What will be the song of the summer? Here are some predictions

NEW YORK (AP) — Since the beginning of time, or at least of pop music, few have earned the title of “song of the summer.”

These are catchy tunes that get stuck in your brain, transcend genre preferences and make listeners realize: a hit is a hit. With so much variety, however, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to crown a single song of the summer. That’s why the Associated Press offers predictions for 2024 in all categories – using previous winners as a reference.

Find your summer song and then listen to our Spotify playlist here.

Song of the summer for caffeine addicts: “Espresso”, Sabrina Carpenter

We’re a few decades removed from the Y2K era of offbeat pop songs with nonsensical lyrics and cheery production. But nobody told Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit “Espresso” is a pick-me-up that’s equal parts clever and completely frivolous. “Espresso” is a one-woman argument for the survival of disco-inspired radio pop.

Previous winner: “Wide Awake”, Katy Perry (2012)

Country crossover song of the summer: “I Had Some Help”, Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallace

Even before its release, it seemed likely that Post Malone’s collaboration with Morgan Wallen would result in a number one album. “I Had Some Help” was the beginning of Post Malone’s foray into country music and – with a little help from the biggest name in contemporary country music – it was an instant success. The honky-tonk hook, Malone’s autotune vibrato or the sing-along chorus are undeniable.

Previous champion: “You’re Still the One”, Shania Twain (1998)

Diss song of the summer: “Not Like Us”, Kendrick Lamar

Drake and Kendrick Lamar reignited a once-dormant feud earlier this year, releasing one diss track after another. None of them were as successful as Lamar’s fierce “Not Like Us,” which became Lamar’s fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The message – pure West Coast fire in an us-versus-them anthem – really works.

Previous champion: “Obsessed”, Mariah Carey (2009)

Viral hit of the summer: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, Shaboozey

In an ideal world, every country station would play Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” once an hour. Until then, its virality on social media will have to do the trick. With its inspired interpolation of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy,” the song has all the makings of a modern classic, with an easy-to-follow narrative that sees a hard-working protagonist ease his sorrows on a barstool.

Previous champion: “Trap Queen”, Fetty Wap (2015)

Song of the summer for the longing: “Lunch”, Billie Eilish

“Lunch,” from Billie Eilish’s new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, is a PG-13 ode to same-sex infatuation. The unique artist has come a long way since the macabre humor, offbeat beats, and Invisalign-slurping that made her a star. Instead, “Lunch” is a delicious, lesbian anthem.

Previous champion: “Nineteen”, Tegan and Sara (2007)

Club song of the summer: “Get It Sexyy”, Sexyy Red

It’s in the title. Sexyy Red has taken over with her distinctive flow and her not-so-workplace-friendly, quotable beats. “Get It Sexyy” is a theme song for her dominance and a confident mantra for anyone looking to conquer the dance floor.

Previous champion: “Lose Control”, Missy Elliott feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop (2005)

Song for singles who want to go out and meet people this summer: “Bellakeo”, Peso Pluma feat. Anitta

Take one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, Peso Pluma, and throw in one of Brazil’s biggest pop-funk stars, Anitta, and I have a sweaty reggaeton banger. “Bellakeo” is a song for both the club and the corner shop, dripping with flirtatiousness.

Previous champion: “Where the Party At”, Jagged Edge and Nelly (2001)

Song of the summer by your favorite artist’s favorite artist: “Good Luck, Babe!”, Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan has long had a knack for candor in her theatrical, cheeky songwriting, enhanced by sometimes yodeling vocals. But it’s only recently that she’s started to gain mainstream attention for her rich, big-hearted queer love anthems. “Good Luck, Babe!” is a kiss-and-a-half love song—perfect for screaming along to while driving down an empty street in Roan’s native Midwest or getting ready for drag club with the girls.

Previous champion: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”, Stevie Wonder (1970)

Song of the summer for people who are seriously considering buying a harmonica: “Pink Skies”, Zach Bryan

Every song on the summer slate needs a real tear-jerker. The first few seconds of Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies” will have you reaching for the tissues with the acoustic guitar, harmonica and croaking narration. “The kids are in town for a funeral,” he sings. “So pack the car and dry your eyes.” He’s an expert at writing a novel in a few words, a song so good it hits the charts without traditional backing.

Previous champion: “Run-Around”, Blues Traveler (1995)

Song of the summer that has the same title as a movie: “Million Dollar Baby”, Tommy Richman

“Million Dollar Baby” seems to have come out of nowhere — like so many TikTok hits — but its continued staying power since April is remarkable. Plus, it shares the same title as a very famous movie, and that’s always fun.

Previous champion: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, Deep Blue Something (1995)

Song of the summer that inexplicably came out in January: “Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone

If Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies” is too rough for you, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” is a brilliant alternative. His gentle pop rock is not edgy, but full of love.

Previous winners: “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2”, PinkPantheress, Ice Spice (2023)

The Swifties’ song of the summer: “Fortnight,” Taylor Swift and Post Malone

Every summer, Taylor Swift’s fans choose their own song. This time it has to be “Fortnight” by “The Tortured Poets Department.” “I love you / It’s ruining my life” belongs in the pantheon of Swiftisms that would make a great AOL out-of-office message (RIP).

Previous champion: “Karma”, Taylor Swift (2023)

Song of the summer that revolutionizes the genre: “Texas Hold ‘Em”, Beyoncé

Beyoncé released Act ll: Cowboy Carter with the statement, “This is not a country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.” But she definitely incorporated the genre into her album and rediscovered country music as a black woman. The first taste came in the form of “Texas Hold ‘Em” – ideal for listening whether you’re heading to the beach or the rodeo.

Previous champion: “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, Tina Turner (1984)

The post-ironic, TikTok-heavy, too online-based microhit of the summer: “The Spark”, Kabin Crew & Lisdoonvarna Crew

There’s always a song that’s half joke, half hit. Enter ‘The Spark’, an Irish collaboration by some remarkably talented kids from Cork and Lisdoonvarna, written for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day celebrating children’s creativity. These kids have produced a powerful electro club banger for all ages.

Previous winners: “The Margarita Song”, That Chick Angel, Casa Di & Steve Terrell (2023)

Song of the summer for Swedish pop lovers: “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”, Ariana Grande

Of all the songs on Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” is the epitome of Europop. It explodes into a string crescendo, electronic sounds blending effortlessly with organic ones, and lyrically emphasizes a relationship in crisis. It’s a beautiful and devastating listen in the tradition of another queen of sad summer hits, Robyn.

Previous champion: “Call Your Girlfriend”, Robyn (2010)

Song of the summer for It-Girls: “360”, Charli XCX

Charli XCX’s latest album, Brat, veers between hedonism and angst. “360” is a hot girl club classic that falls firmly into the former category – full of sexy showmanship and futuristic production.

Previous winner: “Stars Are Blind”, Paris Hilton (2006)