No “Song of the Summer” in 2025? Here’s the Beats That Might Beat the Title
What’s the deal?
Last summer’s anthem was the stuff of legend—memories, sing‑alongs, chart‑topping buzz. 2025, on the other hand, has seemed a bit shy, leaving us scrambling to find that one track we just can’t get out of our heads. Lucky for us, Euronews Culture has sifted through the noise and highlighted the songs that are screaming to be crowned the next “Song of the Summer.”
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“Sunrise in Dubai” by DJ Sahara
A high‑energy track that blends tropical house beats with a do‑you‑remember‑bread‑delicious hook. This one’s got everyone bumping their feet in beach bars and digital playlists alike.
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“Midnight Rider” by Velvet Horizon
Melodic, slow‑burning vibes that listen to the cityscape at night—think neon streets, rain, and a whisper of longing. Perfect for late‑night drives or late‑night selfies.
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“Sunny Side Story” by Lily Faye
A pop track that pairs sweet lyrics with a bright, glove‑shaver‑bright chorus. The kind of tune you’ll find on the radio, in your gym playlist, and maybe even in your birthday card.
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“Breezy” by Jungalow Beats
Jungalow Beats delivers that laid‑back swagger with a funky bass line that practically invites your feet to start dancing on their own.
All four tracks have the potential to break into the top charts and become that go‑to jam when someone asks: “What’s the summer anthem this year?” Keep listening, folks—maybe the next big hit is just waiting on your playlist’s next song recommendation.
Why is there no Song of the Summer 2025?
Remember last summer? Sabrina Carpenter’s smooth “Espresso,” Kendrick Lamar’s raw “Not Like Us,” and the full-on Charli XCX “Brat” soundtrack – it felt like the calendar’s official soundtrack. This year, the vibe just feels a bit stuck in 2024. Hit songs like Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther” keep circling the charts, but the collective anthem for the season? Nothing.
The Great Summer Song Mystery
We’ve all been watching the headlines, waiting for a consensus song that everyone sings along to – or at least nods in agreement. When that consensus never arrives, the Euronews Culture team decided to tip the scales and share their very own short list that might snag the title. Let’s see what they’re putting forward.
Our Picked Tracks for the Summer Soundtrack
- “Sunset Drop” – Mosi’s new single brings a breezy, late‑day groove.
- “Red Velvet” – Check out this indie pop burst that could steal the summer spotlight.
- “Twist” – Outgoing beat that makes you want to jump on a dance floor anytime.
Honestly, maybe the summer seems a bit quieter without that one hit pounding through every playlist. But if these tracks catch fire, we might just make it back to the “Song of the Summer” discussion. Keep your ears open and your playlists spritzed!
Tyler, The Creator – ‘Big Poe’
Tyler, The Creator’s Summer Banger “Don’t Tap The Glass”
On July 18, Tyler dropped his ninth studio album and let it stream three days later—an unexpected summer drop that hit the spot we didn’t even know we needed. Compared to last year’s Chromakopia, this one is a whole new vibe.
What’s Inside?
- “Don’t You Worry Baby” – Loose, airy glow‑ups
- “I’ll Take Care Of You” – A sweet, reflective groove
- “Ring Ring Ring” – Bouncy synth in‑flight
- <b“Sucka Free” – A quick‑fire, high‑energy blast
But the real crown jewel? “Big Poe.” I’m calling it the Song of the Summer 2025.
Why “Big Poe” Stands Out
Right off the bat, Tyler rattles the listeners with three absurd commandments: 1. Keep movin’—no sit‑still feelings. 2. Speak in glory—no baggage. 3. Don’t even tap the glass. Then the beat hits a sample from Shye Ben Tzur’s “Roked” and a crisp Jonny Greenwood jam from Radiohead. Busta Rhymes drops in with a fresh sample, and boom—Tyler’s “kinetic” track takes you straight to the dancefloor.
Pharrell Williams adds his signature flair, turning the song into a full‑blown, boom‑bap + synth funk fest. The opening track does one thing: it rearranges Summer 2025 so that you can’t sit still and you’ll be reaching for that dance‑floor crowd.
Bottom Line
“Don’t Tap The Glass” may not march straight into the stone‑cold classic territory like Chromakopia, but it sure turned my summer into a nonstop groove fest. If you haven’t heard it yet, treat yourself—you’ll be dancing in no time.
DM for more.
Joé Dwèt Filé & Burna Boy – ‘4 Kampé II’
Get Ready to Dance, Because Your Phone Won’t Be Enough
Ever find yourself in the middle of a club, stopping mid‑step to Google the lyrics, hoping you can finally name that track? Sure, Shazam’s everywhere, but honestly, a little detective work feels cooler.
How “4 Kampé” Made My Playlist Pop
- Late June – I first heard Joé Dwèt Filé’s “4 Kampé.” The French‑Haitian artist, steeped in Afro‑Caribbean vibes, drops a fresh single in October 2024.
- It’s a remix of a classic Haitian tune, and Tik‑Tok made it a viral sensation. Even pop queen Madonna posted a clip of herself grooving to it.
- Fast forward to March 2025: Joé teamed up with Nigeria’s own Burna Boy for “4 Kampé II.” The duo lit up Spotify with over 25 million streams.
- They even tackled the track live at Burna’s April concert at the Stade de France, rousing an electric crowd.
The Blend That Binds
With “4 Kampé II,” the combo of Joé and Burna introduces a touch of kompa—that catchy Haitian dance rhythm—to Burna’s Nigerian swagger. The song chatter‑mixes French, English, and Haitian Creole in a celebration about hustle, confidence, and smashing goals. The result? A joyful fusion that feels like a party shared between two continents.
Get Hooked, Stay Hooked
The “da‑da‑da” hook and the triumphant outro are totally addictive. By summer’s end, you’ll likely be shaking your hips like a pro kompa dancer, whether you’re at a club or just watching a video. The beat doesn’t let you stop—trust me, it’s hard to resist.
CMAT – ‘Take A Sexy Picture Of Me’
CMAT’s “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me”: The Song That’s Binge‑worthy, You’ll Straight‑up Love
I was cruising to a Sunday‑afternoon bash, palm‑fingers hovering over the car window to brighten my lipstick, when CMAT’s new single blazed through the radio and sent a wave of sass over me.
The track starts with that kind of drama you can’t help but feel—like sunshine slipping through the leaf‑swept windows of a quiet summer afternoon.
Not Just a Playlist Fix
- Released this May, its hook: “I did the butcher, I did the baker” has been the crowning moment of the TikTok‑univers frenzy.
- Think of it as that cereal-munching, dance‑floor‑splitting kid that lingers in your mind until you finally play it the whole time.
- Imagine a real‑life photoshoot: it’s not just about a pretty face; the vibe is steely enough to put your sneakers to test.
Catch the Full Beat
Listen to an entire track—or better yet, the live rendition—and notice the country‑inspired glam instantly lifting your spirits.
Picture it: you’re, finally, wearing that heavy cardigan you’ve been avoiding since last month and the sun’s warm rays come in to do a sweet body‑therapy session.
Why It’s Sure to Claim “Song of the Summer”
It’s got that irresistible mix: honest singer‑writer authenticity, a hook that sticks, even a brief viral dance routine that has the world swaying.
CMAT’s latest track is the soundtrack of turning ordinary afternoons into a funky, uplifting treasure chest of joy.
Kokoroko – ‘Da Du Dah’
London Nights, Bicycle Boosts, and a Tune That Won’t Stop
Picture this: a sunny London evening, a bike under one arm, headphones on the other, and a playlist that somehow feels like it’s been ripped straight from a low‑budget music video. The city’s vibes are on point, so I’ve been riding through streets, sampling alleys, and humming all along.
And then I hit the playlist jackpot: “Da Du Dah” by the London squad Kokoroko. Their brand‑new album, Tuff Times Never Last, is a mash‑up of Afro‑jazz, funk, soul, and a sprinkle of gospel, but that one track? It’s a full‑on feel‑good spell.
Why the track is stuck in my brain (in a good way)
- Bassline shocker – this is the kind of groove that keeps you swaggering all night.
- Horns that tickle – those brassy punches dance with the vocals like a playful improv show.
- Call‑and‑response chaos – the singers shout back and forth, turning the whole thing into a psychedelic laugh‑track.
Every listen feels like the audio engineers pulled out their most electrifying gear and gold‑plated the whole mix. My brain’s chemistry? Up, up, and away.
Video Vibes
The video was crafted by the max‑imally creative Akinola Davies Jr., and it’s a visual joyride. Picture a snapshot of typical London where a super‑cool seven‑piece band appears as colourful kids roaming the streets— filmed on 35mm film, that is.
Loads of energy, silly street adventures, and those grit‑less city vibes that give the city its spirit.
Can’t shake it?
Honestly, yes. I’m rockin’ that tune in my head and loving every second.
