Now that we’ve entered August—the tail end of the summer season—you’d expect one definitive song to have emerged as the anthem of the summer. Yet despite high-profile releases from the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Drake, and Morgan Wallen, no track has managed to capture that title.
Critics and fans alike are speculating why. And it’s not due to a lack of quality. In fact, the music landscape is richer than ever, with advanced tools, visionary producers, and diverse creative outlets. The real issue? People’s attention is more fragmented than ever.
There are too many platforms for music discovery—ranging from major streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify to indie-friendly platforms like SoundCloud and Audiomack. For Gen Z, TikTok reigns supreme, shaping not just trends but entire listening habits.
To put things in perspective, Kendrick Lamar’s scathing diss track “Not Like Us,” released on May 4th, 2024, swept five awards at the 67th Grammy Awards and became a global cultural moment. It was the undisputed song of the summer, dominating charts and conversation alike. Alongside Lamar, Billie Eilish also stirred the zeitgeist with “Birds of a Feather,” a ballad that many considered a close contender for the same title.
In contrast, 2025 hasn’t seen any record rise to that level of influence.
Drake made a notable attempt with his collaborative album Some Sexy Songs for You, alongside labelmate PartyNextDoor. Tracks like “Nokia” and “Somebody Loves Me” earned fan praise—but their February release date worked against them, as winter isn’t exactly club season. The album was also widely seen as a strategic pivot after Drake’s widely publicized feud with Lamar, making the tone of the release more subdued than expected.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man Child” had better timing. It dropped right at the start of summer and checks all the boxes for a pop hit. But the hype around the visually stunning music video—currently sitting at over 58 million views on YouTube—has arguably overshadowed the song itself. Fans speculate it might win Best Music Video at the Grammys, but few are calling it the song of the summer.
There are still standout projects worth mentioning. Morgan Wallen’s latest release I Am the Problem resonated deeply with country fans. After years of mental health speculation, Justin Bieber made a surprising return with SWAG, which many fans feel recaptures the raw vulnerability of his 2013 album Journals.
The legendary rap duo Clipse—Pusha T and Malice—delivered one of the most lyrically potent albums of the year with Let God Sort Them Out. But its subject matter and gritty tone haven’t exactly aligned with Gen Z’s broader music taste.
Meanwhile, Tyler, the Creator dropped Don’t Tap the Glass by surprise—a project that encourages listeners to dance, be present, and enjoy the moment. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, but despite its success, it lacks a breakout single to drive a summer-defining moment.
What's Causing the Shift?
Tyler may be onto something. Younger audiences are increasingly drawn to music they can dance to—and even more importantly, music that sparks viral reactions.
On TikTok, songs go viral not because of artist push or label money, but because they’re tied to a moment. A perfect example is a U.K. tourism ad by Jet2Holidays that unexpectedly became a viral trend. Meant to promote family vacation rebates, it was reinterpreted into a joke-filled meme fest, spawning remixes and even original dances.
Gen Z is also leaning into nostalgia. Decades-old tracks are finding new life online. Mila J’s 2014 song “Main,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, has resurfaced as a high school anthem celebrating loyalty and unconditional friendship. Another viral hit is “Confidence,” an Afro-Caribbean track from French artist Kim. Originally released in 2009, it found new popularity thanks to a remix by DJ AceMitch, titled “Hood Trap Remix.” The sound has become a TikTok staple, introducing Kim to a whole new generation.
The Bigger Picture
Despite a wealth of great music, the absence of a clear “song of the summer” points to a deeper cultural shift. It’s not just about hits anymore—it’s about meaning, context, and emotional connection. Record labels can no longer throw money at a track and expect it to top charts. Today’s audiences, especially Gen Z, value authenticity over ubiquity. Case in point: Sydney Sweeney has been criticized online for appearing in too many brand partnerships, with TikTokers accusing her of diluting her image by aligning with companies that don’t reflect her values. Music fans take a similar stance. When choosing the songs they champion, they look for connection, story, and soul—not just marketing dollars or chart positions.