With ever-increasing options for the average listener, choosing a song of the summer has become increasingly difficult. Many different tracks have risen and fallen off the Billboard Hot 100 list this summer alone, making it hard to define which garnered the most popularity. Still, some songs have become undeniably popular in the summers following their respective release date.
Last year’s song of the summer, according to Slate Magazine, was “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey. The song largely owes its popularity to its unique fusion of country and hip-hop, as well as its catchy melody. Following a similar theme, 2023’s summer hit was “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen, a popular country singer.
Country has not been the only popular genre, though. In recent years, top hits have included songs like “As It Was” by Harry Styles and “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo, which fall under the pop-rock theme.
In the early 2000s, summer hits were often influenced by hip hop and rap. From the 70s to 90s, catchy and danceable, pop songs like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Roll With It” by Steve Winwood and “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You” dominated the charts.
Sarah Brindell, a professional musician for over 20 years, said that lyrics with vulnerability and nostalgic elements create an almost guaranteed summer hit, according to Berklee College of Music’s Berklee Now. Songs that take advantage of this include “As It Was” by Harry Styles and “Every Breath You Take” by The Police.
Brindell also said that songs like “About Damn Time” by Lizzo, with their anticipatory lyrics and celebratory elements, can be considered a song of the summer. Brindell clarified that the song can even take off if the lyrics tackle darker, more painful themes; additionally, accessible lyrics that are open for interpretation allow the listener to empathize with the singer, further popularizing the song.
AP News predicts “Tonight” by PinkPantheress will be the “song of the summer for the chronically online.” The track features a blend of bassline house and hyperpop genres, similar to many past summer hits. PinkPantheress also had previous songs that blew up on social media. This prediction is based on their choice for last year’s winner, “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman.
The predicted “breakup song of the summer” is “What Was That” by Lorde, her first single in years. This song is a mix of both positive and negative feelings, leaving it to the listener’s interpretation. It focuses on a theme of reminiscence and a fleeting relationship.
Last year’s winner for “song of the summer for the girls and all those who love them” was “Bills Bills Bills,” a song by Destiny’s Child that made a comeback from the late 90s. However, this year’s prediction is a new song, “Gnarly” by KATSEYE. Released in 2025, this song features a viral dance that accompanies its catchy lyrics.
Finally, the “biggest song of the year, and therefore the default song of the summer,” was “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, according to the Washington Post. With its smooth R&B vibe, this song dominated the Billboard charts for weeks. Spotify’s list for top songs also included a mix of afro-fusion beats, mixing afrobeats, R&B and electronic. This summer also had a wide variety of lovestruck pop, including songs like “Ordinary” by Alex Warren and “back to friends” by Sombr. An unexpected rise of high-BPM rave songs is featured like “Say My Name – Remix” by Morgan Seatree and Florence + The Machine.
On the more calm and collected side of things, many songs like “No One Notice” by The Marías and “Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae gained popularity. Finally, this summer featured the genre on the rise for summer hits over the past few years: country music. Popular artists Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen created “What I Want,”a top summer hit.
The “song of the summer” is not based on a single genre, release date or lyrical genius, but on the interpretations of the listener and the combination of unique styles and feelings. Whether it’s a vulnerable beat, a celebratory anthem or a genre-blending track, these songs capture the collective mood of the moment. From nostalgic throwbacks to viral online sensations, each summer hit reflects both the cultural trends and personal experiences of its audience.