Is there a summer anthem this year?
The concept of having an unofficial “song of the summer” annually has been around for quite some time. This notion serves as a way to reminisce about particular years, linking memories to hit songs. While there’s no official accolade associated with being the song of the summer, having a song remembered for an entire year is quite impactful. It also sets the stage for future nostalgia, aiming for tunes that evoke joy, sentimentality, or an infectious beat.
Every week, we take a dive into the intricacies of the latest Billboard charts to unpack key highlights. However, let’s broaden our scope to ask a big question this August 2025: Is there a standout “song of the summer” this year? With Billboard only introducing a Songs of the Summer chart in 2010, it has become easier to track the defining tracks as the weather heats up. In 2024, for instance, it was country tunes that took precedence over pop and hip-hop hits. Fast forward to this year, and while there are recognizable names and fresh faces on the charts, the standout summer anthem is noticeably absent.
At the very top of the Songs of the Summer chart sits Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” an anthemic blend of pop choruses and inspirational lyrics dominating the Hot 100 for nearly two and a half months. Despite its chart-topping status, “Ordinary” lacks the carefree vibe typical of a summer hit. It may play by the numbers, but it doesn’t capture the essence of a classic summer jam like the energetic “Espresso.” As we navigate the top tier of the chart, Morgan Wallen’s three hits from the same album cling to the upper spots. While Wallen has a history of summer anthems, “What I Want” feels lacking in excitement compared to his past chart-toppers.
Further down the list, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Chappell Roan’s tracks have surprisingly long runs on the charts, hinting at the stagnation of this summer’s music landscape. With data-driven algorithms propelling songs to extended chart dominance, hits seem to linger, lacking freshness. Moreover, noticeable absences from some major artists leave voids in the summer hit arena. Whether due to delayed album releases or underwhelming chart performances, the current summer feels unusually subdued in terms of music buzz.
While Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart attempts to encapsulate the season’s hits, its approach may inadvertently sideline late-blooming contenders. This lack of flexibility disregards potential breakout tracks that could still capture the essence of the summer. As we navigate through the summer music scene’s ebbs and flows, the absence of a standout anthem remains palpable, signaling a unique and subdued summer in the realm of hit music.