Every year, the arrival of summer brings a palpable sense of excitement. Schools let out, the sun shines brightly, and music fills the air, emanating from car windows and beachside speakers. However, this year feels different. The usual upbeat anthems seem to be missing, leaving many wondering: where is the quintessential song of the summer?
In an era defined by fragmented listening habits, pinpointing a definitive song of the summer is challenging. Yet, Billboard attempts to do just that by analyzing streaming numbers, radio airplay, and sales figures between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Typically, the winner is an energetic track, ranging from Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’ in 2010 to Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s ‘I Had Some Help’ last year.
Surprisingly, for the past 14 weeks, Alex Warren’s love ballad, ‘Ordinary,’ has dominated the charts. Joe Bennett, a professor at Berklee College of Music and a forensic musicologist, points out that the song, released in February, is notably slower than typical hits on the Hot 100 list or traditional summer anthems. This raises the question: How did ‘Ordinary’ maintain its top position throughout the summer?
The Lack of Upbeat Competition
One primary reason for ‘Ordinary’s’ sustained success is the relative absence of strong contenders. While the song of the summer usually emerges well before the summer solstice, this year’s offerings from mainstream pop stars have not captured the same level of attention. Artists like Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter released new music this summer, but none achieved the widespread popularity of ‘Ordinary.’
Data from Luminate, which provides data for the Billboard charts, indicates that listeners are gravitating towards older tracks. Streaming of new music decreased by 3.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. Only three of the top ten songs, based on on-demand audio streams in the U.S., were released in 2025. Many songs on Billboard’s charts have remained for extended periods, such as Chappell Roan’s ‘Pink Pony Club,’ which is currently No. 8 on the summer chart and has been on the Hot 100 for 63 weeks.
The Rise of ‘Recession Pop’
Jaime Marconette, Vice President of Music Insights and Industry Relations at Luminate, suggests that the decline in interest in new music, combined with nostalgic listening habits, has led to a resurgence of ‘recession pop.’ This term refers to music released around the 2008 financial crisis. Marconette explains, ‘We’re actually seeing pop music from those years outpace the growth of the industry at large. It highlights a sense of nostalgia and potentially bigger themes of escapism.’
Adding to this, the lasting popularity of songs from the previous year has created a crowded music landscape, making it difficult for new tracks to gain traction. According to Paula Harper, a musicologist and assistant professor at the University of Chicago, last summer was a period of ‘an absolute tsunami, surplus, exuberance of pop.’ When discussing the 2025 song of the summer, people often cite songs from 2024, sometimes surprised by how long ago those songs were released, with TikTok playing a significant role in maintaining their popularity.
The Uncommon Ballad Phenomenon
While ballads occasionally become songs of the summer, such as Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Driver’s License,’ they are not typically designed to dominate the season. Harper notes that ‘Ordinary’ is ‘not going to keep the mood of the barbecue lively, it’s not going to pep up the pool party. Ultimately, it’s engineered for something other than song of the summer status.’
Ethan Hein, an adjunct professor of music at New York University and the New School, believes that listeners’ preference for a song like ‘Ordinary’ reflects their overall well-being. ‘When I teach songwriting, I always assign a fun pop banger as one of the projects, and this year no one felt much enthusiasm for it, or turned in somber tracks like ‘Ordinary,’ he stated. Hein interprets the lack of interest in upbeat pop as a sign of disillusionment with both the present and the future.
Disinterest in the Future
Hein elaborates, ‘Usually, pop music is aimed at young people. I remember being a kid in the ’80s and ’90s and thinking how futuristic all the synth pop, hip-hop, and techno sounded. But now, I don’t know a lot of young people who are excited about the future.’
Music psychologist Ray Leone, who studies the intersectionality of music and health, suggests that people may be drawn to ‘Ordinary’ because it contrasts with the perceived chaos of the world. ‘There seems to be chaos every day, no matter where you look,’ Leone explains. ‘I think to counter that, people are looking more inward, looking for something personal to connect to. It’s almost as if a song like this speaks to us on a personal level as opposed to a collective level.’
A Beacon of Love
Warren’s love song, inspired by his wife, appears to serve as a comforting beacon in uncertain times. Bennett concludes, ‘Songs of love and devotion are a constant in our world. Whatever else is happening in our lives, someone somewhere will always be singing a timeless love song.’
Final Thoughts
In summary, the unexpected triumph of Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ as the song of the summer highlights a notable shift in musical preferences. The absence of strong, upbeat competitors, coupled with a longing for nostalgia and escapism, has paved the way for a ballad to resonate deeply with listeners. This phenomenon also underscores a broader sentiment of unease and a desire for personal connection in an increasingly chaotic world.
Ultimately, the success of ‘Ordinary’ is a testament to the enduring power of love songs. As societies navigate complex challenges, the simple yet profound themes of love and devotion continue to offer solace and a sense of continuity.
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