Top Songs in Rhode Island (2024–2025): The Ocean State’s Most-Streamed Tracks of the Year
Despite being the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island’s music taste is anything but limited. With vibrant cultural hubs like Providence, a strong college presence, and a tight-knit local arts scene, Rhode Islanders bring a big appetite for music that spans genre, emotion, and global trends.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (722K views)
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” takes the #1 spot in Rhode Island with 722,000 views, confirming that the rap beef of the decade made waves all the way to New England. A lyrically charged diss track with an undeniably catchy beat, the song became a cultural moment, gaining traction well beyond the world of hip-hop. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
In Rhode Island, “Not Like Us” found a home in dorm rooms, gym playlists, and cars cruising through Providence. Its popularity is proof that the state’s listeners are in touch with national musical moments and love a track that combines meaning and momentum.
Why It Resonated in RI:
- Massive cultural relevance
- Infectious beat that made it perfect for repeat listening
- Strong fanbase in urban and college-centered areas
“Not Like Us” brought hip-hop energy and national conversation to the Ocean State’s ears.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (502K views)
Landing in second with 502,000 views, “Die With A Smile” is a theatrical, emotion-filled duet from two of pop’s most powerful voices: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. This sweeping ballad blends retro soul with modern production, offering a dramatic flair that clearly appealed to Rhode Island listeners.
In a state that appreciates artistry—from its theaters to its tight-knit music scene—this cinematic anthem felt right at home.
Why Rhode Islanders Loved It:
- Gorgeous vocals and heartfelt storytelling
- Touches of old-school soul and vintage flair
- Ideal for late-night drives and quiet emotional moments
“Die With A Smile” was Rhode Island’s most elegant and expressive pop moment of 2024.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (412K views)
With 412,000 views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” gave Rhode Islanders a peaceful, reflective track to turn to during quiet mornings or introspective evenings. The song’s stripped-down piano melody and honest lyrics about gratitude and the fear of loss struck a deeply emotional chord.
Perfect for listening along the Narragansett shoreline or while walking through a fall-colored Roger Williams Park, this song became a gentle soundtrack to Rhode Island’s quieter moments.
Why It Hit Home:
- Emotional sincerity and soft musicality
- Themes of love and vulnerability
- A go-to for personal reflection
“Beautiful Things” provided a calming counterbalance to more high-energy chart-toppers.
- “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (398K views)
At 398,000 views, “APT.” by ROSÉ of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars captured the attention of Rhode Islanders who crave moody, genre-blending pop. With sultry vocals and a late-night vibe, the track brings K-pop and American R&B together in a smooth, emotionally rich package.
With strong college and international communities in places like Providence, this global collaboration found plenty of love from Rhode Island’s open-minded and globally aware music fans.
Why It Charted:
- East-meets-West collaboration with massive fan bases
- Stylish, sleek, and romantic mood
- Ideal for chill playlists and quiet nights in
“APT.” brought global flavor and slow-burning romance to Rhode Island’s playlists.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (364K views)
With 364,000 views, Teddy Swims’ live version of “Lose Control” showcased the Ocean State’s love for raw, emotional vocals and unfiltered storytelling. The gravel in his voice, paired with live instrumentation, delivered the kind of authenticity that fans in Rhode Island appreciate.
Whether played in a cozy cafe in Newport or in headphones during a reflective walk through Pawtucket, this song gave listeners permission to feel deeply.
Why It Resounded:
- Soulful vocal delivery and live energy
- Cross-genre appeal (soul, rock, pop)
- Perfect for solo listening sessions
“Lose Control” was a voice-driven ballad that tugged on Rhode Island’s heartstrings.
- “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter (359K views)
At 359,000 views, “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter proved that upbeat, pop perfection has a home in the Ocean State too. Catchy, confident, and light-hearted, the track became a favorite for Rhode Islanders who enjoy a bit of sass and sparkle in their playlists.
Especially popular among college students and younger demographics, “Espresso” was the kind of track you’d hear while walking through downtown Providence on a sunny afternoon—or while prepping for a night out.
Why It Worked:
- Viral popularity on TikTok
- Uplifting, fast-paced energy
- Empowering lyrics with a flirtatious twist
“Espresso” added a shot of fun and feminine energy to Rhode Island’s musical year.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (321K views)
With 321,000 views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” brought country-meets-hip-hop vibes to Rhode Island’s top songs list. A reimagining of J-Kwon’s early-2000s hit, the track was popular among partygoers, bar regulars, and anyone who loves a little nostalgia with their night out.
Though more rural in vibe, this song gained surprising traction in Rhode Island—showing that fun, catchy music breaks regional boundaries.
Why It Charted:
- Mash-up of nostalgia and new school
- High-energy and social
- Popular at bars, parties, and college events
“A Bar Song” delivered pure weekend joy to the Ocean State.
- “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” – KAROL G (297K views)
At 297,000 views, KAROL G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” reflected the growing influence of Latin music in Rhode Island. The reggaeton-pop track features a catchy melody, emotional lyrics, and global appeal that translated beautifully in a state with a vibrant multicultural population.
This track dominated cookouts, beach parties, and playlists in cities like Central Falls and Providence, where the Latinx community continues to grow and shape local culture.
Why It Stood Out:
- Global Latin hit with infectious rhythm
- Emotional storytelling in a danceable format
- Strong appeal across language barriers
“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” brought romantic warmth and international rhythm to Rhode Island’s top songs list.
- “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish (281K views)
Rounding out the list with 281,000 views, Billie Eilish’s “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” added dreamy vocals and introspective lyrics to Rhode Island’s streaming landscape. The ethereal track, part of Billie’s evolving sound, offers a quiet moment of closeness and vulnerability.
Perfect for the moody vibes of coastal evenings or quiet mornings, the song connected with listeners who seek music that feels like a secret being whispered just to them.
Why Rhode Island Listened:
- Whisper-soft, hauntingly beautiful vocals
- Introspective lyrics ideal for reflective moods
- Strong following among alternative music fans
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” was the Ocean State’s softest, most intimate hit of the year.
What Rhode Island’s Top Songs Reveal About Its Music Taste
Rhode Island’s top-streamed songs reflect a state with emotional depth, genre curiosity, and international ears. From heartfelt live performances to cinematic duets and viral hits, the Ocean State’s musical profile is as diverse as its people.
Key Trends:
- Emotion-Driven Listening: Songs like “Lose Control,” “Beautiful Things,” and “Die With A Smile” show that Rhode Islanders love music with feeling.
- Global Influence: With tracks from ROSÉ, KAROL G, and Billie Eilish, listeners in RI have embraced a global music perspective.
- Pop with Personality: Sabrina Carpenter and Shaboozey brought fun, confidence, and relatability to the mix.
- Genre Fluidity: From country-pop to Latin ballads to indie soul, the top songs cross genre boundaries with ease.
Methodology
This list is based on YouTube Music streaming data from users in Rhode Island, tracking activity between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025. Rankings are based on total views across all devices in the region.
Final Thoughts: Rhode Island’s 2024–2025 Playlist
From the emotion-packed ballads of Teddy Swims and Benson Boone to the global vibes of KAROL G and ROSÉ, Rhode Island’s most-streamed songs paint a picture of a state that listens with heart and curiosity. The top tracks reveal a diverse community that’s tuned in to global pop culture, appreciates musical artistry, and isn’t afraid to let their feelings show.
No matter what corner of the Ocean State you're in—be it Narragansett, Newport, or downtown Providence—this year’s top songs show that music in Rhode Island is personal, passionate, and powerfully expressive.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025