Summer's Soundtrack: The Songs That Defined 2024
The battle for "Song of the Summer" is fiercer than ever, with a diverse landscape of hits vying for our attention. While past summers saw radio domination by singular anthems, 2024 boasts a vibrant mix of pop stars, underdogs, and returning legends.
Remember the earworms of the past? Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous" ruled the airwaves in 2006, followed by Daft Punk and Pharrell's "Get Lucky" in 2013. Even 2020, a year of surreal anxieties, saw Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" and Doja Cat's "Say So" become ubiquitous anthems.
However, Summer 2022 was different. Albums, rather than single tracks, dominated the season. Bad Bunny's "Un Verano Sin Ti" and Beyoncé's "Renaissance" provided entire soundtracks for the summer.
This year, though, a new crop of pop sensations have emerged alongside established names. Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX are delivering infectious bops, while heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish are vying for the top spot.
Here's a glimpse into what our *Harper's Bazaar
editors have chosen as their favorite summer songs:
"Nasty" by Tinashe: Bianca Betancourt, culture editor, calls "Nasty" more than just a song - it embodies the essence of a sexy, chaotic summer, asking the question on everyone's mind: "Is somebody gonna match my freak?"
"Please Please Please" by Sabrina Carpenter: Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor, praises this track as a lighthearted anthem that combines Carpenter's syrupy vocals with witty lyrics and a sprinkle of synth-pop magic.
"Good Luck, Babe!" by Chappell Roan: Izzy Grinspan, digital director, has been a fan of Roan since 2021 and finds her music a blend of queer and feminist punk with pop cabaret flair. "Good Luck, Babe!" perfectly captures the theme of escaping limitations and embracing freedom.
"Apple" and "360" by Charli XCX: Olivia Alchek, senior designer, and Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor, both highlight the infectious energy of Charli XCX's "Apple" and "360." They see these tracks as the quintessential "brat girl" anthems, embodying a playful, slightly unhinged summer spirit.
"TGIF" by GloRilla: Michella Ore, fashion commerce editor, finds GloRilla's "TGIF" a powerful anthem of confidence and sexiness, providing a boost of energy whether you're commuting or relaxing at home.
"Heat" by Tove Lo and SG Lewis: Joel Calfee, editorial assistant, acknowledges the widespread love for Charli, Sabrina, and Chappell, but chooses "Heat" as his song of the summer. The track's pulsing energy is guaranteed to get you moving, no matter how tired you are.
"Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar: Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor, highlights the viral success of "Not Like Us," a track that has reigned supreme on charts and streaming services.
The entirety of *Hit Me Hard and Soft
by Billie Eilish:
Faith Brown, senior social media editor, declares that summer belongs to Billie Eilish and finds it impossible to choose just one song from her album. She raves about the album's cohesiveness and its ability to provide a constant source of fresh sounds.
"Protector" by Beyoncé: Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor, finds "Protector" a touching ode to motherhood, evoking the beauty and nostalgia of late summer days with its pastoral imagery and heartfelt lyrics.
"Yeah x10" by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from *Challengers (Original Score)*: Nojan Aminosharei, special projects editor, suggests a slightly unconventional pick: "Yeah x10" from the *Challengers
soundtrack. The track's repetitive, grinding beat transforms any walk into a confident strut.
"Tough" by Quavo and Lana Del Rey: Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor, recommends "Tough" for its ability to evoke a sense of deep nostalgia, transporting listeners back to a time when life felt simpler and carefree.
"No Machine" by Adrianne Lenker: Ariana Marsh, senior features editor, loves Lenker's "No Machine" for its gentle folk sound and tender lyrics that perfectly capture the essence of summer love and the beauty of nature.
"I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" by Taylor Swift: Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor, finds this song a classic Taylor Swift track: emotional lyrics infused with infectious pop energy. It's a reminder that summer is about resilience and finding joy even amidst challenges.
Summer 2024 is a testament to the power of diversity in music. From pop anthems to introspective ballads, there's a song for every mood and every listener, making this a summer that truly resonates with its soundtrack.
