Anticipating the 2023 Song of the Summer: Predictions Galore!

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Picture this: the sun is beaming, the allure of the beach is irresistible, and school’s out. It’s that time again to crown the song of the summer.

Sometimes, the victor is crystal clear. In 2017, “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber dominated every soundscape. Then, in 2019, Lil Nas X’s omnipresent “Old Town Road” foreshadowed his meteoric rise. Olivia Rodrigo continued the trend in 2021 with “Drivers License.” However, that’s not always the case.

Do you remember if Harry Styles’ “As It Was” reigned supreme in 2022? Or who claimed the throne during the lackluster summer of 2020? With the world’s entire musical library at our fingertips, can genre-devoted listeners even agree on a single song of the summer?

But what if they didn’t have to? Here we present AP’s predictions for the 2023 song(s) of the summer, along with past winners for each category:

1. Club anthem of the summer: “Put It On Da Floor Again” by Latto ft. Cardi B

Rapper Latto’s fierce and unapologetic flow, coupled with a scorching minimalist beat, positions “Put It On Da Floor” as a strong contender for the club scene’s song of the summer. And as guest artist Cardi B spits, it also serves as a seasonal mantra: “I’m sexy dancin’ in the house/I feel like Britney Spears.”

Past champion: “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé (2022)

2. Song of the summer that surprisingly dropped in January: “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2” by PinkPantheress, Ice Spice

The dream collaboration between PinkPantheress, the queen of hyperpop-punk, and the laid-back rapper Ice Spice birthed “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2.” This anthem delves into the intricacies of modern dating, boasting an irresistible hook and an inventive pronunciation of the word “liar.” (That boy’s a … Leo?) Few songs have the staying power to captivate us for over six months, but few songs also challenge the traditional boundaries of a pop hook, emitting a spacey and occasionally self-deprecating charm. Just like its Capricorn nature.

Past champion: So nice, it deserves a double mention — “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo (2021)

3. The post-ironic, TikTok-fueled micro-hit of the summer: “The Margarita Song” by That Chick Angel, Casa Di & Steve Terrell

What happens when you take a confrontational evangelical sermon on “slut-shaming” delivered by Sister Candy, a woman renowned for her appearances on college campuses, remix it, and infuse it with a trap beat? You get a hit, thanks to the collaboration between comedian/rapper Angel Laketa Moore and artists Carl Dixon and Steve Terrell.

Past champion: “Birthday Suit” by Cosmo Sheldrake (2019)

4. Hot (divorced) girl (song of the) summer: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

While we wait for Miley Cyrus to deliver a Texas-sized country anthem, “Flowers” satisfies our cravings with its ’80s synth-rock vibe. It’s a song about life after divorce for Cyrus, but for her fans, it’s a celebration of discovering partnership within oneself.

Past champion: “Next Girl” by Carly Pearce (2020)

5. Song of the summer… this week: “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue

Like a fleeting summer fling, Kylie Minogue’s disco-infused heartbeat in “Padam Padam” sets the stage for crush-worthy pop music. It burns brightly, fast, and hard.

Past champion: “Work From Home” by Fifth Harmony (2016)

6. The year’s biggest hit, therefore the de facto song of the summer: “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen’s reign extends into the summer with his country pop-rock breakup anthem “Last Night,” dominating terrestrial radio and likely invading the headphones of anyone nearby.

Past champion: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, Kimbra (2011)

7. The surprising song of the summer that’s actually a cover: “Fast Car” by Luke Combs

Luke Combs puts his own spin on the Tracy Chapman classic, transforming it into a North Carolina campfire tune. Perfect for zooming along the highway at breakneck speeds.

Past champion: “Fast Car” by Jonas Blue, Dakota (2015) — or any other past or present cover of “Fast Car”

8. The Swifties’ summer anthem: “Karma” by Taylor Swift

In a nutshell: Karma is my boyfriend, Karma is divine, and “Karma” is ubiquitous this season, just like Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour.

Past champion: “Red” by Taylor Swift (2013)

9. The song for those perpetually in a summer state of mind: “WHERE SHE GOES” by Bad Bunny

Don’t let the title fool you; despite the name “WHERE SHE GOES,” Puerto Rican reggaetonero Bad Bunny hasn’t gone the crossover route with an English-language hit. Instead, Benito (as lovingly dubbed by fans) merges the worlds of dembow and drill, still crooning in Spanish. It’s the perfect track for a late-night party or an early morning at the beach.

Past champion: “Mi Gente” by J Balvin, Willy William (2017)

10. Song of the revenge-driven summer: “Kill Bill” by SZA

SZA’s genre-defying, soulful pop reaches new heights of self-actualization in this revenge-driven fantasy. With her gentle vocals, she muses about the possibility of eliminating her ex, acknowledging that it may not be the best idea.

Past champion: “Where My Girls At” by 702 (1999)

11. Song for singles ready to mingle this summer: “Ella Baila Sola” by Eslabon Armado x Peso Pluma

Can any success story surpass the rise of sierreño hit “Ella Baila Sola” by Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma? Regional Mexican music has infiltrated the American mainstream, horns and all, and this flirtatious track about a woman dancing alone is concrete evidence.

Past champion: “Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” by T-Pain, Yung Joc (2007)

12. Song of the summer romance: “Calm Down” by Rema, Selena Gomez

This irresistible Afrobeats anthem by Nigerian singer Rema and pop star Selena Gomez shows no signs of slowing down this season. Expect to hear it at oceanside hangouts and softly playing during intimate backyard make-out sessions, or even at your local grocery store.

Past champion: “I Swear” by All-4-One (1994)

13. Empowering song of the summer: “All My Life” by Lil Durk ft. J. Cole

A children’s choir, a trap beat, and an inspiring chorus make “All My Life” the feel-good anthem of the summer, reminding us that a positive attitude can be a powerful remedy.

Past champion: “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga (2011)

14. Slow burn song of the summer: “Favorite Song” by Toosii

While party anthems come and go, heartfelt ballads linger within our souls. Rapper Toosii’s “Favorite Song” is for those seeking a romantic summer spent indoors with their beloved.

Past champion: “If Your Girl Only Knew” by Aaliyah (1996)

15. Song of the summer for melancholic souls: “Cupid” by Fifty Fifty

Apologies to all the fans of the indie-adjacent pop group Boygenius, but the melancholic anthem of the summer belongs to K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty. The harmonies in their lovelorn bubblegum pop song “Cupid” are as sweet as candy, ideal for belting out while cruising with the windows down.

Past champion: “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey (2012)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about summer music

More about summer music

• The Anatomy of the Song of the Summer
• How Are Songs of the Summer Predicted?
• The Unpredictability of the Song of the Summer
• Popular Songs of the Summer Throughout History
• Music Industry Trends and Forecasts
• The Impact of Streaming on Music Consumption