by Hannah Wiener

For high schoolers, music is everything. It’s an escape, but it is also a way that we connect with each other. Summer 2025 was all about music – packed with world tours, album drops, and unforgettable festivals. No matter where you looked, we were always listening. Sure, we all have our own playlists and favorite songs, but certain tracks stood out above the rest. So, here are the Top 10 songs that defined summer 2025

We’re starting off strong with “Ordinary” by Alex Warren- a track that has been everywhere this year. Released on February 7th, 2025, it took some time to catch on, but once it did, it skyrocketed to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. All summer long, it’s been one of the top 10 songs of the summer, blasting from car radios, pool parties, and playlists everywhere. Warren kept the momentum going with live performances on his Cheaper than Therapy North American tour. To top it all off, on September 7th, 2025, he snagged the MTV VMA for Best New Artist, all thanks to the success of his smash hit “Ordinary”

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter has undeniably been one of the top highlights of the season. Starting on June th, 2025, this song wasted no time climbing the charts. By mid-summer it was absolutely EVERYWHERE- it was impossible to escape. The frenzy didn’t stop there – tickets to Sabrina’s Short n’ Sweet world tour have become the hottest pick this year, with fans fighting to grab a seat just to hear “Manchild” live. It is more than just a song, it has turned into a cultural moment, making Sabrina Carpenter the reigning queen of Summer 2025.

Next up is “Back to Friends” by Sombr. This breakout indie-pop track took the summer by a storm. This song was released on December 27th, 2024, slowly gained traction, and eventually made its way to TikTok, which guided its way to the Billboard Hot 100. By mid summer, “Back to Friends” became a staple and was on loop in everyone’s earbuds. Even though this new artist is only 20 years old, Sombr has been making waves in the music scene, with the song “Back to Friends” earning him his first MTV VMA for Best Alternative Video. This song’s smashing success has brought Sombr into the spotlight, making him one of 2025’s most promising new artists.

“Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone was without a doubt a top played track this summer by everyone. Benson Boone sampled this song on TikTok for months, and then because of popular demand, he released it on April 24th, 2025. The song became a viral hit, topping streaming charts with its playful lyrics, including the now-iconic “Moonbeam ice cream.” Fans can’t get enough of Boone’s energetic live performances, where he not only sings but flips on stage. Offstage, he’s kept the fun going too by creating his own moonbeam ice cream cookie at Crumbl that fans couldn’t get enough of! “Mystical Magical” has become a summer must-listen, blending Boone’s charm, catchy hooks, and mystical energy into a track fans can’t stop talking about.

The electrifying anthem “Just Keep Watching” by Tate McRae dominated summer. Released on May 30th, 2025, as part of the F1 The Movie soundtrack, the track quickly became a fan favorite, debuting at #8 on the U.S. Spotify chart and peaking at #16 on the UK official Singles Chart. Its high- energy beats and empowering lyrics resonated with listeners worldwide. The song’s success was further solidified when it earned her 2 MTV VMA awards, including Song of the Summer!

“party 4 u” by Charli XCX took over summer playlists. The song was originally released on May 15th, 2020, but was added to the setlist on her BRAT tour, and then caught on and renewed its popularity after going viral on TikTok during summer 2025. The song was also propelled by its inclusion in the film Bottoms and series Overcompensating. Its catchy chorus and lyrics resonated with listeners, leading to its release as a single to US contemporary hit radio on May 13th, 2025. “party 4 u” has been on loop this summer, solidifying Charli XCX’s place as one of 2025’s breakout artists.

“Rock That Body” by The Black Eyed Peas – this high energy track made a MAJOR comeback this summer. Originally released in 2010, the song returned to the charts after a viral dance trend sparked by a routine choreographed by the famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Their electrifying routines, set to the song, took over TikTok, with fans from all over trying to recreate the moves. The cheerleaders’ performances have breathed new life into the song, pushing it back onto playlists and into the hearts of new listeners while simultaneously keeping it in the hearts of old listeners. With its contagious beat and the cheerleaders’ incredible choreography, “Rock That Body” was once again the anthem of the season.

Although it was released towards the middle of the summer, “DAISIES” by Justin Bieber captured everyone’s attention. On July 11th, 2025 Bieber released a new album for the first time in years. His new album “SWAG” included the song “DAISIES” that quickly became a fan favorite. The track quickly gained traction, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Estonia. Adding to the excitement of the release of his new album, Bieber was also announced as a headliner during Coachella 2026, which will be his first time performing his own music since 2022. 

Disco Lines and Tinashe recently released their dance floor ready anthem that has been lighting up playlists -“No Broke Boys”. The song was originally released on August 16th, 2024, as part of Tinashe’s album Quantum Baby. The  track gained popularity in 2025 after DJ Disco Line created a remix that went viral on TikTok. The remix, which was released on June 6th, 2025, quickly rose to the top, topping the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and charted in multiple countries. Its catchy beat and empowering lyrics stuck with listeners worldwide, making it a fun hit at parties and on playlists. 

Last but not least, “NOKIA” by Drake, is a high energy banger that became a hit back in February. The song stayed on the charts through the summer and is still a hit now. This song became a fan favorite with its catchy hooks and Drake’s signature swagger. Its playful addition of the classic Nokia ringtone and the fun hyper beat made it a viral sensation on TikTok. Drake’s live performances have amplified the song’s popularity, delivering electric energy and creating memorable moments for fans across the globe. With its mix of nostalgia and its fun groove, “NOKIA” has firmly established itself as one of the standout tracks of 2025, keeping Drake at the lead of the summer soundtrack.