Who will have the song of the summer of 2024? We offer some predictions

NEW YORK (AP) — Since the beginning of time, or at least pop music, only a few have earned the designation of “summer music”.

These are the worms that lodge themselves deep in the brain, bypassing genre preferences and reminding listeners: a hit is a hit. With so much variety, however, it is increasingly difficult to crown a single song of the summer. So the Associated Press is offering predictions for 2024 in every category — with past winners for reference.

Find your summer music and listen to our playlist on Spotify, here.

Song of summer for the caffeinated: “Express,” Sabrina Carpenter

We’re a few decades removed from the Y2K era of unhinged pop songs with nonsensical lyrics atop sunny productions. But no one told Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit “Espresso” is a shot of juice to wake up to, equal parts intelligent and completely unserious. “Espresso” makes a one-woman argument for the resistance of disco-informed pop radio.

Former champion: “Wide Awake”, Katy Perry (2012)

Crossover country music of the summer: “I had some help,” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

Even before it was released, a Post Malone teaming with Morgan Wallen would result in a first-place record. “I Had Some Help” showcased Post Malone’s foray into country and, with some help from the biggest name in contemporary country music, it was an instant hit. There’s no denying that honkytonk chorus, Malone’s auto-tuned vibrato, or the sing-song chorus.

Former champion: “You are still the only one”, Shania Twain (1998)

Summer’s covert song: “It’s not like us,” Kendrick Lamar

Drake and Kendrick Lamar rekindled one once dormant rivalry earlier this year, releasing diss track after diss track. None hit as hard as Lamar’s ferocious “Not Like Us,” which became Lamar’s fourth No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The message – all West Coast fire in an “us versus them” anthem – really works.

Former champion: “Obsessed”, Mariah Carey (2009)

Viral hit of the summer: “A (drunk) bar song,” Shaboozey

In an ideal world, every station in the country would play Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” once an hour, every hour. Until then, your social media virality will have to do the trick. With its inspired interpolation of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy,” the song has all the makings of a modern classic, with an easy-to-pull narrative following a hard-working protagonist relieving his troubles on a bar stool.

Previous champion: “Trap Queen”, Fetty Wap (2015)

Song of the summer for the most anxious: “Lunch,” Billie Eilish

“Lunch”, by Billie Eilish new album, “Hit me hard and soft,” is a PG-13 ode to same-sex passion. The once-in-a-generation artist has come a long way from the macabre humor, off-kilter beats, and Invisalign sips that made her a star. Instead, “Lunch” is a delightful, sapphic anthem.

Former champion: “Nineteen”, Tegan and Sara (2007)

Summer Club Music: “Stay sexy,” Sexy red

It’s in the title. Sexyy Red, with his distinctive flow and quotable bars that aren’t exactly safe for work, took over. “Get It Sexyy” is a theme song for her dominance and a confident mantra for everyone planning to hit the dance floor.

Former champion: “Lose Control”, feat by Missy Elliott. Ciara and Fat Man Scoop (2005)

Music for singles ready to mingle this summer: “Bellakeo,” Featherweight feat. Anita

See one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, Featherweightbrings one of the biggest stars of Brazilian pop-funk, Anita, and you have a sweaty reggaeton banger. “Bellakeo” is a song for both the club and the corner store, oozing with flirtation.

Former champion: “Where the Party At”, Jagged Edge and Nelly (2001)

Your Favorite Artist’s Favorite Artist’s Summer Song: “Good luck honey!”Chappel Roan

Chappell Roan has I had a special talent a long time ago for the frankness of his theatrical and cheeky compositions, emphasized by sometimes sung vocals. But only recently has she begun to receive public attention for her queer love anthems, full of strength and big heart. “Good luck honey!” it’s a kiss and a half—perfect for shouting while driving down an empty street in Roan’s native Midwest or getting ready with the girls for the drag club.

Former Champion: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours”, Stevie Wonder (1970)

Music of the summer for anyone who is seriously thinking about buying a harmonica: “Pink Skies,” Zach Bryan

Every song on the summer playlist demands a real tear-jerker. In the first seconds of Zach Bryan “Pink Skies”, the guitar, harmonica and raucous narrative will have you opening your tissues. “The kids are in town for a funeral,” he sings. “Then pack the car and dry your eyes.” He’s an expert at writing a romance in a nutshell, a song so good it hits the charts without traditional support.

Former champion: “Run-Around”, Blues Traveler (1995)

Song of the summer that shares its title with the film: “Million Dollar Baby,” Tommy Richman

“Million Dollar Baby” seems to have come out of nowhere — like so many TikTok hits — but its continued resilience since April is remarkable. Plus, it shares the title with a very famous film, and that’s always fun.

Former champion: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, Deep Blue Something (1995)

Song of the summer that inexplicably came out in January: “Beautiful things,” Benson Boone

If Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies” is a little raw for you, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” offers a brilliant alternative. There’s not a hint of edginess in their smooth pop-rock, but there’s a lot of love.

Former champion: “Boy’s a Liar PT. two,” Pink PantherIce Spice (2023)

Swifties’ Song of the Summer: “Fortnight,” Taylor Swift and Post Malone

Every summer, Taylor Swift fans anoint their own choice. This time, it has to be “Fortnight” “The Department of Tortured Poets.” Type “I love you / This is running my life” into the pantheon of Swiftisms that would make an incredible AOL Away Message (TO TEAR APART).

Former champion: “Karma”, Taylor Swift (2023)

Song of the summer revolutionizing the genre: “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Beyonce

Beyoncé was released “Act II: Cowboy Carter” with the declaration: “This is not a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.” But she certainly integrated the genre, reclaiming country music as a black woman. The first sample came in the form of “Texas Hold ‘Em” – ideal listening whether you’re headed to the beach or a rodeo.

Former champion: “What’s love got to do with it”, Tina Turner (1984)

The post-ironic, TikTok-heavy and online-heavy micro-hit of the summer: “The spark,” Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew

There’s always a song that’s a bit of a joke, but is a complete hit. Enter “The Spark”, an Irish collaboration between some remarkably talented children from Cork and Lisdoonvarna, written for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day designed to celebrate children’s creativity. These kids have produced a powerful electro-club banger for all ages.

Former champion: “The Margarita Song”, That Chick Angel, Casa Di and Steve Terrell (2023)

Song of the summer for Swedish pop lovers: “We can’t be friends (wait for your love),” Ariana Grande

Of all the songs in Ariana Grande “Eternal Sunshine”, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” is the example of Europop. It explodes into a crescendo of strings, electronic sounds blending effortlessly with organic sounds, lyrically highlighting an external relationship. It’s a beautiful, devastating listen in the tradition of another queen of the summer blues hits, robin.

Former champion: “Call Your Girlfriend”, Robyn (2010)

Summer music for it girls: “360,” Charli XCX

Charli XCX’s latest album, “Brat,” oscillates between hedonism and anxiety. “360” is a hot girl club classic squarely in the first category – all sexy exhibitionism and futuristic production.

Former champion: “Stars Are Blind”, Paris Hilton (2006)