The “Song of the Summer” Is a Myth

Summer is in full swing, and Sabrina Carpenter’s catchy, somewhat nonsensical “Espresso” is seemingly everywhere. But does that mean it’s the song of the summer? Charli XCX’s new album, featuring high-concept club tracks, has led fans to embrace the term “brat summer”; meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” have been dominating the charts. To dive deeper into what makes a track eligible for “song of the summer” status, I spoke with Spencer Kornhaber, a music critic.

The term “song of the summer” is highly debated and likened to a cultural myth rather than a definitive title. Different songs often define the summer for different groups. A true “song of the summer” has an upbeat, lively quality that works well in social settings like car rides with the windows down or lively barbecues. Songs like Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” fit the bill, although Lamar’s track might not appeal to fans of artists like Drake in a mixed setting.

Summer often involves spending time in social spaces, making music a shared experience rather than a solitary one. When people reminisce about a particular summer, they often do so with the music that was popular at the time, which fuels the desire to identify a song of the summer.

Despite our fragmented cultural landscape, “Espresso” seems omnipresent. Carpenter, a former Disney Channel actor, has been in the music scene for over a decade but broke out in a new way by opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras tour. Swift is arguably the closest thing we have to a monocultural phenomenon, and her endorsement gave Carpenter an unparalleled platform. This exposure likely boosted Carpenter’s streaming numbers, making her track more prevalent in recommendations and playlists, especially among Swift’s fanbase.

Carpenter’s sound represents a natural progression for post-Swift pop music. While “Espresso” is musically generic, its lyrics are more narrative-driven and personal compared to the more formulaic pop of artists like Katy Perry a decade ago. Swift’s influence has taught a generation of young women to write engaging, catchy songs, and now we are seeing the results.

This summer’s pop divas dare to explore womanhood in fresh, unapologetic ways. Unlike previous eras where pop stars often aimed to please a broad audience, today’s female artists, such as Chappell Roan, create music filled with inside jokes aimed at specific groups. Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” for example, is about a same-sex crush, showcasing a more inclusive and bold type of pop music.

While traditional pop music may not dominate the charts like it used to, with hip-hop taking a larger share of cultural and financial influence, these new voices still make a significant impact. Their presence in the charts is a testament to a moment where diverse voices can thrive.

Cultural trends are complex and often difficult to disentangle. Charli XCX’s “brat summer” could either shape the summer’s mood or be a reflection of a broader cultural sentiment. Successful pop music, even if it seems retro or clichéd, typically has a novel element that resonates with listeners.

As for the refrain “That’s that me espresso” from Carpenter’s song, it’s mostly nonsensical, but it’s this quirky lack of self-seriousness, paired with a giggle and a self-aware “Stupid!” that makes it stand out. It’s this playful edge that makes “Espresso” a contender for the song of this summer.

Source: The Atlantic