What will be the 2025 Song of the Summer?

“Sports Car” by Tate McRae

I think you know what this is; it’s the song of the summer.

Tate McRae has been climbing charts for the past few years, and she outdid herself on “Sports Car,” one of the singles off her latest album, “So Close To What.”

“Sports Car” puts the listener in the mood to drive on I-80 at night (if they can make it past the sinkholes) and head into New York City for a night out.

What stands out about the song is the catchy breathing melodies in the chorus, making it sound different than anything else McRae has done.

The mix between hip-hop and pop and her aesthetic puts McRae in a league of her own when it comes to becoming the next “it-girl” pop-star. “So Close To What” is a hit, partially thanks to the success of “Sports Car,” “It’s Ok I’m Ok” and “2 hands” had as singles.

Adrianna Gallucci is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.

“Luther” - Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA

After Kendrick Lamar’s legendary Super Bowl halftime performance, his song featuring R&B singer SZA titled “Luther,” has become increasingly popular and gone viral on social media.

Though it might be early to call, the track has the possibility to earn the song of the summer title for its catchy rhythm and laid-back yet vibrant energy.

Lamar’s writing skills and vocal flow move in union with the beat, maintaining an effortless delivery. In combination with SZA’s ethereal singing voice, the track creates a dreamlike sound that feels both intimate and expansive.

The two artists also use call and response to highlight the heartfelt nature of the song. Lamar touches on themes of protection and empowerment of one’s partner, while SZA’s vocals echo vulnerability and trust, forming a dynamic conversation between the two.

Another notable aspect is the instrumentation, with a beautiful string section that elevates the music to a whole other level.

“Luther” showcases a powerful collaboration with flawless lyrics and production, making it a big contender for song of the summer. - Allison Curley

Allison Curley is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email amc9204@psu.edu.

“Crashing” by D4vd and Kali Uchis

Spring has officially kicked off the preset of summer, which is the perfect season for good vibes and amusing soundtracks. It is time to open up the music app and add the song “Crashing” by D4vd & Kali Uchis to any summer playlist to catch the breezy and vibrant mood everybody is looking for this time of year.

The new diverse lo-fi artist, D4vd, is known for his former singles, such as “Romantic Homicide” and “Here with Me”, which gained much attention in past summers via social media. The singer is releasing his debut album, “WITHERED”, in April, and time will tell whether he can leave a mark on another summer with hits to remember. Known for playing with a mix of R&B and alternative pop, this album may be perfectly set in stone to make a breakthrough.

The new track, “Crashing”, is part of a few pre-released songs from the album and seems like it has an early start at a summer takeover. The laid-back tone of the song perfectly coincides with the serene vocals between D4vd and Uchis. Listening to this piece will bring you peaceful and hypnotic vibes and evoke the feeling of watching a sunset on a summer evening. The song also evokes a sense of nostalgia in the same way that many Mac DeMarco songs do.

This song will be perfect to listen to while tanning by the water, making a bonfire with friends, taking morning runs, or simply taking one's mind away from the world for three minutes. What is now a dreamy soundscape will withhold emotionally deep storytelling of a free-spirited, euphoric summer. - Jessica Goldstein

Jessica Goldstein is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email jng5536@psu.edu.

“The Giver” - Chappell Roan

“The Giver” is Chappell Roan’s newest single and is definitely an early contender for being the song of the summer.

The track has a more country music-inspired sound to it that is perfect for the girls who grew up in the middle of nowhere with their dad’s favorite country songs playing on repeat.

Its beat is addicting and its lyrics are more than memorable, making it a song that should be popular all year long. It has that timeless aura that music fans look for in every single.

Fans are patiently waiting for Chappell to release her next album, so if she doesn’t release any other singles anytime soon, “The Giver” will continue to hold everyone over.

“The Giver” is such a perfect feel-good song, so it will surely be a staple in our upcoming summer playlists. -Sarah Gavlak

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

“Dark Thoughts” - Lil Tecca

To accurately predict the Song of the Summer, we have to know some examples and then define what “Song of the Summer” truly means.

Last summer, one of the most recognized songs was “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. With memorable lyrics and a catchy tune, it was known by virtually everyone as one of the best of the summer.

Is the song of the summer one that you associate with things you did or are going to do during the summer? Was the song released in the summer? Did it get popular during the summer?

For me, it’s when a song sounds like summer. That is exactly how I feel with “Dark Thoughts” by Lil Tecca. If you haven’t listened to it yet, let me paint you a picture.

Imagine this - driving 25 on a semi-crowded road to the beach, windows down, everyone talking and laughing while the song is playing at max volume.

While the lyrics describe some dark thoughts you might have, the music behind them is too perfect to ignore. The four-count opening makes it feel like a Pharrell Williams song. The loop then plays four times, which transports you to your favorite summer activity. - Jack Harrison

Jack Harrison is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkh6603@psu.edu.

“Somebody Loves Me”- PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake

PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake, the collaboration that never fails. Although they dropped the project “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” for Valentine's Day, they easily made multiple bangers that will be on replay this summer at every function, party and club. One thing Drake can do is make a hit.

“Somebody Loves Me” has a vibe that puts fans in Miami on a yacht, with the beautiful scenery, wind blowing through your hair, good vibes and people. This song has a little lover boy energy but still gives a pop outside, and hits the function.

Without a hot girl summer, and the City Girls breaking up, Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR are putting on for the girls. For those who plan on being outside this summer can still resonate with wanting somebody who loves them or somebody to go home to at the end of the night.

PARTYNEXTDOOR said, “We in Miami turning up another notch,” everybody knows how Miami gets down.

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gmm6030@psu.edu.

“Purple Lace Bra” - Tate McRae

Tate McRae just released her new album a little over a month ago, and there are a lot of great songs on there, but “Purple Lace Bra” just has that little extra summer spice in it.

The song has almost an orchestral melody in the back, but is so calm and just as easy to envision listening to while driving to the beach with the wind around and salt in the air.

While listening to it, a lot of fans and listeners have noticed that it embodies the beat and vibe of “Diet Pepsi” by Addison Rae, which took pop lovers by the neck last summer.

On that trail, many do believe that “Purple Lace Bra”, although a less recognized song within the “So Close To What” album, has serious potential to be Song of the Summer but at the very least, it will be a hit classic in some households. - Joy Donald

Joy Donald is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email njd5744@psu.edu.