As we dive into the sweaty summer season, it’s time to explore the top contenders for the song of the summer in 2023. These tracks span a variety of genres and themes, making them perfect companions for grilling in the park, driving with the windows down, or enjoying rooftop margaritas.
SZA: “Kill Bill”
One of the bonafide contenders is SZA‘s “Kill Bill” from her acclaimed album SOS. This catchy hit weaves together elements of Tarantino films, psychedelia, and murder ballads, making it an endlessly repeatable song with a clever arc of revenge and heartbreak.
Kylie Minogue: “Padam Padam”
Kylie Minogue‘s “Padam Padam” is another strong contender, serving as a club anthem perfect for summer nights out. With pulsating beats, garish synths, and an infectious melody, Minogue’s seductive vocals create a fun and energetic track.
PinkPantheress: “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” [ft. Ice Spice]
PinkPantheress brings a sparkly glitter bomb of an anthem with “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2,” featuring Ice Spice. The song captures the emotions of heartbreak and the license to obsess over someone while dismissing them at the same time, making it an ideal summer gem.
Bad Bunny: “Where She Goes”
Bad Bunny‘s “Where She Goes” is a blend of Jersey club and dembow, filled with mischievous one-night-stand lyrics entirely in Spanish. While it hasn’t reached the top of the charts, it remains a strong contender for the hot months.
Kendrick Lamar / Baby Keem: “The Hillbillies”
Kendrick Lamar / Baby Keem‘s collaboration, “The Hillbillies,” deviates from their intense rap styles and offers a lighthearted and playful vibe as they compare themselves to Messi and Neymar.
Yng Lucas / Peso Pluma: “La Bebe (Remix)”
Peso Pluma steals the spotlight on the remix of Guadalajara rapper Yng Lucas‘ “La Bebe,” trading verses about a night of smoking and drinking with a baddie. The simple yet catchy melody makes it a perreo-lite summer anthem.
Róisín Murphy: “Fader”
Róisín Murphy‘s “Fader” offers a warm and laid-back pop track infused with soul balladry and hip-house sparkle, perfect for both sweaty dancefloors and relaxed park hangs.
Victoria Monét: “Smoke”
Victoria Monét‘s “Smoke” is a cinematic luxury anthem that celebrates the act of smoking weed on a car dashboard with sultry vocals and syrupy bass.
Miley Cyrus: “Flowers”
Miley Cyrus‘ “Flowers” became a self-empowerment anthem despite feeling lackluster. It has achieved an impressive milestone, reaching one billion Spotify streams in just 112 days. Even now, it continues to resonate strongly and remains a popular choice in Nordstrom fitting rooms.
Lily-Rose Depp: “World Class Sinner/I’m a Freak”
Lily-Rose Depp‘s “World Class Sinner/I’m a Freak” found success despite satirizing pop music’s vapid tendencies. Pop songs created specifically for film and television shows serve as meta-critiques, aiming to unveil the perceived shallowness and ethical dilemmas associated with mainstream Top 40 bubblegum music.
