songs of the summer

featuring MARINA, Rico Nasty, The Beaches, and more!

Happy Tuesday-after-a-holiday-Monday! Yesterday marked the unofficial start of summer, so what perfect timing to share my picks for songs of the summer.

A “song of the summer” is an inescapable, (sometimes) chart-topping pop song you’ll hear constantly in June, July, and August. [Thought this was an interesting breakdown of the history of “song of the summer.”] My summers are often defined by the pop songs that stayed on repeat: I think of “California Gurls” in 2010; “The Edge of Glory” in 2011; “Despacito” in 2017; and “Good Luck, Babe!” in 2024 to name a few.

Though not chart topping-ly successful, Charli XCX and brat controlled much of the cultural conversation last summer. Charli didn’t invent “I’m hot, I’m partying, I’m doing whatever the hell I want” music, but she did have a wildly successful year because of it. While making my choices for this mix, it became clear that a lot of this summer’s pop releases (and it really does seem like more than usual) are carrying over that vibe. brat was a smash, why not run with it?¹

This mix features my picks for this year’s songs of the summer- lots of big, loud, upbeat pop that gives off a sunshine-y energy you want in your summer listening:

Would love to know your picks for songs of the summer!

---

If you want something summer-y but a little more chill, my “drinks on the porch” playlist fits the bill. I’ve been adding to this playlist for the last few years and love to throw it on anytime I have friends over. It is always well received! Best on shuffle and with crossfade set to 5-7 seconds.

1. Interestingly, Charli’s 2020, pre-brat era song, “party 4 u” is currently in contention to be a retroactive song of the summer. I didn’t include it on this mix as everything here is a new release.