Song of The Summer Predictions
Olivia Rodrigo, the time is NOW.
June 21st marks the official first day of summer, so we’re here to predict what songs will take over and rule the charts until Labor Day.
If we look at the data of years past, the official song of the summer crowned by the Billboard Chart tells us a different story from what maybe really FELT like the pinnacle summer song. Last year, Super Freaky Girl by Nicki Minaj was everywhere, but it wasn’t released until August 12th. I could have sworn we had that song all summer long.
It’s more likely that the song of the summer has already been released if we look at the release dates of the previous chart-toppers:
2022: “As It Was” — Harry Styles, Released April 1st
2021: "Good 4 U" — Olivia Rodrigo, Released May 14th
2020: "Rockstar" — DaBaby feat. Roddy Ricch, Released April 17th
2019: "Old Town Road" — Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, Released April 19th
2018: “In My Feelings” - Drake, Released July 10th
That said, let's make some predictions on what might end up being crowned Billboard’s 2023 Song of The Summer. Check out our picks and listen to the playlist below.
Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire
Olivia Rodrigo’s lead single, Vampire, from her upcoming sophomore album, is likely due to smash on arrival on June 30th. It would be unbelievable if it didn’t. It will most certainly debut at #1, but whether it will have staying power is an entirely different story.
Rema & Selena Gomez - Calm Down
Although initially released in February 2022 and assisted with a remix from Gomez in August 2022, this song has slowly been rising on the Billboard charts, reaching a new peak of #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 12. The vibey, Afrobeat hit has already accumulated 800 million streams on Spotify of the remix. Could it have a continuous slow burn at the top of the charts and end up crowned song of the summer?
Luke Combs - Fast Car
This Tracy Chapman cover has been steadily climbing the charts since Combs's latest LP release on March 24th. A country take on this American classic sounds surprisingly fresh. Other than Morgan Wallen, Combs is the most consistent country hit-maker of recent years and it would be no surprise if this ended up sticking around the rest of the summer.
Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer
There is no doubt in my mind that if Taylor Swift wants Cruel Summer to be our anthem this summer, she’ll make it happen. Without lifting a finger, the album track has risen to #3 on the USA Daily Spotify Chart. Her label has officially made it a single, and with rumors of a music video, Lover (deluxe [from the vault]) edition, and the inevitable remix EP, it seems like an obvious option for her & her team. However, could the Karma Ice-Spice remix and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) release halt this one from hitting its apex? With new releases and content coming from 3-different albums all at once, Taylor is very much in her eras, era.
Doechii - What It Is (Block Boy)
Doechii delivered. A fun, summery pop/hip-hop track with an absolute earworm of a chorus. This track has begun to reach viral status on TikTok and just needs some label investment and radio play to help it get crowned song of the summer.
The Weeknd, Madonna, & Playboi Carti - Popular
Fresh off The Idol TV series (which I think we can all should avoid), I think we can still tune in from this star-studded collaboration for the troubled-popstar show soundtrack. Madonna sounds really good on this, and the early 00’s Pharrell + Justin Timberlake beat makes this track stand out among everything else this summer.
Travis Scott - Lead Single from UTOPIA
It would be unwise to not at least mention Travis Scott in this conversation. As fans are prepared to receive his 4th studio album in late June / early July, it’s certain that the album will make waves. Travis is not a stranger to the top spot on the Billboard Charts either, having 4 #1 singles. The only problem is none of these songs lasted very long, all of them spending a week only at the top spot. Whatever Cactus Jack has lined up for the lead single, I’m curious to see if it will have longevity.
boygenius - Not Strong Enough
Maybe this pick is a result of Carson and I’s praise for this boygenius album (full review here), but I’d be thrilled to see Not Strong Enough get the recognition it deserves. With the increased attention the band is getting from the tour, it’s not super-unlikely they could draw the attention of a mass audience. I personally can’t scroll through TikTok without seeing them on my feed.
Honorable Mentions:
Dance The Night - Dua Lipa
TBA Track - TBA Artist (Barbie: The Album)
Summer Baby - Jonas Brothers
Attention - Doja Cat
4EVA (feat. Pharrell Williams) - KAYTRAMINÉ
Playlist is linked below, Happy summertime!
What do you think? What’s missing? Leave a comment & let us know!
Billboard got it wrong. Pretty sure the song of the summer has been Party Rock Anthem for the last 50 years or so.