NEW YORK (AP) — Since the dawn of time, or at least pop music, only a few have earned the title of song of the summer.
These are the earworms that burrow deep into the brain, pushing past genre preferences and reminding listeners: a hit is a hit. However, with so much variety, it is becoming increasingly difficult to crown one song of the summer. That’s why The Associated Press offers 2024 predictions in several categories – with past winners for reference.
Find your song of the summer and listen to our Spotify playlist here.
Song of the Summer for the caffeinated: “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
We are a few decades removed from the Y2K era of deviant pop songs with nonsensical lyrics on top of sunny productions. But no one told Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit “Espresso” is a shot of wake-up juice as smart as it is completely unserious. ‘Espresso’ is a one-woman argument for the endurance of disco-informed radio pop.
Previous Champion: ‘Wide Awake’, Katy Perry (2012)
Country Crossover Song of the Summer: “I Had Some Help,” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
Before it even came out, it seemed likely that a Post Malone/Morgan Wallen collaboration would result in a No. 1 record. “I Had Some Help” introduced Post Malone’s foray into country and, with some help from the biggest name in country music today, was an instant success. There’s no denying that honky-tonk hook, Malone’s auto-tuned vibrato or the sing-along chorus.
Former Champion: “You’re Still the One,” Shania Twain (1998)
Diss track of the summer: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Drake and Kendrick Lamar reignited a once-simmering feud earlier this year, unleashing diss track after diss track. No hit was as good as Lamar’s brutal “Not Like Us,” which became Lamar’s fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The message — all West Coast fire in an “us vs. she” song – really works.
Past Champion: “Obsessed,” Mariah Carey (2009)
Viral hit of the summer: “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey
In an ideal world, every national station would play Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” once an hour, on the hour. Until then, social media virality will have to do. With its inspired interpolation of J-Kwon’s ‘Tipsy’, the song has everything you need for a modern classic, with an easy-to-understand story that follows a hard-working protagonist who alleviates his problems on a bar stool.
Past champion: “Trap Queen”, Fetty Wap (2015)
Song of the Summer for the Yearners: “Lunch,” Billie Eilish
“Lunch,” from Billie Eilish’s new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” is a PG-13 ode to same-sex love. The once-in-a-generation performer has come a long way since the macabre humor, offbeat beats and Invisalign slurs that made her a star. Instead, “Lunch” is a lovely, sapphic anthem.
Past champion: “Nineteen”, Tegan and Sara (2007)
Club song of the summer: ‘Get It Sexyy’, Sexyy Red
It’s in the title. Sexyy Red, with her signature flow and quotable bars that aren’t exactly safe for work, has taken over. “Get It Sexyy” is a theme song to her dominance and a confident mantra for anyone planning to hit the dance floor.
Past Champion: “Lose Control”, Missy Elliott feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop (2005)
Song for singles ready to mix this summer: ‘Bellakeo’, Peso Pluma feat. Anita
Take one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, Peso Pluma, and one of the biggest Brazilian pop-funk stars, Anitta, and you’ve got a sweaty reggaetón banger. “Bellakeo” is a song for both the club and the corner store, full of flirtation.
Former Champion: “Where the Party At”, Jagged Edge and Nelly (2001)
Song of the Summer from your favorite artist’s favorite artist: “Good Luck, Babe!”, Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan has long had a knack for candor in her theatrical, brazen songwriting, highlighted by sometimes yodelling vocals. But she’s only recently started receiving mainstream attention for her full-throated, big-hearted queer love anthems. “Good luck, honey!” is a kiss and a half – perfect for screaming along to while driving down an empty street in Roan’s native Midwest or getting ready for drag club with the girls.
Former Champion: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours”, Stevie Wonder (1970)
Song of the summer for people seriously considering buying a harmonica: “Pink Skies,” Zach Bryan
Every song on the summer list calls for a real tearjerker. Within the first few seconds of Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies,” the acoustic guitar, harmonica, and raspy narration will have you pulling out the tissues. “The kids are in town for a funeral,” he sings. “So get in the car and dry your eyes.” He’s an expert at writing a novel in just a few words, a song so good it hits the charts without traditional support.
Past Champion: “Run-Around,” Blues Traveler (1995)
Song of the summer that shares a title with a movie: “Million Dollar Baby,” Tommy Richman
“Million Dollar Baby” feels like it came out of nowhere — as so many TikTok hits do — but its continued staying power since April has been remarkable. Plus, it shares a title with a very famous movie, which is always nice.
Past Champion: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Deep Blue Something (1995)
Song of the summer that inexplicably came out in January: “Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone
If Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies” is a bit too raw for you, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” offers a glossy alternative. There is not an ounce of sharpness in his soft pop rock, but there is a lot of love in it.
Former champ: “Boy is a liar PT. 2,” PinkPantheress, Ice Spice (2023)
Swifties’ song of the summer: ‘Fortnight’, Taylor Swift and Post Malone
Every summer, Taylor Swift’s fans anoint their own choice. This time it has to be ‘Fortnight’ by ‘The Tortured Poets Department’. Add “I love you / It’s running my life” to the pantheon of Swiftisms that would make a great AOL-away message (RIP).
Past Champion: ‘Karma’, Taylor Swift (2023)
Song of the revolutionary summer genre: ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’, Beyoncé
Beyoncé released “Act II: Cowboy Carter” with the declaration: “This is not a country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.’ But she certainly wove the genre into it and reclaimed country music as a black woman. The first taste came in the form of “Texas Hold ‘Em” – perfect to listen to whether you’re heading to the beach or the rodeo.
Former Champion: “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” Tina Turner (1984)
The post-ironic, TikTok-heavy, too-online microhit song of the summer: ‘The Spark’, Kabin Crew & Lisdoonvarna Crew
There’s always one song that’s partly a joke, but a big hit. Then there’s ‘The Spark’, an Irish collaboration between some remarkably talented children from Cork and Lisdoonvarna, written for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day designed to celebrate children’s creativity. These kids have produced a powerful electro club banger for all ages.
Past Champion: “The Margarita Song,” That Chick Angel, Casa Di & Steve Terrell (2023)
Song of the Summer for Swedish Pop Lovers: “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”, Ariana Grande
Of all the songs on Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’, ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’ is the Europop example. It explodes into a string crescendo, with electronic sounds transitioning effortlessly into organic sounds, lyrically emphasizing a relationship on the outs. It’s a beautiful and devastating listen in the tradition of another queen of summer sadness bangers, Robyn.
Past Champion: “Call Your Girlfriend,” Robyn (2010)
Song of the Summer for IT Girls: “360,” Charli XCX
Charli XCX’s latest album, ‘Brat’, balances between hedonism and anxiety. “360” is a hot girls club classic that falls squarely into the first category: all sexy showboating and futuristic production.
Past Champion: “Stars Are Blind,” Paris Hilton (2006)
