The Summer Soundtrack: A Shift in Vibes
Every year, summer arrives with a buzzing energy. School’s out, the sun is shining, music is blaring out of car windows, and speakers are blasting on the beach. This season typically brings a wave of upbeat anthems that define our sunny days and warm nights. However, this summer feels different. The beaches seem quieter, the playlists feel aimless, and the radio waves aren’t dominated by the usual upbeat, sing-along tunes. So, where is our song of the summer?
The Quest for the Song of the Summer
In an era of fractured listening habits, pinpointing a definitive "song of the summer" has become increasingly challenging. Billboard’s weekly Song of the Summer chart attempts to crown a winner by tracking streaming, airplay, and sales between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the U.S. Historically, these songs are effervescent, from Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” the inaugural pick in 2010, to last year’s “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. Yet, for the past 14 weeks, the top spot has been held by a love ballad: Alex Warren’s “Ordinary.”
A Love Ballad in the Spotlight
As Berklee College of Music professor and forensic musicologist Joe Bennett notes, Warren’s February release is “a fair bit slower than the mean average for the Hot 100, or for a historical song of the summer.” This raises the question: how has “Ordinary” managed to maintain its top position throughout the summer?
Scarcity of Competition
One reason for “Ordinary’s” dominance may be the lack of competition this year. Typically, the song of the summer is released well before the solstice, but interest in new music from pop stars seems to be waning. While artists like Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter have released new tracks, none have taken off like “Ordinary.” According to a mid-year report from Luminate, which produces data for the Billboard charts, listeners are gravitating toward familiar hits, with streaming on new tracks declining by 3.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Nostalgia and Recession Pop
The trend of listeners clinging to older tunes has led to a resurgence of what some are calling “recession pop,” a term that refers to music released during and after the 2008 financial crisis. Jaime Marconette, Luminate’s vice president of music insights, explains that this trend highlights a sense of nostalgia and escapism. The shelf life of last year’s songs has also proven long, crowding the space and leaving little room for new music to break through.
The Role of TikTok
Interestingly, TikTok has played a significant role in keeping older songs alive. Many listeners often cite songs from 2024 releases when discussing the current summer soundtrack, sometimes forgetting how long ago those tracks were released. This platform has become an engine for sustaining the popularity of past hits, further complicating the landscape for new music.
The Emotional Connection to “Ordinary”
While ballads aren’t unusual for summer hits—think Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License”—they typically don’t dominate the season. “Ordinary” is not designed to keep the mood lively at barbecues or pep up pool parties. Instead, it reflects a deeper emotional resonance. Ethan Hein, an adjunct professor of music, notes that the disinterest in upbeat pop signals a broader contempt for both the present and the future.
A Reflection of Our Times
Music psychologist Ray Leone suggests that the popularity of “Ordinary” may stem from a collective desire for introspection amid chaos. In a world filled with uncertainty, listeners are seeking personal connections through music. Warren’s love song, written about his wife, serves as a beacon of light during darker times, resonating with those looking for solace in love and devotion.
The Timeless Nature of Love Songs
As Bennett points out, songs of love and devotion are constants in our world. Regardless of the external circumstances, someone will always be singing a timeless love song. In a summer that feels quieter and more introspective, “Ordinary” stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the emotional landscapes that music can navigate.
