2025 Misses Mark: A Summer Without a Definitive Song of the Summer as Pop Hits Lack Energy and Brightness
The summer of 2025 has thus far been characterized by a lack of chart-topping anthems that capture the essence of the season. The ubiquitous tracks that typically dominate parties and airwaves have yet to materialize, leaving music enthusiasts yearning for a memorable hit.
While there are several popular songs currently ruling the Billboard Hot 100, they tend to lean towards the melancholic, such as Alex Warren’s contemplative “Ordinary” at No.1, and Morgan Wallen’s introspective tunes. Even pop sensation Justin Bieber’s latest album is marked by a subdued tone, with sparse instrumentation that contrasts sharply with his past high-energy collaborations.
Mike Errico, a songwriter and instructor at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, notes that the current state of pop music has been less exuberant compared to 2024. He explains, “A lot of what 2025 has produced so far is somewhat downbeat and low-energy. It’s good music, but it might not set a room ablaze like we’ve come to expect from the ‘Song of the Summer.'”
The absence of an undeniable summer hit raises questions about the future of this annual tradition. However, there is still time for a standout track to emerge, with upcoming releases from Sabrina Carpenter in August. If not, the current musical landscape is characterized by a somber tone, with ballads and introspective songs dominating the charts.
Last summer brought forth exciting new talent such as Chappell Roan, underdogs like Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter who finally broke through after years of building their cult followings, and high-profile releases from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Errico reflects on 2024 as “exceptional,” attributing the success of numerous hits to their longevity on the charts. This year’s music has maintained a more introspective tone, with several top songs released in 2024 continuing to soar, such as Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration with SZA, “Luther.”
Ideally, the ‘Song of the Summer’ embodies bright, upbeat energy that is easy to dance along to. However, this year has yet to deliver such a track. Errico muses, “Maybe we shot our bullets in 2024 all at once.”
He also ponders whether the song of the summer must be brand new or if it can be an older song that gains traction later on. Several songs from 2024 continue to chart strongly in 2025, indicating their lasting appeal.
PinkPantheress’ “Illegal” and Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” are among the contenders for the ‘Song of the Summer.’ Although these tracks have yet to achieve mainstream ubiquity, they possess the infectious quality that could make them summer staples.
Errico suggests that the current state of music may be a necessary pause before a resurgence in upbeat, energetic hits. He concludes, “A good song is good for longer than the summer.” It remains to be seen whether 2026 will bring forth the anticipated return of the chart-topping, memorable anthems that capture the spirit of summer.