Did 2025 Really Have a Song of the Summer?

Is there a song of the summer this season? 

As we near the end of summer, let's take a look at the songs that were released and see if they can take on the name of ‘song of the summer’. 

Every year, artists aim to release a song so good it becomes the soundtrack of the summer. To earn the title of “song of the summer,” it needs to lift listeners’ moods, make them want to dance, and go viral across social media platforms.

During the summer of 2024, several songs earned the title of “song of the summer” thanks to their virality and constant replay. Standout tracks included “360” by Charli XCX, “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan, and “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar.

Last year, pop stars were releasing music at a rapid pace, with a new “song of the summer” seemingly emerging every week. This year, however, many have taken a break from releasing viral hits, and listeners have noticed a distinct absence of a true “song of the summer.”

So far, the only songs that have had the viral moments are: “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” by ROLE MODEL and “Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone. 

“Manchild” for its catchy lyrics, inventive music video, and a line dance from the video that became a viral trend on social media. “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” for the viral moments it created during ROLE MODEL’s spring and summer tour, when he brings out fans or famous guests such as Conan Gray and Natalie Portman to play the “Sally” he’s singing about. At each show, fans eagerly wait to see who will take on the role, making it a highly anticipated and shareable moment.

“Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone has had viral, “song of the summer”-like moments thanks to his backflips at awards shows and festivals, as well as his collaboration with Crumbl on the "Moonbeam Icecream Cookie," which references a viral lyric in the song. While it doesn’t inspire a line dance or endless TikTok scrolling, the song was played constantly on the radio all summer and became a viral TikTok sound for people trying the cookie.

While these songs have had the most viral moments and replayability this summer, there are other songs that have come close to gaining the name of ‘song of the summer’ 2025. 

“Leave Me Alone” by Reneé Rapp, “What Was That” by Lorde, “Ordinary” by Alex Warren and “MUTT” by Leon Thomas all have the makings for a ‘song of the summer’ hit. They are just not replayed enough to a broader audience to gain the name. 

Audiences are divided on what should be named the 2025 “song of the summer,” so what’s your pick?