Music is changing in more ways than one. And, as multi talented performers are at it, redefining the music landscape, the group phenomenon stays strong. From Maroon 5 and BTS to Queen and The Beatles, the power of a group act has never felt so strong. Here’s a rundown of the most streamed groups in music, and their biggest hits to date, according to the latest Global Spotify numbers.
1. BTS
In a path breaking show of events, South Korean boy group, BTS, have taken the music world by storm, leading this list. The group stands tall at a cumulative 13.1 million followers. In addition, their most streamed songs are a mixed bag of sparkly pop, r&b and pop ballads. Their most streamed song, ‘Boy With Luv’, featuring friend and close collaborator, Halsey, stands tall at 487 million streams and counting. Following up with 117 million streams is their February release, ‘ON’ from the album, ‘Map of the Soul: 7″.
Other tracks in the list are the latest film OST, ‘Your Eyes Tell’ (21 million streams), ‘Stay Gold’ (41 million streams) and Jimin’s solo track, ‘Filter’ (71 million streams).
Further, the group is all set to release their English-language single, ‘Dynamite’ on the 21st of August. So, we can expect a quick change up in this list soon.
2. One Direction
This group never gets old. And, that’s just proven with the fact that One Direction continues to remain the second most streamed group in music. The British pop group has an audience of 9 million streams, reminiscing some of the biggest hits delivered by the boys. Their biggest hits include ‘Story of My Life’ (nearly 500 million streams), ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ (362 million streams), ‘Drag Me Down’ (588 million streams), and more.
Interestingly enough, the group saw a huge surge in streaming numbers post the celebration of their 10th anniversary.
3. Queen
In no real surprise, the iconic British band, Queen ranks in the top 5 on this list. With their smash hits, and historically celebrated music, there’s no denying their impact on the music landscape. And, if you aren’t surprised by their presence on this list, their highest ranked songs will be of no surprise, either.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ stands tall with over a billion streams and counting. Further, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ follow closely with over 800 million streams and counting. The group continues to reign supreme with the tracks, ‘We Will Rock You’ (584 million streams) and ‘Under Pressure’ (744 million streams).
4. Maroon 5
Maroon 5 has been one of the most influential bands of the 2000s. Through the years, the group has seen reinventions of sound and style, keeping them relevant to the times. And, as they reel from the success of their latest single, ‘Nobody’s Love’, they continue to enjoy a fan following at a global level.
Maroon 5’s most streamed songs include the 2019 smash hit single, ‘Memories’ (825 million streams and counting). The leader of the pack is the iconic ‘Sugar’, with over a billion streams and counting. In addition, their classic acoustic single, ‘She Will Be Loved’ finds a place on the list with 701 million streams and counting.
5. The Beatles
This list would be incomplete without the history-defining group. The Beatles close out the Top 5 with a consistent 7.4 million followers. Their biggest career hits continue to be admired by fans all over the world. The group rakes in millions of streams daily, years after their disbandment, only owing to their influence in the music landscape.
The Beatles’ most streamed songs include ‘Here Comes the Sun’ (508 million streams), ‘Let it Be’ (209 million streams), ‘Come Together’ (329 million streams), ‘Yesterday’ (25 million streams), and ‘Hey Jude’ (289 million streams).
By: Ahalya Narayanan