We don’t choose the Song of the Summer, the Song of the Summer chooses us… or so it would seem when the warm months roll around and certain songs become ubiquitous!
Carlie Hanson – “Back in My Arms”
The Wisconsin native got her big break when she submitted a Zayn Malik cover to her local radio station. It’s not hard to see why. At just 19, she’s a master of pop bops with an irresistible, raw edge. Case in point: “Back In My Arms,” which marries breathy atmospherics and chugging rhythm with a soaring, lost-in-love chorus.
Taylor Swift – “Me”
It’s hard to imagine a Taylor Swift album cycle in which she doesn’t dominate a summer’s worth of headlines. She’s unstoppable, and combined with the relentless popularity of Panic at the Disco’s Brendon Urie, Swift is practically invincible. This is how it always goes with Swift’s singles—remember “Shake it Off” or “Look What You Made Me Do?”
Georgia – “About Work the Dancefloor”
As much as you’d like to, you’re not going to be outside 24/7 this summer. No, eventually you’ll have to take the party inside, and that’s exactly when you’ll want to put on Georgia’s “About Work the Dancefloor”. It’s an essential club track, with a vintage synth hook, and dance floor drama that would make Robyn proud.
Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
Whoever thought to pair Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber for an entire album is genius. Apparently, two rights make a right! It’s hard to imagine a song more catchy than “I Don’t Care.”
DJ Khaled, Cardi B, 21 Savage — “Wish Wish”
“Wish Wish” once again brings together Cardi B—2018’s queen of the summer—and the perennially beloved 21 Savage. The two have already collaborated on the 2017 hit “Bartier Cardi,” and “Wish Wish” doubles-down on that success with another banger fit for warm weather clubbing.
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
“Sucker” glows with bright guitars, a shimming rhythm, and a catchy-as-hell chorus. That the trippy music video features Sophie Turner and Priyanka Chopra is the proverbial cherry on top.
Billie Eilish — “Bury a Friend”
When 17-year-old Billie Eilish released “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”, her lauded major label debut, in April, she made history. The gothic set, which bowed at No.1 on the Billboard 200, became the third most-streamed LP ever for a female artist. This song, sung from the perspective of the monster lurking beneath her bed, is remarkably dark pop and, twisted as it may be, a true delight.
Lil Nas X — “Old Town Road”
Lil Nas X is more than just an internet sensation. The young artist’s only single “Old Town Road” with Billy Ray Cyrus has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the 10th consecutive week, officially becoming the chart’s longest reigning track since Drake’s“In My Feelings” between July and September 2018.
Lizzo — “Juice”
Lizzo’s ascendency to pop superstardom has been a long time coming. By 2019, it’s all but inevitable. So it makes sense that Lizzo kicked off 2019 with one of her most fabulous bangers yet with “Juice.” The song—which opens with Lizzo singing “Mirror, mirror on the wall / Don’t say it ‘cause I know I’m cute”—comes with a statement that the rapper and singer has been making her entire career as a body-positive rapper.
Tank and the Bangas — “Smoke.Netflix.Chill”
Led by frontwoman Tarriona “Tank” Ball’s smooth lead vocals, “Smoke.Netflix.Chill.” showcases the group’s unique take on hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul and R&B with poetic lyrics for modern-day listeners.