Summer is finally here, playlists are being created, and the debate over which song will dominate the summer has begun. Every year, music lovers flock to social media to share their takes on what should be the song of the summer — from alt-rock throwbacks that are having a new moment on TikTok to new jams that are defining the season already. So, what is the 2026 song of the summer? I asked five Gen Zers for their take.Â
ICYMI, a song can define the whole vibe for the summer season. And, previously, the biggest songs of the summer haven’t disappointed: In 2021, “Butter” by BTS captured a lighthearted and feel-good, breezy mood, and the pop-sounds of “As It Was” by Harry Styles in 2022 had us all rocking out. In 2024, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso ” gave bright but bold energy, and Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” blasted in the background at every single summer function. And, in 2025, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” took over the summer — and it’s been stuck in my head ever since.
But what song will take the rain for summer 2026? A few Gen Zers put their predictions into the hat for which song deserves to be crowned as the ultimate summer jam. Here’s what’s on repeat for them this summer.
“Lush Life” by Zara Larsson
Zara Larsson’s 2016 hit “Lush Life” has resurfaced in a big way. ICYMI, this song went viral on everyone’s FYP back in 2025, and it hasn’t slowed down since. This pop song gives off a warm, bouncy, island pop, upbeat, Y2K-inspired energy — which University of Central Florida student Alyeni, 20, thinks is perfect for the summer. “The song has such a summery, feel-good energy to it, and so does Zara Larsson,” she says. “I just think it’s the perfect song to hear on the way to the beach or on a summer road trip.”
“Sue Me” by Audrey Hobert
The ultimate messy but complicated post-breakup song, “Sue Me” by Audrey Hobert, has gained massive popularity not just from Spotify but as one of the songs featured in the Amazon Prime series Off-Campus. If you know, you know!
For 20-year-old Gracie, the song isn’t just a total bop, but hits close to home. “[It’s] just so fun and upbeat and bubbly,” the University of Houston alumna says. “I also love how relatable it is — like yeah, I’m probably doing something stupid, but like, sue me! God forbid a girl wants to be desired every once in a while.”Â
“Drop Dead” by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s single “Drop Dead” from her upcoming album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, has been on repeat for me — and I cannot wait for the release. But, until the album of the summer drops, 19-year-old Amelia is considering it her personal summer jam. “This single is my favorite of hers so far,” the Florida State University student says. “ It’s the perfect song for driving in the car by yourself or a night out with friends.”Â
“The Red” by Chevelle
Even though this iconic 2002 alt-metal track did not recently come out, Jaden, 19, considers “The Red” their summer 2026 anthem. This song has resurfaced on TikTok with a nostalgic sound and heavy riffs, which has the energy some are looking for in the summertime. “I just really like the band and got super into it this summer.”
Chevelle is co-headlining a tour with Breaking Benjamin through North America this summer and fall. Who knows, they might play this banger.
“Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson
In the words of Zara Larsson herself, “summer isn’t over yet.” In fact, it’s just getting started. “Midnight Sun” has not only dominated streaming platforms but also social media. So, there’s no wonder that Valencia College student Camila, 19, has it pegged as her song of the summer. “This song has taken social media by surprise as an undeniable hit,” she says. “It has been trending for the last two months, and I do believe it will continue to grow as summer is here.”Â
For me, some of these songs are already on my playlist, but I think that either “Aperture” or “Dance No More” from Harry Styles, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally will define my summer (of course, my honorable mentions are The “Cure” by Olivia Rodrigo from her upcoming album, or “Dance” by Slayyyter). One thing is for sure, though, is that this summer will be full of bops.