Summer of 2025 could potentially have a catchy K-pop track from an animated motion picture soundtrack as its anthem.
In the heart of summer 2025, the music scene is abuzz with uncertainty as music lovers search for the anthem that will define the season. This year, the quest for the Song of Summer has proven to be a challenging one, with several contenders vying for the title but none quite fitting the traditional mould of a high-energy, upbeat summer hit.
One of the top contenders this year is Ben Platt’s “Diet Pepsi”, a catchy tune with an emotional edge that resonates with listeners. Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers’ collaboration, “Wouldn't Change a Thing”, also makes the list, with its strong fan engagement and emotional duality. Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” and Hozier’s “Ordinary” are also in the running, each offering distinctive qualities that have captured the attention of music enthusiasts.
However, the selection process this year has been far from straightforward. Many prominent artists are currently on tour, recovering from busy years, or taking a well-deserved break, resulting in a less vibrant and high-energy selection of hits dominating the airwaves. Additionally, the mood of the summer’s music is more mellow or reflective, contrasting with traditional upbeat “Song of the Summer” expectations.
This has led to a more dispersed, less clear consensus on a defining summer hit, with some suggesting that the summer of 2025 lacks a singular anthem and may instead be characterized by a diversity of genres and tones. Some even see this as a pause before a stronger resurgence in 2026, allowing the music scene to “chill” and listeners to digest earlier hits.
Justin Bieber’s “Daisies”, currently at No. 3, is a chill, spare ballad that has found its place in the hearts of many. Benson Boone's "Mystical Magical" has caused a stir on the internet with its catchy line, but it hasn't quite reached the heights of last year's hits. Katseye, an L.A.-based K-pop sextet, has found an audience via reality TV and a Netflix documentary, and their song "Gnarly" is an electro pop banger with nonsense lyrics but oodles of attitude. However, Addison Rae's "Headphones On" hasn't quite taken off due to detached vocals.
Interestingly, this year's top contenders for the Song of Summer are all by all-women groups, reflecting current trends in the music industry. The Beaches' "The Last Girls at the Party", a rockin' bop from a Canadian quartet, has gained little attention beyond airplay on Triple-A or adult rock radio stations. Jessie Murph's "Blue Strips", a unique tune with woozy vocals and distorted bass, is a revenge song, not typically associated with summer music. Haim's "Relationships" is an alluring pop bop with striking harmonies but has too much guilt in the lyrics. Ed Sheeran's "Azizam" brings dance floor energy but lacks necessary effervescence.
The concept of the Song of Summer was institutionalized as a Billboard chart in 2010 and an MTV Music Video Award in 2014. This year, the current Top 10 on Billboard includes four songs that have been around for more than a year or two, adding to the confusion about the defining summer hit of 2025.
As the summer winds down, the race for the Song of Summer continues, with music lovers eagerly awaiting the next big hit that will encapsulate the spirit of the season. Whether it will be one of the current top contenders or a surprise newcomer remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the music scene is alive with possibilities, offering a diverse and intriguing landscape for music lovers to explore.
[1] Billboard [2] NPR Music [3] Rolling Stone [4] The Guardian
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