Music pairs perfectly with the sunshine and great times that summer brings. Those unforgettable songs become the playlist summer memories are set to – becoming part of each year’s “Songs of the Summer.”
The “Song of the Summer” is an actual ranking on Billboard, too, where songs make their way onto the list through specific data points such as radio airplay, sales and streaming. As of June 29th, Billboard switched up its algorithm a bit for scoring the songs. They now give more weight to songs from paid streaming services versus free streaming services. This may influence the types of songs that top the charts.
While there will undoubtedly be new jams to come out between now and the start of autumn, the following is the FanLabel staff’s stab at predicting which current big tracks are likely to hit the Songs of the Summer list on Billboard. Be sure to look out for these hits in FanLabel contests all summer long!
In no specific order, the songs we’re watching (and listening to) are:
“One Kiss,” Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
“One Kiss” will be a staple on summer playlists and radio airwaves all season long. The track pairs one of EDM’s hottest hit-makers in Calvin Harris with pop superstar, Dua Lipa. His blissful beats coupled with her distinctive voice is a match made in music heaven. The catchy chorus, smooth rhythm and infectious energy of the track makes it an easy choice as a potential song of the summer.
“I Like It,” Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin
Nobody transcended the music scene in 2017 quite like Cardi B, whose music ascended to the top of the Billboard charts. She brought the same success with her into 2018, and her latest hit, “I Like It,” could very well be the summer jam of 2018. Cardi collaborated with J Balvin and Bad Bunny to celebrate her Latin roots and bring a fun flair to the track. The song samples Tito Nieves’ 1997 song, “I Like It Like That,” and already has more than 134 million views on YouTube.
“Nice For What,” Drake
Basically, anything Drake touches turns into gold, and it didn’t take long for “Nice For What” to reach No. 1 on several different Billboard charts, including the Hot 100 (where it still stands). It has been out for a couple of months now, but the upbeat and energetic track allows it to remain at the top of the charts. Drake’s smooth flow and clear delivery makes it easy to get stuck in your head.
Bonus: While Drake’s “I’m Upset,” may not qualify as a “song of the summer” because of its bitter tone, the music video is so much fun. Drake tapped into his “Degrassi” routes and brought in his former castmates from the hit show. Check it out. Really, take your pick of any of the “Scorpion” tracks.
“No Tears Left To Cry,” Ariana Grande
While “No Tears Left To Cry” isn’t as joyous as the other tracks listed, as it is more about getting over somebody and moving on, it is still a lot fun! The recently engaged Ariana Grande starts with a slower, more somber tone in the beginning, but then picks up the pace as the music becomes more upbeat. This song is definitely a banger that you will hear plenty of times throughout the summer.
“Lose It,” Kane Brown
Our first country music entry is the newest song on the list, with Kane Brown’s newly-released song, “Lose It.” Brown has enjoyed a lot of success recently with tracks like “Heaven” and “What Ifs,” and this is a perfect follow-up. You will already find this song on Apple Music’s “Songs of Summer” country music playlist. The song has a heavy fiddle and banjo sound, but also has more of that pop-country or alt-country feel we’ve grown to love from Brown. This song is a must for your summer playlist.
“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset,” Luke Bryan
We can’t talk about songs of the summer without mentioning multiple country songs. Luke Bryan’s latest, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” is all about summertime feels, if you haven’t drawn that from the title. Bryan is the king of spring break/summer partying tracks, and he continues that theme here. He delivers a nostalgic, romantic track filled with relatable summer memories. If there was ever a track meant for summer 2018, this is it.
“Back To You,” Selena Gomez
This song is from the “13 Reasons Why: Season 2” soundtrack, and Gomez is an executive producer for the hit Netflix series. Going along with the show’s theme, the song delves into lingering heartbreak and still wanting to be with that person who has moved on. “Back To You” has a great balance of both simplicity and deeper meaning that really connects with people, and evokes emotion, which makes it a candidate for the “Song of the Summer.”
“Psycho,” Post Malone feat. Ty Dolla $ign
Post Malone is hot right now, and honestly his newer tracks, “Ball For Me” (feat. Nicki Minaj) and “Better Now” could very well earn the “Song of the Summer” moniker by the end of the season, as well. But as of press time, “Psycho” reigns supreme. It is currently No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Top 40 chart, No. 5 on the Hip-Hop Top 40 chart, No. 6 on the Billboard Top 100 and has more than 250 million views on YouTube. This song will be prevalent on the radio and streaming services all summer.
Other “Song of the Summer” candidates include:
- “Girls Like You,” Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
- “High Horse” by Kacey Musgraves
- “Powerglide” by Rae Sremmurd feat. Juicy J
- “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey
- “Summer Fever” by Little Big Town
- “Tequila” by Dan + Shay
- “This Is America” Childish Gambino
- “Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai
