We Have Some Nominees For The "Song Of The Summer". Let's Discuss

Billboard - On this day last year, the 2023 song of the summer had already hit No. 1.

Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” which was released in late January 2023 and reached the top of the Hot 100 that March, turned into a juggernaut last summer, spending 16 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 last year and easily capturing the top spot of Billboard’s annual Songs of the Summer chart, which runs each year from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Sometimes, the Song of the Summer race is an actual race, with multiple songs vying to define the summer season – and other times, we get a “Last Night” year, in which the competition is pretty much wrapped up by the time the Fourth of July fireworks are ringing out.

But however the Song of the Summer race plays out, we’ve seen a consistent theme emerge over the years: the singles that dominate beach season are often released when the weather is frigid. Past Songs of the Summer like Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” were all released months before the summer actually started – sometimes even before their dominant calendar year. So, even though it’s only early April, it’s worth perusing the current field of summer-song contenders, because the grand champ could very well have already been released.

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about one of the biggest artists of the year, Shaboozey, our sit down interview with him in Nashville, and his hit "Tipsy", and asked, is it the song of the summer? 

Many are saying "yes." 

Many also responded, "No."

So we're wondering, at a little past the halfway point of summer at this point, who are the front runners?

Here is a breakdown of what I see the field shaping up to look like, and my two cents on each. 

Tommy Richman - "Million Dollar Baby"

It has dominated the charts globally, topping the Spotify Global 50 and holding high positions on the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks. The song's catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and relatable lyrics have resonated with a wide audience, contributing to its immense popularity. 

This kid has the perfect "hook-voice" if that makes sense. Hopefully he starts getting tapped for more features on hooks on rap and r&b stuff.

Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso 

"I work late, cuz I'm a singer"… with lyrics like that, it's no surprise this song is a smash. This upbeat, catchy song has been praised for its clever lyrics and disco-inspired sound. And Sabrina is a babe so that doesn't hurt either. 

(sidebar - this girl is a little freak)

Chappell Roan - "Good Luck Babe"

This anthemic track has resonated with listeners of all persuasions for its empowering message and energetic production. This girl is hotter than lava right now. Her songs come on in the club and girls go fucking ballistic. They all know the words, they all know the dance. It's insane. If you aren't familiar with the name Chappell Roan by now, get familiar. Because she's huge and she's only going to get bigger. 

 (Sidebar - my prediction for Lollapalooza this week is she has the biggest crowd and most talked about set of the entire festival)

She also has another song out that could have very easily take this spot called "HOT TO GO" that's a banger too.

Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen - "I Had Some Help"

The song's catchy hook, upbeat tempo, and themes of friendship and overcoming adversity have contributed to its widespread appeal and its potential as a summer anthem. They kind of ruined this by beating it into the ground with marketing on tiktok before it came out, so it debuted kind of flat in terms of how high anticipation for it was. But it's continued to dominate the charts and it's actually grown on me. Definitely one of the front runners for the crown. 

Kendrick Lamar - "Not Like Us"

The song that possibly ended Drake's reign as king of the hip-hop mountaintop. It quickly rose to the top of the charts upon its release and has maintained a strong presence throughout the summer. The songs music video, which has garnered millions of views and sparked numerous discussions online, has contributed to the song's cultural impact. It also has more layers and symbolism being broken down and studied like ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. 

Traveling around the country the last few months, seeing this song played in clubs in various spots - Chicago, New York, Miami, Nashville, Austin- and seeing how crazy people go for it is really surprising. I honestly can't remember a diss record ever having the response that this song has.

Billie Eilish - "Lunch"

This laid-back yet catchy song has been a popular choice for summer playlists. A song about lesbian love, it can be interpreted playfully as "wanting to eat somebody up", or a bit more suggestively as in she wants to eat her out. Song is a hit either way. 

Marshmello & Kane Brown - "Miles On It"

"Miles On It" has been gaining traction rapidly, with its catchy melody, blend of country and electronic elements, and relatable lyrics about summer romance. It has been performing well on streaming platforms, radio airplay, and has been featured in numerous social media trends. The country + edm "yeedm" fad is here and there's no avoiding it, this song actually isn't that bad. Kane Brown's voice fits like a glove on this beat. Catchy, fun song. 

That's what I've got so far, let. me know what I forgot or left out in the comments blow. 

And check out our discussion on the topic on BARSTOOL BACKSTAGE