospel, and hip-hop
- Speaks to life’s real battles and hard-won hope
“Save Me” is a song for those navigating hard truths—and finding strength in the struggle.
What These Songs Reveal About North Dakota’s Music Taste
The top-streamed songs in North Dakota from 2024–2025 reveal a state with a balanced taste for party anthems, heartfelt ballads, and raw storytelling. The state’s playlist reflects a unique blend of:
- Rural Simplicity & Emotional Depth Songs like “Beautiful Things” and “Something in the Orange” show a love for tracks that embrace vulnerability and calm.
- Crossover Appeal With Post Malone, Shaboozey, and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars in the mix, North Dakota proves that genre boundaries are dissolving—and the people are open to experimentation.
- Honesty & Realness Teddy Swims and Jelly Roll succeeded not because of flashy production, but because their music speaks to real life, unfiltered.
- Country Roots Run Deep Four out of the top nine songs lean heavily into country or folk sounds, proving that North Dakota’s country backbone is still thriving.
Methodology
This list is based on YouTube Music streaming data, measured from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, and filtered specifically for listeners in North Dakota. Rankings are determined by the number of total video views in that time period and region.
Final Thoughts: North Dakota’s Soundtrack of the Year
From the heartfelt piano melodies of Benson Boone to the rowdy fun of Shaboozey and the soul-searching cries of Jelly Roll, North Dakota’s top-streamed songs reflect a state grounded in emotion, tradition, and evolving taste.
These tracks were more than just background music—they were companions on snowy roads, background to summer nights, and echoes of the state’s collective experience.
As 2025 unfolds, North Dakota’s musical landscape promises to continue evolving—with ears open to the world, but hearts still tuned to the rhythm of home.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025