What will be the summer hit of 2025? Let’s find out.

The quest for summer’s anthem in 2025 is not as straightforward as one might hope. This enduring tradition, spanning generations, aims to provide a communal soundtrack to our collective memories. Last year, we were graced with contenders that sparked joy, rebellion, or simply catchy tunes. Whether it was in the realms of country, pop, or hip-hop, there was a song that encapsulated the essence of summer. But this year, the situation appears bleak upon surveying the Billboard charts.

By strictly relying on chart data, the supposed song of the summer this year is attributed to Alex Warren with his track “Ordinary.” This uplifting anthem carries the resonance of Coldplay’s stadium rock and the fervor of worship songs, destined to echo at weddings for eternity. Despite “Ordinary” dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for 9 out of the past 10 weeks, it lacks the breezy, feel-good vibe typically associated with summer hits. In contrast, country star Morgan Wallen has been a prominent presence on the charts with multiple songs in the top five, most notably “What I Want” featuring Tate McRae.

However, the most intriguing contenders emerged late in the summer season. Justin Bieber’s “Daisies,” featuring the guitar prowess of newcomer Mk.gee, presents a refreshing take on the pop landscape. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” showcases her powerful vocals, while the soundtrack to “KPop Demon Hunters” is gaining traction on streaming platforms with its infectious energy.

As we venture into our shared cultural memory, any of these burgeoning songs could come to define the soundtrack of our recent months. It would be a welcome change to reminisce about a summer filled with music that deviates from the ordinary and provides a distinctive backdrop to our experiences. In this year of musical stagnancy, these late bloomers might just be the unexpected contenders for the elusive title of 2025’s song of the summer.