Luminate Names “Dreams,” “Mr. Brightside” as Some of the Most-Listened to Tracks Per Decade in 2025
The industry report breaks down the undisputed streaming kings from the 1960s to the 2020s.
Summary
- Luminate’s year-end report identified the most-listened-to songs in the US for every decade since the 1960s
- Classic rock staples like “Fortunate Son” and “Dreams” continue to dominate due to viral social media trends
- The 2020s category saw a surprising upset, with Alex Warren’s 2025 track “Ordinary” beating out earlier chart-toppers
Music consumption is often viewed through the lens of “what’s new,” but a recent deep dive by data powerhouse Luminate proves that nostalgia is a driving force in the streaming era. In its comprehensive year-end report for 2025, the analytics firm broke down the most-listened-to tracks in the US across the last seven decades, offering a fascinating look at how platforms like TikTok and film syncs are cementing the legacy of specific anthems.
The breakdown begins with the 1960s, where Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” reigns supreme with 137.6 million streams, a testament to its enduring cultural weight. Moving into the 70s, Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” holds the crown with a massive 387.4 million streams, its numbers still buoyed by the lingering effects of 420doggface208’s viral Ocean Spray skateboarding meme. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” unsurprisingly took the 80s spot, while the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” claimed the 90s with nearly 338 million plays — a surge partially attributed to its placement in the 2024 blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine.
The 2000s belonged to The Killers‘ “Mr. Brightside,” a track that has effectively become a modern standard. The 2010s saw a shift toward country-soul with Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” leading the pack. However, the most shocking data point arrived in the 2020s category. Rather than a global smash from the early part of the decade, Alex Warren’s 2025 single “Ordinary” reportedly racked up 746.8 million streams in the last year alone, statistically outpacing every other major hit from the current decade.
For the full statistical breakdown and additional industry insights, head over to Luminate to access the complete year-end music report.
