Kneecap Outshines The Beatles in Ireland: Spotify Wrapped 2025 Celebrates Irish Music’s Global Rise

Irish music dominates Spotify Wrapped 2025, with Kneecap leading streams in Ireland, surpassing legends like The Beatles and Elton John.

Irish Music’s Streaming Surge: A Year to Remember

Irish music has taken 2025 by storm, and the latest Spotify Wrapped stats confirm it in spectacular fashion. If you’ve been following the Irish music scene even loosely, this year’s numbers will blow you away. The Belfast rap trio Kneecap, known for their fiery, unapologetic style, have attracted more listeners on Spotify in Ireland than even the legendary Beatles and Elton John. Yep, you read that right — homegrown heroes out-streaming global icons on their home turf!

Kneecap rocking the West Holts stage at Glastonbury 2025. Photo credit: Andy Ford

Spotify Wrapped 2025, which rolled out on December 3rd, gave fans around the world a personal look at their top songs, artists, and albums of the year. While international charts were dominated by global superstars like Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars, the Irish market told a different, thrilling tale — one of a vibrant music scene punching way above its weight.

Kneecap’s Rise: More Than Just Numbers

The numbers tell a powerful story: Kneecap’s music was streamed 26 million times in Ireland alone this year. That figure surpasses streaming totals for music legends like The Beatles and Elton John. It’s not just raw popularity; it’s a cultural moment, fueled by the group’s fearless lyrics, social commentary, and anthems that resonate deeply with their audience.

Their momentum rides on the success of last year’s album Fine Art, the acclaim for their BAFTA-winning biopic, and the headlines from their legal tussle with the British government. Kneecap’s unique blend of protest, humor, and party vibes feels like a fresh breath in the rap and political music landscape.

Other Irish Stars Shining Bright

Kneecap isn’t the only Irish act making waves. Fontaines D.C., who dropped their critically praised album Romance in 2024, continue to hold strong, landing in Ireland’s top 10 most-streamed albums and making the UK’s top 70 artists list. Meanwhile, CMAT’s third LP Euro-Country captivated listeners, earning a Mercury Prize nomination and hitting over 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

CMAT’s electric performance at Glastonbury 2025. Photo credit: Andy Ford

Her viral hit Take A Sexy Picture Of Me has exploded past 23 million streams since summer alone, a testament to her quirky charm and storytelling prowess. CMAT is slated to headline major summer festivals in 2026, including the iconic Electric Picnic alongside Fontaines D.C. and Gorillaz.

Hozier, Ireland’s soulful troubadour and Reading & Leeds 2025 headliner, also had a stellar year. With two albums in Ireland’s top 50 Spotify chart and top 100 global artists rankings, Hozier’s music — including fan favorites Too Sweet and Take Me To Church — continues to touch hearts worldwide.

Kingfishr rounds out the Irish streaming giants, ranking as the third most-streamed artist in Ireland behind Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan. Their single Killeagh was Spotify’s top song in Ireland in 2025, while Amble’s Reverie topped local album charts ahead of efforts from Noah Kahan and Sabrina Carpenter.

Hozier captivating the crowd at Reading Festival 2025. Photo credit: Derek Bremner

The Secret Sauce Behind Ireland’s Music Magic

Spotify’s editor Shannon Carragher nails it when she says there’s a special something about Irish artists that “cuts through the noise right now.” She describes their work as a potent mix of emotional honesty, wit, and self-awareness that resonates even with listeners who’ve never stepped foot in Ireland.

“They write and perform like people who have lived a lot, felt a lot, and aren’t afraid to show the messier edges of it. That vulnerability lands in a world where listeners are tired of polished perfection; they want music that feels lived-in, flawed, funny, and true.”
— Shannon Carragher, Spotify Editor

Carragher also highlights a “spark of defiance” running through the new Irish wave — an instinct to question authority, poke fun, stand firm, and turn pain into shared experience. Whether it’s CMAT’s emotional chaos, Fontaines D.C.’s restless searching, or Kneecap’s bold cultural commentary, these artists bring a point of view that feels refreshingly sharp without weighing down the listener.

Their music is deeply rooted in Irish identity but not limited by it, offering universal themes through a unique cultural lens. This blend of humor, heart, and cultural specificity is making Irish music a global phenomenon, effortlessly crossing borders and engaging music lovers everywhere.

Fontaines D.C. bringing their signature energy to Reading 2024. Photo credit: Andy Ford

The Bigger Picture: Spotify, Controversies, and Artist Boycotts

2025 hasn’t been without its challenges for Spotify. The platform has faced ongoing criticism over artist payments and CEO Daniel Ek’s controversial investment in military drone and AI technology. This sparked backlash from artists like Massive Attack, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Sabres Of Paradise, who have pulled their music from the service in protest.

Massive Attack’s statement voiced a moral opposition to their music funding “lethal, dystopian technologies,” highlighting the growing ethical concerns artists face in the streaming era. Alongside these protests, Spotify has also cracked down on AI-generated content, removing over 75 million tracks to preserve music authenticity.

An intimate conversation with Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten about their artistic personality

Looking forward, Daniel Ek will step down as Spotify’s CEO on January 1, 2026, passing the reins to co-presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström — a significant leadership change for the streaming giant.

Irish Artists on the Global Stage

Irish music’s influence is only growing, with acts like CMAT, NewDad, and Kettama set to represent at Coachella next year. Their storytelling, mixed with unique cultural insights and broad human themes, is capturing an international audience hungry for music that feels genuine and relatable.

For anyone who’s followed Irish music through thick and thin, this surge is a thrilling validation — from underground rap battles to indie rock festivals, the Emerald Isle’s music scene is alive and kicking louder than ever.

Watch Kneecap Discuss Their Inspirations at Glastonbury 2024

Spotify Wrapped 2025: A Celebration and a Challenge

Spotify Wrapped 2025 shines a spotlight on Irish music’s incredible journey this year, from the rebellious verses of Kneecap to the introspective melodies of CMAT and Fontaines D.C. It’s a testament to a thriving music scene that’s able to blend local flavor with global appeal.

But it also reminds us that the industry is in flux, with ethical debates and artist activism reshaping the streaming landscape. As we celebrate the sounds that defined 2025, one thing is clear: Irish music isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving—and leading the charge.

FAQ

• What made Kneecap stand out in Ireland’s streaming charts in 2025?
  Kneecap’s bold lyrical content, cultural commentary, and the momentum from their album and BAFTA-winning biopic drove massive listener engagement in Ireland.
• Who are some other notable Irish artists making waves this year?
  CMAT, Fontaines D.C., Hozier, Kingfishr, NewDad, and Amble are among the standout Irish acts with significant streaming success.
• How has Spotify faced criticism in 2025?
  Artists have protested Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in military AI technology and ongoing issues over artist payments, leading some to boycott the platform.
• What makes Irish music’s appeal so universal?
  Irish artists mix cultural specificity with emotional honesty, wit, and relatable storytelling that resonates beyond Ireland’s borders.
• What major festivals will feature Irish artists in 2026?
  CMAT, Fontaines D.C., and Gorillaz are set to headline Ireland’s Electric Picnic, while CMAT, NewDad, and Kettama will perform at Coachella.

If you love the spirit of Irish music and want to bring that vibe into your space, why not check out our favorite album cover posters? Celebrate the artists who soundtracked 2025 in style by visiting our store.