Song of the Summer

“vampire” - Olivia Rodrigo

When it comes to picking the ultimate summer jam, Olivia Rodrigo's "vampire" is where it's at, hands down. This track is the total package and has everyone singing and relating.

First off, "vampire" is basically a storytelling song wrapped up in a catchy beat. Olivia Rodrigo manages to spill the tea on a toxic romance like no one else. She uses vampire references to dish out the details on a partner who's just sucking the life out of her... hence why it's called vampire. The reason why people are loving this song is because it is relatable to many people.

The music itself is next level. It's like she's pouring her emotions right into your ears. Plus, Olivia Rodrigo's vocals are amazing. She flips between vulnerability and strength in the same verse, and it hits hard. It's like she's singing about your own love struggles, right? It's relatable to anyone who has ever felt heartbreak.

The real deal with "vampire" is how it connects with people. Rodrigo has this magical way of taking your feelings and putting them into words. Whether you're dealing with a past fling or in the middle of a messy love situation, "vampire" speaks your language.

So if you're looking for the ultimate summer anthem, "vampire" by Olivia Rodrigo is your go-to. It's got the feels, the vibes and the attitude to make your summer unforgettable. Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this summer sensation. – Alexa Spilotras

“Bodies” by Dominic Fike

There is something about this song that makes listeners want to play it 20 times consecutively, volume all the way up. Since Dominic Fike’s release of his album “Sunburn,” fans have been getting to know the tracks well. “Bodies” stands out the most, because it contains the elements of a perfect, unforgettable summer song.

Its upbeat instrumentals accompany catchy lyrics, elevating it above songs released by other artists this summer. Fike knows thought-provoking lyricism well, so it is no surprise this is a song to blast while screaming every word.

Fike never disappoints when it comes to new releases, and “Bodies” contains the exact vibe people were looking for in the song of the summer. – Cassie Baylis

Flatland Cavalry - “Last American Summer”

This year’s song of the summer depicts a moment so vivid that the listener can find themselves in a time and place of the past. “Last American Summer” was a single released at the end of June by folk-rock/country group Flatland Cavalry.

The group, which formed in 2012, has grown in popularity over the years, recently touring with Luke Combs. “Last American Summer” simply elicits emotions of nostalgia, love found, love lost and youthfulness in general. The lead singer questions his old flame “are the fireworks still burning in your eyes? / still outshining all the stars up in the sky….”

With allusions to the Fourth of July and other patriotic summer gatherings, they reminisce on what went wrong in an upbeat yet melancholy mix of strings and percussion. Mistake or not, people are able to relate to this song in terms of relationships or even summer flings.

“What a mess to get myself into / Here I am: Red, white and blue / falling under / Our last American summer.” The song reiterates the old point that all good things must come to an end.

The song is an instant summer staple with a timeless sound. One that should be added to any summer playlist for any kind of vibe. This is the song of the summer due to its replay value. There’s just something about it that’s almost comforting. – Nick LaRosa

“Foolish One (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” on July 7, 2023 was highly anticipated by every Swiftie out there, and the “From The Vault” songs left many fans speechless.

“Foolish One (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” was no exception to this. Taylor Swift managed to call out all the hopeless romantics out there with this vault track.

Regardless of its cheerful beat, it contains some gut-wrenching and sob-worthy lyrics. Some lines that hit the hardest are “you give me just enough attention to keep my hopes too high” and “don’t know what to call this situation / but I know I can’t call you mine.”

“Foolish One” is a perfect representation of what it’s like to have a crush on someone that feels differently, but continuing to be sanguine and hope for them to reciprocate the feelings.

Taylor Swift might’ve tugged on a couple heartstrings with this song, but she managed to lift spirits and spread some optimism at the very end of the song with the line “foolish one / the day is gonna come for your confessions of love.”

Between the lyrics and the musicality, everything about this song exudes a feeling of nostalgia, making it a great song for the summer.

“Foolish One (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” is a stand out track from “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and is definitely a song that many Swifties had on repeat all summer long. – Sarah Gavlak

Alexa Spilotras is a fourth-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email ams10012@psu.edu.

Cassie Baylis is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her ceb6085@psu.edu.

Nick LaRosa is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email njl5547@psu.edu

Sarah Gavlak is a second-year student majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, please email sng5393@psu.edu.