BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
If you couldn’t tell by the ivy changing color outside of Devereux Hall, it’s time to face the reality: summer has ended. And with it, the annual debate among music lovers reaches its peak: what was the song of the summer?
Declaring a definitive song of the summer is often a fruitless endeavor. It’s an elusive title, sometimes achieved by a track that dominates the season so thoroughly that there’s no room for debate. A prime example is Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”
5.) Billie Eilish: “Birds of a Feather”
With a nostalgic 80’s sheen, this track showcases the power of streaming-era listeners. Although “Lunch” was the official lead single from Eilish’s 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” “Birds of a Feather” has become the album’s defining hit, amassing nearly double the Spotify streams of any other track. Its breezy yet melancholic sound perfectly transitions from late summer’s warmth to early fall’s chill. This track is like if Wham and Gwen Stefani collaborated on a dream-pop track—Eilish’s soaring vocals make this a standout song.
4.) Chappell Roan: “Good Luck, Babe!”
Roan’s album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” success is impressive considering that “Good Luck, Babe!” — Roan’s biggest single — isn’t even on it. This spicy, synth-pop track is a testament to Roan’s growing prowess as a songwriter— blending old and new to create something truly captivating. The compelling vocal delivery, the rising and falling instrumentation and the cathartic bridge make this track a high point in her career and a worthy song of the summer contender.
3.) Charli XCX: “Apple”
Charli XCX continues to prove herself as one of the most innovative forces in modern pop. Her sixth studio album, “Brat,” is the summer soundtrack — producing multiple potential songs of the summer. Yet “Apple,” with its infectious melody and TikTok dance craze, stands out. “Brat” has become a cultural phenomenon, its lime-green aesthetic defining the year, and“Apple” best captures its energy.
2.) Sabrina Carpenter: “Espresso”
With its viral success, “Espresso” is the quintessential pop hit of the summer. Its lighthearted, beachy vibe makes it impossible to resist — even after countless listens — the charm hasn’t worn off. The track has inspired think pieces and catapulted Carpenter to pop stardom, earning over 1.2 billion streams since its April release. If vibes alone determined the song of the summer, “Espresso” might have taken the crown.
1.) Kendrick Lamar: “Not Like Us”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is the undeniable winner. Amid his feud with Drake, this DJ Mustard-produced track became the anthem of the summer. Its catchy beat and fiery lyrics resonated everywhere—from cars cruising down the street to packed clubs and sporting events. Lamar has turned this track into a West Coast anthem that transcends the beef, cementing its place as the defining hit of the season.
debelljb22@bonaventure.edu
