Every summer has its own unique sound, whether it’s the bumping bass of EDM or the slow notes of a love song. Last summer launched us into BRAT summer, and was highlighted by tracks like Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” and Hozier’s “Too Sweet.” These songs will forever remind us of those fleeting moments of summer 2024. As this summer winds to an end, many are asking, what was summer 2025’s sound?
Summer-defining songs of the past have a similar sound and vibe. Billboard’s list of summer songs that stretches back to 1958 contains some of the most popular songs of each summer. Every year since then, there’s been a song with a light upbeat and catchy sound that captures summer’s vibes. From Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” in 2024 to Prince’s “Raspberry Beret” in 1985 and Bobby Vinton’s “Roses Are Red” in 1962, these songs explore similar themes and feelings. While some of the hits of this year have broken the charts, they don’t contain the upbeat sound that’s highlighted in these songs. Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” is one of 2025’s biggest hits. The soft instrument that starts the song, coupled with the lyrics, sets the stage for a more emotional and dramatic listen, the opposite of the upbeat sound and catchy lyrics you’d think of for a summer song.
Although some of the earlier hits in the year haven’t had the sound summer 2025 seems to be looking for, other music has started to emerge as the summer continues. After the release of the animated film, Kpop Demon Hunters, multiple tracks from the soundtrack skyrocketed on the charts. The songs from the movie, including “Golden”, a feel-good song about accepting yourself from the movie’s fictional girl group HUNTR/X. And “Soda Pop” from the movie’s fictional boy band, the Saja Boys, is a fun and upbeat song with a catchy dance. With the music standing on the charts, they might become some of summer’s most popular songs.
Despite the lull in summer 2025’s sound, because of different sounds in hit songs this year, new music like the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack has risen in popularity over the summer; it could give summer 2025 a new sound. What music defined the summer for you?
