Where Is 2025s Song of the Summer?

Where Is 2025s Song of the Summer? Professor Joe Bennett comments on why this year doesnt have a clear song of the summer.

By

Tara Bellucci

August 19, 2025

Image by Kelly Davidson

Remember 12 months ago? On TikTok, 2024 was Brat summer. Other songs, like Sabrina Carpenters Espresso, Shaboozeys Bar Song (Tipsy), and Post Malones I Had Some Help were on repeat seemingly everywhere else.

2025 has yet to have a clear winner for song of the summer, and professor Joe Bennett has some ideas on why. He spoke to the Boston Globe about the trend-or lack thereof-this year.

Why Recession Pop Is Hot-Even When Its Not a Recession

Check out Berklees playlist of recession pop hits old and new, from Lady Gaga and Pitbull to Charli XCX and Chappell Roan.

Songs of the summer as a trend started in the '90s, first with New Yorks Summer Fun issue in 1995, and New York Times music critic Ann Powers bracket competition in 1999. Billboard launched its summer music chart in 2010.

Bennett told the Globe that songs of the summer often have a certain feel-good quality to them. They tend to be up-tempo, often major key, very crowd-pleasing, [with] big hooky choruses, and a relatable lyric theme with the title prominently sung in the chorus, preferably more than once. Examples like Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen and Katy Perrys California Girls fit the bill.

According to music industry data and trend analysis company Luminate, recession pop-music that was released around the 2008 economic recession-is on the rise in streams for its sense of nostalgia and potentially bigger themes of escapism, the company said in a statement.

Joe Bennett

While some people think this years political climate is contributing to a lack of song of the summer, Bennett disagrees. Danceable songs and hedonistic feel-good pop music feels good to anyone, regardless of their politics.

The more likely culprit is how we get our music these days. With streaming, the way we select music is different, Bennett said. People can simply pick the music that they like on a song-by-song basis.

That doesnt mean hes ringing the song of the summers death knell. Personally, his pick is Carpenters Manchild, currently eighth on Billboards summer chart.

The jury's still out for 2025, he said.

Related Categories

News

Most Popular

Image by Maddie Ross, courtesy of Tape Op magazine

Building a Home Recording Studio? Here's What You Need. Experts break down the home studio setup and share tips to create a pro-level recording space on any budget.

Latest

From left to right: Dancer Alex Diaz, violinist Julia Glenn, and theater artist Patrick Fretwell

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Welcomes 15 New Faculty Members The new hires bring expertise in a wide range of subjects, including Indian classical dance, electronic music, breakdancing, Persian setar, and stage combat.

Megan Bent

Dr. Rhoda Bernard Releases Groundbreaking Debut Book on Accessible Arts Education The first-of-its-kind guide, set to publish September 19, offers a framework for inclusive arts instruction to support and empower students of all abilities.

Berklee student and trombonist ChaYa Grant will be entering her junior year this fall at Spelman.

Image courtesy of the artist

The Berklee-Spelman Exchange Program Enters Year Three The initiative celebrates the contributions of African American women to jazz and contemporary music.

Read All

Subscribe The latest sounds, stories, and ideas, sent to your inbox weekly.

LINK:	https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/2025-song-of-the-summer...
	See more stories from berklee

Most recent headlines