As the sweltering days of summer end and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to decide the songs of the summer. From sun-soaked anthems to introspective ballads, this year’s songs captured the carefree, adventurous and at times reflective mood of the season. These five tracks highlight the vibrancy and laid-back moments that defined summer 2024.
“Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
Aside from possibly Chappell Roan, one could argue that Sabrina Carpenter had the biggest summer this year. With her new album Short ‘n’ Sweet, Carpenter delivered a couple of potential songs of the summer including “Please Please Please” and “Taste.” Ultimately, though, it’s “Espresso” that provided the caffeinated energy needed for a true song of the summer. The song features a dreamy sound, mixing synth with a funky drum beat to produce a dynamic rhythm. As soon as the song starts, it feels like I should be sipping iced tea on the beach. This single marks a surprisingly mature transition from the songs from her last album, emails i can’t send.
“Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan
This summer was basically Chappell Roan’s to lose. Fresh off her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan released her biggest hit so far with “Good Luck, Babe!” With a blend of retro and modern pop, Roan dives into a poignant story of heartbreak and overcoming a breakup. But what really sets the song apart is Roan’s storytelling. She opens with the line: “It’s fine, it’s cool / You can say that we are nothing, but you know the truth” and concludes with, “And when you think about me, all of those years ago / You’re standing face to face with ‘I told you so.’” The singer may claim she’s a “fool” in this song, but she was no fool when writing this smash hit!
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s single “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” is a masterclass in atmospheric pop that cements her place as a genre-defying innovator. The first lyrics, “I want you to stay / Til I’m in the grave / Til I rot away, dead and buried,” set a dark romantic tone that permeates the song. The creative lyrics blend with a wispy drum beat that perfectly complements Eilish’s toned-down vocals. The minimalist production evokes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, which is exactly what a song of the summer should evoke.
“Close to You” – Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams gained considerable fame while touring on the Eras Tour this summer alongside Taylor Swift. However, her new album, The Secret of Us, proves she can stand independently. From this album, “Close to You” is the essence of a song of the summer, even if it didn’t have the same fame as others on this list. With its pop synth and perfectly balanced vocals, “Close to You” echoes the qualities of other summer hits, especially “Espresso.” The chorus, “Pull the trigger on the gun / I gave you when we met / I wanna be close to you,” encapsulates the emotional depth of the song. The song captures the joyful essence of summer.
“we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Ariana Grande
While Grande has not confirmed who this song is written about, it’s widely speculated to be about Ethan Slater ’10, a GDS alum. Their relationship garnered significant media attention, and several tracks from her latest album Eternal Sunshine appear to address the public scrutiny surrounding them. In “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” Grande captures the tension between moving on from past relationships and embracing new love. The song is upbeat, despite the drama, and reflects her journey of finding happiness amidst controversy. It’s the perfect track for speeding down a highway, belting out lyrics — a true summer anthem.