(Los Angeles) Now that school is out, the holidays are approaching, and radio stations are moving into their summer season, it’s time to decide on the song of the summer, at least in the United States.
In some years, the choice is indisputable: who would dare to say that Despacito, by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, was not the most played song of 2017 in the United States, or that Old Town Road, by future star Lil Nas X, didn’t top the charts two years later.
But it’s not always the case.
Was As It Was by Harry Styles really the must-have song of 2022? Who claimed the title in the summer-that-was-almost-none of 2020? When all the music in the world is available on streaming platforms, can we really talk about a song of the year?
Either way, the Associated Press gets wet and presents a few Song of the Year contenders.
The combative energy of rapper Latto on the warm and minimalist rhythm of Put It On Da Floor Again makes it a prime candidate to be the song of the summer in the clubs. It also serves as a seasonal mantra: “I’m dancing in the house/I feel like Britney Spears,” spits guest Cardi B.
The dream duo of PinkPantheress and rapper Ice Spice hit the mark with Boy’s a Liar PT. 2, a fable about modern dating with an undeniable hook and a very creative pronunciation of the word “liar”. Few songs manage to stay atop the charts for more than six months, but few songs have redefined the very essence of a pop song.
What do you get when you take a divisive gospel sermon on prostitution given by a woman who calls herself Sister Candy on college campuses, remix it, and give it a trap beat? A success, thanks to comedian/rapper Angel Laketa Moore and artists Carl Dixon and Steve Terrell. Known on TikTok, she could quickly gain popularity.
Another track that has experience behind the tie, this anthem is for people who are heartbroken – and getting over it. For Cyrus, it’s a song about life after divorce, but for his fans, it’s a celebration of self-satisfaction.
Morgan Wallen’s reign continues this summer, with his country pop-rock record Last Night dominating commercial radio stations – and, likely, the headphones of the person next to you.
The rising country star takes Tracy Chapman’s classic and turns it into a North Carolina campfire tune. Perfect for driving in your car.
Impossible to conclude this list without including a Swift song. Karma is already everywhere at the start of the summer… just like the singer, who is continuing her Eras tour.