What Will the Songs of the Summer Be in 2025? Here Are Our Top Predictions

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In summer last year, you enjoyed songs like Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. Of course, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was also a popular choice. As Summer comes around again, which songs and artists will compete for the unofficial “Song of the Summer” in 2025? In our opinion, in no specific order, these will be right up there on the songs of the summer list this year.

1. “Headphones On” — Addison Rae

“Headphones On” has all the makings of a true summer classic. It even sounds like summer —  the dulcet instrumentation seamlessly gelling with Addison’s calm, light lyrics to give you that feeling of cruising along the shorefront without a care in the world — wearing your earbuds. Don’t be surprised if Addison Rae’s Hot 100 hit gets even more airplay as the sunshine takes over.

2. “Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter

She had some of last summer’s top songs off her feel-good album “Short n’ Sweet.” Now Sabrina Carpenter is back again as the season heats up in 2025. What’s better than taking the mickey out of your male partner in a playful, tongue-in-cheek way? In “Manchild,” Sabrina sings about how immature men can be sometimes. Her airy vocals in this blend of synth-pop and country styles give it a catchy summer feel.

3. “NOKIA” — Drake

Was “NOKIA” released too early to qualify as the song of the summer? Somehow, you’d think Drake, a perennial summer song favorite, timed it right to still be on everyone’s lips as summer arrives. It’s almost a call to action with its “Who’s calling my phone?” line — like it’s invite time for a hot night at a summer party!

4. “Can We Talk About Isaac?” — Rachel Chinouriri

London-born Rachel Chinouriri has found the winning summer formula with “Can We Talk About Isaac?” It commands a place on your summer playlist with its uptempo, light pop beat and Rachel’s perfectly crafted lyrics. You’ll put on this track and sing into your hairbrush as you dress and apply makeup for a summer club excursion. It really is that well-suited for getting into the thrill of the warm season.

5. “Sue Me” — Audrey Hobart

Who is Audrey Hobart? You clearly haven’t heard “Sue Me,” if you’re asking that question. Best known before her debut single as Gracie Adams’ bestie and the co-writer of many tracks on her 2024 “The Secret of Us” album. This song is girly pop at its very best, and will likely fly with exposure this summer.

6. “Boots on the Ground (Where Them Fans At?)” — 803Fresh

There’s something familiar about “Boots,” isn’t there? 803Fresh’s delivery is chilled and catchy enough to get your feet, or boots, moving. It’s not familiar enough to lose its vibey, new-release feeling, and get you moving to its summer feel.

7. “End of the World” — Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is another summer song veteran, and with “End of the World,” she’s produced another warm-weather winner. Miley’s gone somewhat retro this time, with the melody and instrumentation reviving memories of ABBA in their heyday. “End of the World” is up-tempo and its catchy Europop-style sing-alongability will carry you, dancing, into summer.

8. “Sorry I’m Here for Somebody Else” — Benson Boone

Benson Boone gets a bad rap in many circles, but his latest offering differs from his previous hits. “Sorry I’m Here for Somebody Else” is a catchy pop song that combines a drum loop and infectious synths. It screams a new direction for Boone that should earn him many new fans over the coming summer.

9. “Leave Me Alone” — Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp has seamlessly moved from stage to screen and now into the upper echelons of the music game with one of her most recognizable songs, “Leave Me Alone.” The “Mean Girls” actress has found a summer winner with this track, raunching its lyrics in a way that’ll appeal to many vacation party animals this year. She’s sexy and she sings it.

10. “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” — Role Model

Los Angeles-based Tucker Pillsbury, known professionally as Role Model, encapsulates the summer sound and feeling with his country-inspired folk-pop release “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” The song captures feelings of love, loss and new seasons — so apt as summer begins. With a catchy beat and harmonic chorus, don’t be surprised if “Sally” is one of 2025’s favorite summer songs.

11. “Is It” — Tyla

Let’s face it, Tyla’s got it all — her sultry summer looks combine with an R&B-based sound with pop, afrobeat and amapiano elements. The young South African-born artist’s latest offering, “Is It,” promotes a feeling that’ll ease you straight into the summer swing. It’s cool and rhythmic, with Tyla’s vocals shifting effortlessly between flirtatiousness and a party-ready sound.

12. “Flash” – 2hollis

If you’re looking for an electro-anthem to keep you dancing on a late summer night, “Flash” from 21-year-old rapper 2hollis might be your go-to track as the weather warms up. It’s sexy and its hypnotic beats will leave you grasping for more, well after its 2-minute 45-second duration.

13. “Ribs” — Lorde

It might start slowly, but “Ribs” is just like your cabriolet as it pulls out of your driveway and heads for the beach — it gets faster, with Lorde’s energy building momentum as the song goes on. “Ribs” has a true summer feeling and vibe — think sipping strawberry daiquiris in a beachside bar — which will enthrall you the longer it plays.

Summer Sun and Songs Make the Season

Hot weather and cool sounds epitomize the summer season. Add a few cocktails and great company, and you’re really onto something great. May the songs of the summer in 2025 be only one part of celebrating this spectacular, much-awaited season this year!