The summer of 2025 has been defined by a single, inescapable melody: Alex Warren’s “Ordinary.” The track has not only topped the charts but has also resonated deeply with listeners, securing its place as the No. 1 Billboard Song of the Summer. This article delves into the factors behind the song’s success, its impact on the music scene, and the other notable tracks that made the summer of 2025 unforgettable.
With “Ordinary” dominating the airwaves and streaming platforms, it’s essential to understand what makes this song stand out. We’ll explore the cumulative performance on streaming, airplay, and sales-based charts, highlighting the journey of “Ordinary” to the top spot. Additionally, we’ll examine the other artists who made significant contributions to the summer’s soundtrack, including Morgan Wallen, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar.
Join us as we break down the key elements that contributed to Alex Warren’s monumental success, the trends that defined the season, and the broader implications for the music industry. This is more than just a recap; it’s an analysis of a cultural moment.
Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ Claims the Summer Crown
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” has officially been named the No. 1 song on Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart for 2025. This achievement comes after the song topped the weekly survey for all 14 weeks of the summer season. The Songs of the Summer chart tracks the most popular titles based on cumulative performance on the weekly streaming, airplay, and sales-based Billboard Hot 100 chart from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The eligibility criteria for the chart are strict, ensuring that only the freshest hits of the year are considered. Titles that appeared on the 2024 Songs of the Summer chart or peaked on the Hot 100 during or before summer 2024 were ineligible, making room for new contenders. This allowed “Ordinary” to shine and capture the hearts of listeners throughout the season.
The song’s consistent performance across various platforms underscores its widespread appeal and staying power. From topping streaming charts to dominating radio airwaves, “Ordinary” has become a ubiquitous presence in the summer of 2025. Alex Warren’s ability to connect with audiences has solidified his place as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Understanding the Songs of the Summer Chart
The Billboard Songs of the Summer chart is a 20-position running tally that encapsulates the essence of summer music. It measures a song’s popularity from Memorial Day through Labor Day, taking into account streaming numbers, radio airplay, and sales data. This comprehensive approach ensures that the chart reflects the true favorites of the season.
To maintain the chart’s relevance, specific rules are in place to prevent older songs from dominating the rankings. Only songs that have been released recently and have not previously appeared on the Songs of the Summer chart are eligible. This focus on new music ensures that the chart remains a fresh representation of the current summer’s hits.
The chart’s historical significance cannot be overstated. It serves as a time capsule, capturing the defining sounds of each summer and providing a snapshot of popular culture. For artists, topping this chart is a major accomplishment, signifying their song’s widespread appeal and cultural impact.
A History of Summer Chart Dominance
The year 2025 marks the fifth consecutive year that a single title has monopolized the No. 1 spot on the Songs of the Summer chart. This trend began with BTS’s “Butter” in 2021, followed by Harry Styles’ “As It Was” in 2022, Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” in 2023, and Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, in 2024. These songs each captured the zeitgeist of their respective summers, dominating airwaves and streaming platforms alike.
This pattern of single-song dominance reflects a shift in how music is consumed and popularized. With the rise of streaming and social media, a single viral hit can quickly take over the summer charts, leaving less room for other contenders. This trend highlights the importance of a song’s initial impact and its ability to maintain momentum throughout the season.
Despite the dominance of these singles, the summer charts still offer a diverse range of musical styles and artists. From pop to country to hip-hop, the Songs of the Summer chart captures the eclectic tastes of music lovers across the country. While one song may reign supreme, the broader chart provides a rich tapestry of sounds that define the season.
Morgan Wallen’s Strong Showing in 2025
Following his first-place finishes in the past two years, Morgan Wallen continued to make waves in 2025, securing the Nos. 2, 3, and 4 spots on the Songs of the Summer chart. His songs “What I Want,” featuring Tate McRae, “Just in Case,” and “I’m the Problem,” claimed these top positions, showcasing his continued popularity and influence in the music industry.
Wallen’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as he is the first artist to have three top-five entries on a season-closing Songs of the Summer chart. All three songs are featured on his album I’m the Problem, further solidifying his presence in the summer of 2025. His ability to consistently produce hit songs has made him a dominant force in contemporary music.
Notably, “What I Want” drew the most official U.S. streams during the summer tracking period, amassing 298 million streams, according to Luminate. This underscores Wallen’s appeal on streaming platforms and his ability to connect with a broad audience. While “Ordinary” led in radio airplay audience and download sales, Wallen’s streaming success highlights the diverse ways in which music is consumed.
Rounding Out the Top 10 Songs of the Summer
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” secured the No. 5 spot on the Songs of the Summer chart for 2025, adding a touch of hip-hop to the season’s soundtrack. Their collaboration brought together two of the most influential voices in contemporary music, resulting in a track that resonated with listeners across genres.
The remainder of the top 10 featured a diverse mix of artists and styles, showcasing the breadth of musical talent that defined the summer of 2025. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” landed at No. 6, followed by “Golden” by HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, from Netflix’s summer smash film KPop Demon Hunters, at No. 7. Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” claimed the No. 8 spot, while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” landed at No. 9, and Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” rounded out the top 10.
This eclectic mix of songs and artists highlights the dynamic nature of the music industry and the ever-changing tastes of listeners. From established superstars to rising talents, the Songs of the Summer chart captures the diverse sounds that define the season and shape the cultural landscape.
Final Thoughts on the Summer of 2025’s Hit Songs
As the summer of 2025 draws to a close, it’s clear that Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” has left an indelible mark on the music scene. The song’s dominance on the Billboard Songs of the Summer chart reflects its widespread appeal and cultural impact. From topping streaming charts to dominating radio airwaves, “Ordinary” has become the soundtrack of the season.
However, the summer of 2025 was more than just one song. The contributions of artists like Morgan Wallen, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and others added depth and diversity to the season’s musical landscape. Their songs resonated with listeners across genres and solidified their places as influential figures in the music industry.
In conclusion, the summer of 2025 will be remembered for Alex Warren’s monumental success and the diverse range of musical talent that defined the season. The Songs of the Summer chart captures the essence of this cultural moment, providing a snapshot of popular culture and highlighting the ever-changing dynamics of the music industry. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how these trends continue to evolve and shape the future of music.
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