Summer may be behind us, and while no single track claimed the title of ‘song of the summer,’ these artists kept our playlists buzzing from start to finish. Here are the top 10 hits that defined Summer 2025:
1. Justin Bieber — Yukon
A pop/R&B-leaning love song from his album Swag, “Yukon” features emotional vocals, smooth production, and a personal touch. It blends pitched-up melodies with ad-libs from 2 Chainz and lyrical themes of devotion and family. The track resonates because Bieber weaves his celebrity love life and family — his wife and son — into the story, giving it authenticity and depth.
2. Pluto — Whim Whamiee
An up-tempo rap/club track built around a bouncy, chant-driven hook and vocals from YK Niece, released in 2025 with multiple official visualizers. Its short, replayable structure makes it TikTok-friendly, while strong label support, UMG placement, and remixes (including a Sexyy Red feature) amplified streams and visibility.
3. Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller — It Depends
Released July 25, 2025, this contemporary R&B track glides on a smooth groove, romantic lyrics, and a nostalgic sample from Usher’s “Nice & Slow.” Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller’s chemistry fuels fan excitement, and the track quickly climbed R&B charts following its debut.
4. Lil Tecca — Owa Owa
A melodic trap/hip-hop track that runs short and sharp, “Owa Owa” pairs catchy hooks with a sample of “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. Its popularity stems from the familiar sample, its replay-friendly length, Tecca’s loyal fanbase, and strong traction across playlists and social media.
5. Mariah the Scientist — Burning Blue
A moody, contemporary R&B single with vulnerable lyrics and lush production, “Burning Blue” served as the lead track from Mariah’s 2025 project. Emotional storytelling and high-profile endorsements—even a Rihanna mention—helped it break out from niche R&B circles into mainstream playlists, radio, and Billboard recognition.
6. Kehlani — Folded
Released June 11, 2025, “Folded” showcases lush production—strings, guitar loops, and gentle drums—layered under Kehlani’s emotive vocals. The lyrics explore longing, regret, and the desire for reconnection, symbolized by an ex’s clothes being “folded” rather than discarded. Viral traction on TikTok amplified its reach, while heartfelt themes made it widely relatable.
7. Metro Boomin — Take Me Thru Dere
A trap-leaning, cinematic single from Metro’s 2025 project, “A Futuristic Summa (Hosted by DJ Spinz)” combines atmospheric production with high-profile guest features. Metro’s brand ensures playlist placement and radio play, while the glossy production and memorable verses give it staying power in both rap playlists and club rotations.
8. Playboi Carti — Fine Shyt
A short, visceral cut from Carti’s 2025 releases, “Fine Shyt” rides a hypnotic loop and his signature ad-lib-heavy delivery. Carti’s cult-like fanbase transforms even album deep cuts into cultural events, and the track’s raw production and chant-style hooks make it perfect for viral short-form clips and hype playlists.
9. Zeddy Will — Can’t Go Broke Remix
A high-energy street anthem that surged in 2025 through remixes and multiple performance visuals. TikTok dance and remix trends, along with a viral college-producer rework, propelled the track into heavy streaming rotation and boosted its chart performance.
10. BankRoll NI — I’m So ATL
A regional rap anthem celebrating Atlanta pride and flex-driven swagger, paired with a Don Wong–directed video that racked up millions of views. Its local authenticity and city pride resonated with listeners, while cinematic visuals, playlist placement, and shareable short clips fueled its viral momentum.