In the early 20th century, the phenomenon of “song of the summer” developed alongside the introduction of the radio and records, according to CNN. Today, artists jockey for their song to be the seasonal anthem.

When you’re in the car listening to music and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter comes on, you’re immediately transported back to a hot day in the summer of 2024. Why? Because that was the “song of the summer.”

The song of the summer is a seasonal anthem that is inescapable from late May to late August in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a cultural phenomenon that embodies the essence of the season through music, creating an atmosphere that marks the carefree days of summer.

Previous holders of this title include “As It Was” by Harry Styles (2022), “In My Feelings” by Drake (2018) and “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (2017).

As we approach the summer, anticipation is building around which track will emerge as this year’s anthem. Early front runners include “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson, “Drop Dead” by Olivia Rodrigo and Don Toliver’s “E85”.

“I think the song of the summer is going to be “Stateside” by PinkPanthress and Zara Larsson,” freshman Suriel Hanna said.
”It’s very upbeat and outgoing.”

The song is traditionally a mainstream pop song and provides a shared experience for ages 12 to 25. It’s often catchy with a lighthearted message and is something you and your friends can groove to. The challenge is that it has to be good enough to hear at all times.

“[The song] has to be a vibe,” senior Connor Roberts said. “You can play it at your home, and it sounds good. You can play it at the beach and it sounds good. You can play it at the club and it sounds good.”

Many ways people discover the song of the summer is through the media. Many music media outlets, such as Billboard and Rolling Stone, often put out a list of the top songs of the summer, guiding listeners and sharing popular opinions. Constant exposure of a certain song on the radio or through social media can impact which tracks go viral and gain popularity.

Upcoming releases from big artists like Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyla and Ariana Grande are generating buzz and any of these artists could very well claim the title with their new projects.

As summer approaches, music listeners everywhere are eager to see which track will ultimately take the crown and become the soundtrack for an unforgettable summer.