Did we have a song of the summer?

As school starts up again, leaves start to change and college football permeates every TV on campus, summer begins to fade. However, looking back on our busy summer of pop culture, it’s hard to find a definitive work that earns the title “song of the summer” that we can listen to in order to reminisce. 

In years past, there has always seemed to be a conclusive song of the summer, sometimes even multiple songs.

In Summer of 2024, we had “Brat Summer,” praising the popularity of Charli XCX’s new album. Within the popular album, the smash hit “360” quickly took the summer song title and was widely deemed, along with “Von Dutch” from the same album, the soundtrack of the summer.  

In Summer of 2023, country music took over with Morgan Wallen’s release of “Last Night.” Billboard praised it as the “song of the summer” as well as many listeners, not me included, however. 

Even going back a decade, there was a song of the summer. In 2015, “Cheerleader” by one-hit-wonder Omi struck the charts and infiltrated our radios. 

So with every year having a proclaimed song of the summer, why has it been so hard to crown one this year? Between the satisfying synth of Blood Orange, the playful pop of Sabrina Carpenter or the calm cadence of Justin Bieber, there was nothing short of anticipated releases this summer. However, no song has seemed to sway the masses into agreement. 

As I’ve listened to almost every popular artist's new releases this summer, I find myself equipped to give songs, in no particular order, that I believe deserve to be considered for the “Song of the Summer” title. 

“Doggy” by Kevin Abstract, Dominic Fike, Love Spells & Truly Young 

June 27, popular rapper, Kevin Abstract, most commonly known as a member of the previous band “Brockhampton,” released his album, “Blush.” Though the album is flooded with unique, wonderful songs that blend genres like rap, alternative and even Nigerian Alté, there was one song that stood out to me. “Doggy” is an upbeat melody and is truly one of a kind. The collaboration on this song alone earns my praise with an amazing intro from indie artist Dominic Fike and a solid chorus from Abstract himself. You’re then hit by the warm and exciting female voice of Truly Young (rapper Dr. Dre’s daughter) in the first verse that solidifies its deserving “song of the summer” title. If this addicting song had gained even a little more traction, it would no doubt have taken the cake this summer! 

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter 

Released June 5 as the lead single from Sabrina Carpenter's new album “Man’s Best Friend,” this piece of pop-perfection deserves a shoutout. Out of every song this summer, “Manchild” popularity-wise, sticks out. Though it isn’t my favorite of Carpenter’s nor my favorite song this summer, the addictive melody alone deserves praise and consideration for the title. From radio stations to TikTok's, “Manchild” has seemingly taken over our summer. 

“Sugar On My Tongue" by Tyler the Creator

On July 19, experimental rapper Tyler the Creator announced a brand new album: “Don’t Tap On The Glass”, shocking fans and providing hope for a new summer hit. As usual, he did not disappoint, giving us the perfect song that genuinely just makes you want to stop what you’re doing and dance. Earning praise and lots of fame on social media, “Sugar on My Tongue" isn’t just a song I love, but a popular song among the masses that without a doubt is a summer hit.

“The Subway” by Chappell Roan

Starting off my list with three hype songs, I, of course, had to add a devastating summer song. After teasing its release for months, Chappell Roan finally dropped the somber melody of “The Subway,” singing themes of not being able to get over somebody. To anyone with a fleeting summer romance, “The Subway” was their most listened to song of the summer. Windows down, screaming the lyrics “she got away” with your friends in the car, or even by yourself, is a summer staple. Debuting top five in the U.S. charts, it seems to be a general consensus that this sorrowful hymn deserves some recognition as a summer song. 

“Summer Forever” by Addison Rae

Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness,” Childish Gambino’s “Summertime Magic,” Lady Gaga’s “Summerboy”.... Who doesn’t love a summer song with “summer” in the title? I sure do! After being in the TikTok light for so long, I never expected to like Addison Rae’s music. However, this summer I was pleasantly surprised by her debut album. You have to admit: it’s undeniably catchy. “Industry plant” or not, this slow and sultry song proves that Addison Rae deserves her praise. Not only was her entire debut album a summer staple, but this standout track is this season’s pop perfection.

So… did we have a song of the summer? I just gave you five. I think it’s safe to say the reason we haven’t had a single song to place this title upon is because multiple tracks deserve it. 2025 is not a year without a summer hit, it’s a year with many.