Songs like Kendrick Lamar’s confrontational hip-hop statement “Not Like Us,” Billie Eilish’s introspective indie-pop ballad “Birds of a Feather,” and Coldplay’s surprisingly resurgent rock anthem “Yellow” have captured the most Gen Z listeners.
Generation Z’s musical interest is all about the fusion of nostalgia and innovation. They support artists who embrace authenticity over perfection and genre-bending creativity.
In this article, we’ll explore Gen Z’s musical universe, their favorite genres, artists, discovery methods, and why certain songs resonate so deeply with today’s young listeners.
What Music Does Generation Z Listen To?
Gen Z loves to listen to bass-heavy beats with innovative production techniques that blend nostalgic elements and futuristic sounds. Since they value authenticity above all, they connect with music that expresses genuine emotion and addresses relevant social issues.
Songs like “Not Like Us” by Lamar, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
Their playlists effortlessly mix genres from hyperpop to drill to indie, prioritizing emotional resonance over production perfection. For them, music serves as both a personal identity marker and a community builder.
Gen Z’s Favorite Music Genres In 2025
Hyperpop captivates Gen Z with its glitchy distortion and pitch-shifted vocals such as “360”, “That’s so True”. This experimental genre balances chaos with genuine emotional vulnerability, a combination that perfectly reflects Gen Z’s complex experiences.
Songs like “Star Boy’s”, alternative R&B creates the soulful, atmospheric soundscapes that soundtrack Gen Z’s lives. This music resonates with a generation experiencing a complicated emotional space.
Indie pop songs such as “Birds of Feather”, “Yellow”,speaks directly to Gen Z’s hunger for authentic self-expression. The intimate sound creates a sense of connection that feels more like a friend sharing secrets than commercial production.
Lo-fi, crackling vinyl sounds and mellow beats have become Gen Z’s concentration soundtrack. They join millions in lo-fi livestream chat rooms, where studying or working becomes a shared communal experience despite physical separation.
Popular Gen Z Songs 2025
Here are the tracks that have dominated Gen Z playlists this year, reshaping the musical landscape with their innovative sounds and authentic messaging.
| S.No | Song | Genre | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not Like Us | Hip-hop/Rap | Kendrick Lamar |
| 2 | Birds of Feather | Alternative pop/Indie pop | Billie Eilish |
| 3 | Yellow | Alternative rock/Pop rock | Coldplay |
| 4 | Die With A Smile | Pop/Country pop | Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars |
| 5 | Fein | Trap/ Psychedelic hip-hop | Travis Scott, Playboi Carti |
| 6 | Toxic | Hip-hop Trap | Playboi Carti & Skepta |
| 7 | 360 | Hyper pop/ Dance pop | Charli XCX |
| 8 | Luther | Hip-hop/R&B | Kendrick Lamar |
| 9 | That’s So True | Indie pop | Gracie Abrams |
| 10 | Pink Pony Club | Alternative pop/ Queer pop | Chappell Roan |
Now let’s look into these songs in detail, to know why they are a constant hit among Gen Z.
1. “Not Like Us”
A bold, unapologetic hip-hop statement that has become the anthem of a generation.
| Released Year | 2024 |
| Artist | Kendrick Lamar |
| Song Link | Spotify |
Kendrick Lamar showcases his unmatched lyrical prowess through scathing verses delivered over a hard-hitting beat that samples classic West Coast hip-hop.
The track resonates with Gen Z for its fearless confrontation of industry politics and artistic authenticity. It addresses conflict directly rather than through subtext, reflecting their own generational preference for transparency and accountability. The song’s viral moments on social media platforms have further cemented it among youth. In addition, Kendrick is also considered one of the best rappers in the world.
2. “Birds of a Feather”
A song exploring the complexities of finding genuine connection in a superficial world.
| Released Year | 2024 |
| Artist | Billie Eilish |
| Song Link | Spotify |
Billie Eilish continues to evolve her signature sound with this haunting track featuring minimalist production that spotlights her ethereal vocals. The song goes into themes of authentic friendship and the struggle to find like-minded people in increasingly isolated times.
Gen Z has embraced this track for its raw emotional honesty and relatable lyrics about loneliness and belonging. Her vulnerability in songwriting perfectly aligns with Gen Z’s appreciation for authentic self-expression.
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3. “Yellow”
A vibrant, nostalgia-tinged pop masterpiece celebrating the brightness that follows emotional darkness.
| Released Year | 2000 |
| Artist | Coldplay |
| Song Link | Spotify |
The song’s themes of hope, devotion, and finding light in darkness have found new relevance with Gen Z listeners going through uncertain times. Young audiences have embraced this track through viral TikTok trends and covers, introducing it to a new generation.
The song’s sincerity and emotional transparency align perfectly with Gen Z’s preference, making this classic track feel freshly relevant among them. Get details of Coldplay’s upcoming concerts and grab Coldplay tickets before they sell out!
4. “Die With a Smile”
A breathtaking vocal showcase blending pop with country music.
| Released Year | 2024 |
| Artist | Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars |
| Song Link | Spotify |
The track explores themes of enduring love and finding joy even in life’s final moments. Gen Z listeners have connected with the song’s emotional depth and Gaga’s willingness to transcend genre boundaries.
The authenticity of the performance and the song’s message about valuing meaningful connections resonates strongly with a generation experiencing relationships in an increasingly digital and often disconnected world. Bruno is also going on tour. Find all the details of the Bruno Mars concert.
5. “Fein”
A hypnotic trap anthem pushing the boundaries of hip-hop production and vocal experimentation.
| Released Year | December 2024 |
| Artist | Leo Sun |
| Song Link | Spotify |
The track features Scott’s signature auto-tuned vocals floating over distorted bass and innovative patterns. Gen Z has loved this song for its mind-bending production and Scott’s ability to create an entire mood rather than just a song.
The song’s approach to traditional hip-hop structures appeals to young listeners who value the creation of comprehensive audiovisual experiences that extend beyond conventional music consumption.
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6. “Toxic”
A hypnotic collaboration bringing together two distinctive voices in contemporary hip-hop.
| Released Year | 2025 |
| Artist | Playboi Carti & Skepta |
| Song Link | Spotify |
This transatlantic collaboration between Playboi Carti and British grime veteran Skepta creates a perfect synthesis of trap and grime sensibilities.
“Toxic” features dark, atmospheric production that underscores lyrics exploring destructive relationships and self-sabotaging behaviors. Gen Z has connected with this track for its examination of relationship dynamics and mental health challenges, as well as its boundary-pushing production that blends different hip-hop subgenres.
7. “360”
A euphoric dance-pop anthem celebrating freedom and self-expression.
| Released Year | 2024 |
| Artist | Charli XCX |
| Song Link | Spotify |
The track resonates with Gen Z for its forward-thinking approach to pop and its themes of digital connection and living life in full panoramic view. Young listeners are drawn to Charli’s experimental sound design and her ability to capture the disorienting experience of constant online visibility.
The song has become a staple in underground club scenes and on TikTok. Its infectious beat and innovative structure have inspired creative choreography and visual content.
8. “Luther”
A powerful collaboration between two of music’s most thoughtful lyricists exploring legacy and purpose.
| Released Year | 2024 |
| Artist | Kendrick Lamar & SZA |
| Song Link | Spotify |
This collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and SZA seamlessly blends hip-hop and R&B to create a meditation on social justice, personal responsibility, and cultural heritage.
The track features Kendrick’s meaningful verses complemented by SZA’s soulful hooks, creating rich music. Gen Z has embraced this song for its intellectual depth, social consciousness reflecting their generation’s engagement with social issues and desire for music with substance.
9. “That’s So True”
A simple indie pop gem that captures the ironies of modern communication.
| Released Year | 2024 |
| Artist | Gracie Abrams |
| Song Link | Spotify |
Gracie Abrams’ understated vocal delivery and confessional songwriting shine in this track that playfully critiques superficial conversations and agreement.
The song’s title references the phrase that has become both an internet meme and a common response in digital communication. Gen Z has adopted this song as their own for its self-awareness and its gentle mockery of their communication habits, aligning perfectly with the generation’s preference for genuine expression.
10. “Pink Pony Club”
A liberating queer anthem about finding your people and embracing your authentic self.
| Released Year | 2023 |
| Artist | Chappell Roan |
| Song Link | Spotify |
Chappell Roan’s theatrical alt-pop celebration of queer spaces and found family has struck a deep chord with Gen Z listeners.
The song’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance is set against glittering synths and powerful vocals. Gen Z has loved this track for its unapologetic queerness, its message of community, and Roan’s distinctive visual aesthetic that complements the music that resonates deeply with young listeners in 2025.
Top 10 Gen Z Favorite Music Artists
These artists have captured Generation Z’s attention not just through their music but through their authentic personalities, social engagement, and willingness to evolve creatively.
| S.No | Artist | Popular song | Song link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olivia Rodrigo | “Drivers license”, “good 4 u”, “vampire” | Spotify |
| 2 | Billie Eilish | “Lose Yourself”, “Without Me”,” The Real Slim Shady” | Spotify |
| 3 | Sabrina Carpenter | “Espresso”, “Feather”,” Nonsense” | Spotify |
| 4 | Ariana Grande | “Thank u”, “positions”, “7 rings” | Spotify |
| 5 | Taylor Swift | “Anit-Hero”, “Cruel Summer”, “All Too Well” | Spotify |
| 6 | Eminem | “Blinding Lights”, “Save Your Tears”, “Starboy” | Spotify |
| 7 | Doja Cat | “Say So”, “Paint the Town Red”,” Woman” | Spotify |
| 8 | Dua Lipa | “Levitating, “Don’t Start Now”, “Physical” | Spotify |
| 9 | Lil Nas X | “Old town road”,” MONTERO”,” INDUSTRY BABY” | Spotify |
| 10 | The Weeknd | “Blinding Lights”, “Save your Tears”, “Starboy” | Spotify |
Let’s look at some amazing music artists who are the most listened to by Gen Z.
1. Olivia Rodrigo
She is continuing her meteoric rise with emotionally raw pop-rock anthems for Gen Z.
| Genre | Pop-Rock/Alternative Pop |
| Popular songs | “Drivers license”, “good 4 u”, “vampire” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
She has the ability to articulate Gen Z’s emotions with brutal honesty. Her albums solidified her as a voice of her generation, turning personal heartbreak into universal anthems.
Gen Z connects with her unfiltered approach to both lyrics and public persona—she feels like a peer rather than an untouchable celebrity. Her willingness to address issues like climate anxiety and reproductive rights also resonates with socially conscious fans.
2. Billie Eilish
The voice of Gen Z anxiety is evolving with her generation.
| Genre | Pop/Experimental |
| Popular songs | “Bad guy,” “Happier Than Ever”, “NDA” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Only a few artists embody Gen Z’s aesthetic and ethos like Billie Eilish. Her whispered vocals and brother Finneas’s innovative production created a new template for pop music that countless artists now emulate.
Her willingness to address environmental concerns, body image issues, and mental health struggles with refreshing directness, making her more than just a musician but a cultural voice for her peers.
3. Sabrina Carpenter
Reinventing herself from Disney star to latest pop powerhouse.
| Genre | Pop |
| Popular songs | “Espresso”, “Feather”,” Nonsense” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Carpenter’s evolution from teen actress to boundary-pushing pop star shows Gen Z’s appreciation for artistic growth and reinvention. Her clever lyricism and willingness to embrace adult themes while maintaining playful energy have created a devoted following.
Her success is how she’s mastered the art of creating “moments” that thrive in social media contexts without sacrificing musical quality or authentic expression.
Also read: Pop Music Artists
4. Ariana Grande
Pop superstar with powerful vocals and chart-topping hits that capture global attention.
| Genre | Pop, R&B |
| Popular songs | “Thank u”, “positions”, “7 rings” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Ariana Grande rose to fame on Nickelodeon before becoming one of music’s biggest stars. Known for her amazing vocal range and signature ponytail, she’s overcome personal tragedies to release multiple #1 albums.
Her music blends pop with R&B influences, while her personality and style have made her a cultural icon. Grande continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining massive commercial success.
Also, check out other posts where Ariana is featured: Most Famous Singers In The World
5. Taylor Swift
Musical goddess who transforms personal experiences into universal anthems everyone relates to.
| Genre | Pop, Country, Folk, Alternative |
| Popular songs | “Anit-Hero”, “Cruel Summer”, “All Too Well” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Taylor Swift began as a country artist before becoming the defining pop star of a generation. She’s known for songwriting that tells detailed stories about her life and relationships. Also read more on What is Taylor Swift’s Most Popular Song.
Swift has reinvented herself multiple times, from country to pop to folk. Her re-recordings of her earlier albums (Taylor’s Versions) reclaimed her musical legacy. With record-breaking tours and album sales, she’s one of music’s most influential and successful artists.
Also, check out Taylor Swift concerts and tour rumors.
6. Eminem
Controversial rap legend whose technical skill and emotional honesty revolutionized hip-hop.
| Genre | Hip-Hop, Rap |
| Popular songs | “Lose Yourself”, “Without Me”, “The Real Slim Shady” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Eminem emerged from Detroit’s battle rap scene to become one of hip-hop’s greatest artists. His alter ego, Slim Shady, and his rapid-fire delivery set him apart in the late 1990s.
Despite personal struggles with addiction and fame, he’s continued making music that connects with fans across generations. He is known for complex rhyme schemes and storytelling abilities. Eminem has influenced countless rappers while maintaining his own distinctive style. Get details of Eminem’s last tour with our guide.
7. Doja Cat
Boundary-pushing artist blending genres with theatrical performances and viral-ready hooks.
| Genre | Hip-Hop, Pop, R&B |
| Popular songs | “Say So”, “Paint the Town Red”,” Woman” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Doja Cat first gained attention through viral moments online before establishing herself as a serious artist. Her music mixes rap, pop, and R&B with playful, sometimes provocative lyrics.
Her visual creativity and willingness to experiment with different sounds and looks, she’s unpredictable yet consistent in quality. Her theatrical performances and personality have made her a favorite on social media and award shows.
8. Dua Lipa
British-Albanian pop sensation delivering disco-infused anthems with striking visuals.
| Genre | Pop, Dance-Pop, Disco |
| Popular songs | “Levitating, “Don’t Start Now”, “Physical” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Dua Lipa transformed from industry newcomer to global superstar with her second album “Future Nostalgia.” Her music brings modern production to disco and dance influences, creating irresistible pop songs with strong vocals.
She has a distinctive deep voice, and with her polished performances, she’s won multiple Grammy Awards while building a devoted fan base. Her fashion sense and visual aesthetics complement her musical style perfectly.
9. Lil Nas X
Genre-blending artist who challenges music industry norms with authentic self-expression.
| Genre | Hip-Hop, Pop, Country-rap |
| Popular songs | “Old town road”,” MONTERO”,” INDUSTRY BABY” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Lil Nas X first broke records with “Old Town Road,” a country-rap hybrid that became the longest-running #1 hit in history. As an openly gay Black artist in hip-hop, he’s pushed boundaries with bold visuals and statements about identity.
His marketing skills and social media presence have been as notable as his music. Despite starting as a “one-hit wonder,” he’s proven his staying power with subsequent hits and artistic growth.
10. The Weeknd
Mysterious R&B innovator turned pop superstar with dark themes and infectious melodies.
| Genre | Pop, Alternative R&B |
| Popular songs | “Blinding Lights”, “Save your Tears”, “Starboy” |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) began as an anonymous artist uploading moody R&B tracks online before becoming one of music’s biggest stars. His ethereal vibe and productions blend nostalgic sounds with modern elements.
With conceptual albums with dark themes of heartbreak and self-loathing, he’s created a distinctive artistic universe. His Super Bowl halftime show and record-breaking streaming numbers confirm his massive popularity despite his often mature content.
Generation Z Music Playlist
Gen Z’s playlist creation shows their unique taste and emotional intelligence. These collections have become cultural milestones that define moods, moments, and movements.
| S.No | Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bad Guy | Billie Eilish |
| 2 | Watermelon Sugar | Harry Styles |
| 3 | Blinding Lights | Weeknd |
| 4 | Divers License | Olivia Rodrigo |
| 5 | Stay (with Justin Bieber) | The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber |
| 6 | Levitating (feat. DaBaby) | Dua Lipa, DaBaby |
| 7 | Good 4U | Olivia Rodrigo |
| 8 | Monetro (Call me by my name) | Lil Nas X |
| 9 | Industry Baby (feat. Jack Harlow) | Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow |
| 10 | Positions | Ariana Grande |
How Gen Z Discovers Music
TikTok has emerged as perhaps the most powerful discovery medium, with 15-second clips launching entire careers overnight. Algorithm-driven recommendations on platforms like Spotify create personalized journeys through musical spaces, while Discord servers and subreddits dedicated to niche genres build passionate communities around specific sounds.
Gen Z highly values peer recommendations, but these now come through creative contexts such as friends sharing songs through Instagram Stories or collaborative playlists rather than direct suggestions.
Music supervisors for streaming shows have become influential tastemakers, with sync placements in popular series creating immediate streaming spikes. All these discovery methods create personalized systems for finding new sounds that reflect their unique interests and emotional needs.
Conclusion: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar Is The Most Popular Gen Z Song In 2025!
It’s a hip-hop track with a strong beat and powerful lyrics. The song became a hit because it’s catchy, real, and went viral on TikTok. Gen Z likes music that feels honest, emotional, and different from the usual. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Central Cee, and Billie Eilish are favorites because their songs feel real and speak to young people’s lives today.
As we look toward the future of music, one thing seems certain: Generation Z’s music tastes will keep changing how we create, share, and experience music in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
Listen to this playlist and enjoy music that is viral now!
FAQs
Gen Z predominantly listens to hip-hop (42%) and pop (40%), with notable interest in rock (25%), country (24%), and genres like K-pop and R&B.
Gen Z discovers music mainly through social media platforms like TikTok (45%) and Instagram (27%), as well as streaming services like Spotify.
Hip-hop and pop are the top genres among Gen Z, with 42% favoring hip-hop and 40% favoring pop, reflecting a preference for rhythmic and mainstream sounds.
Gen Z values music that is authentic, emotionally resonant, and often discovered through social media, favoring artists who share relatable experiences.
Prominent Gen Z music stars in 2025 include Olivia Rodrigo, Ice Spice, Tate McRae, Iann Dior, and Beabadoobee, known for their relatable lyrics and strong social media presence.
