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Travis Scott and Fuerza Regida are among Houston's most-listened-to artists
"Die With a Smile" is the song that won't go away. And Bruno Mars is the king of pop, despite not having released a solo album in 10 years.
The Lady Gaga and Bruno duet is the most-streamed song globally so far this year, despite being released almost a year ago. (Gaga's ongoing Mayhem Ball, running through early 2026, has no confirmed Texas dates.) Just behind that collab is "Apt.", Bruno's duet with Blackpink singer Rosé, also released last year. Both songs have surpassed 1 billion streams according to the Luminate mid-year music industry report.
In the U.S., the most-streamed song this year is "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA with more than half a billion plays. The top album so far is Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem," followed by SZA's "SOS," Kendrick's "GNX," Bad Bunny's "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and Sabrina Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet." If you factor in physical sales, the top album is "Hurry Up Tomorrow" by The Weeknd, who plays two shows next month at NRG Stadium.
Current Houston charts, however, tell a different story. Travis Scott still rules the city, according to Apple Music, with the three most popular songs: "Kick Out," "Dumbo" and "Champain & Vacay" from the "Jackboys 2" album. Regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida is just behind him with multiple songs in the top 15.
The most-Shazamed track in Houston is the 2000 song "Punkrocker" by Teddybears and Iggy Pop. The surge is thanks to it's inclusion in the new "Superman" film.
What's on your playlist right now? I'd love to know. Email me at joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com.
 | Joey Guerra, music reporter |
My music picks
Photo by: Joan Marcus
A somber 'Parade'
The musical "Parade" tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager falsely convicted of the murder of 13-year-old worker Mary Phagan in 1913 Georgia amidst rampant antisemitism. I spoke to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Alfred Uhry, who says "what seemed like a quaint history piece in the 1990s turned out to be pretty prescient for right now with hate and fear and blaming people for things." Through Sunday at Broadway at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby; $40 and up; houston.broadway.com.
- Benefit concert: Bubba McNeely's death this month of a heart attack affected many in Houston's entertainment and LGBTQ+ communities. He was a singer and host who performed weekly all over the city and emceed within the USofA Pageants system, one of the country's most prestigious drag competitions. A celebration of life, dubbed "A Grand Finale, is scheduled this month.
- Beyoncé watch: Beyoncé just earned four Emmy nominations for her Christmas Day halftime performance in Houston. The Netflix event is up for outstanding variety special (live), directing, production design and choreography. That last one should be a lock. Did you see those moves?
Fun family favs
Photo by: Courtesy
Real-life Hot Wheels
"Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live" rolls into town with "Glow-N-Fire," a new production featuring the trucks Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster and the debut of Skelesaurus. There will also be a performance by the Hot Wheels Freestyle Motocross Team and an appearance by a transforming robot. Saturday and Sunday at Toyota Center, 1510 Polk; $29 and up at toyotacenter.com.
- Movie at the pool: The "Dive-In Movies" series features a weekly film while you and the family relax at the pool. This week's showing is "Wicked," with songs by Stephen Scwhartz, who was just in Houston for another project. Snacks and refreshments will be available. 7 p.m. gates Friday, movie at sundown at Stevenson Park Pool, 900 Cedarwood Ave.; $1 per person.
Houston on the cheap
Photo by: Courtesy Everett Collection
Zeppelin under the stars
The Houston Symphony teams up with Windborne Music for a night of Led Zeppelin classics. If you can handle the heat, humidity and constant potential for a surprise downpour, it should be a rockin' good time. 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Woodlands Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins, The Woodlands; free; woodlandscenter.org.
- 'Mildred Pierce': Joan Crawford won an Academy Award for her work in "Mildred Pierce," a 1945 film noir about the tempestuous, violent relationship between a mother and daughter. The confrontation on the staircase between Mildred and Veda — "Get out before I kill you! — is A-level camp. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet; $7 at mfah.org.
Where to eat
Photo by: Kirk Sides, Houston Chronicle
Flamin Hot Cheetos, always
Restaurant critic Bao Ong calls the Spicy Houstonian sandwich at World Famous Second Slice a "barn burner." It's made with pressed jalapeño cheddar bread, sliced turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Second Slice is located inside the Ironworks Marketplace in the East End, also home to Segundo Coffee Lab. It's a must-visit, y'all. There are unique shops, a tattoo studio, a juice bar and a dispensary.
- 'Top Chef' experience: "Top Chef: Destination Canada" winner Tristen Epps joins chef Troy Guard for "TAG Meets Top Chef" at Guard and Grace. The five-course menu "showcases the chefs' playful spins on some iconic dishes," and guests will have the opportunity to meet the chefs during the dinner. 5:30 p.m. July 31 at One Allen Center, 500 Dallas; $150 includes tax and gratuity; reservations online.
More from the Chronicle
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Everything else you need to know
- Frida Fest will showcase local vendors, original artwork, DJs and a fashion show. Adults can enter a Frida look-alike contest, and there will also be live mariachis and family-friendly activities, including a flower-making workshop. 1-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Karbach Brewing, 2032 Karbach; karbachbrewing.com.
- Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.
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