Who Will Have the 2024 Song of the Summer? We Offer Some Predictions

Song of the Summer for People Seriously Considering Buying a Harmonica: "Pink Skies," Zach Bryan

Every song of the summer list requires a real tearjerker. Within the first few seconds of Zach Bryan's "Pink Skies," the acoustic guitar, harmonica, and raspy narrative will have you breaking out the tissues. "The kids are in town for a funeral," he sings. "So pack the car and dry your eyes." He's an expert at writing a novel in few words, a song so good it charts without traditional support.

Past champion: "Run-Around," Blues Traveler (1995)

Song of the Summer That Shares a Title with a Film: "Million Dollar Baby," Tommy Richman

"Million Dollar Baby" feels like it came out of nowhere – as so many TikTok smashes do – but its continued endurance since April is notable. Plus, it shares a title with a very famous film, and that's always fun.

Past champion: "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Deep Blue Something (1995)

Song of the Summer That Inexplicably Came Out in January: "Beautiful Things," Benson Boone

If Zach Bryan's "Pink Skies" is a little too raw for you, Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" offers a glossy alternative. There isn't a hint of edge in his soft pop-rock, but there is a lot of love.

Past champion: "Boy's a Liar PT. 2," PinkPantheress, Ice Spice (2023)

Swifties' Song of the Summer: "Fortnight," Taylor Swift and Post Malone

Every summer, Taylor Swift's fans anoint their own pick. This time around, it has to be "Fortnight" from "The Tortured Poets Department." Enter "I love you / It's ruining my life," into the pantheon of Swiftisms that would make for an amazing AOL away message (R.I.P.).

Past champion: "Karma," Taylor Swift (2023)

Song of the Summer Revolutionizing Genre: "Texas Hold 'Em," Beyoncé

Beyoncé released "Act ll: Cowboy Carter" with the declaration: "This ain't a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé' album." But she certainly wove the genre in, reclaiming country music as a Black woman. The first taste came in the form of "Texas Hold 'Em" – ideal listening, whether you're headed to the beach or rodeo.

Past champion: "What's Love Got to Do With It," Tina Turner (1984)

The Post-Ironic, TikTok-Heavy, Too Online, Micro-Hit Song of the Summer: "The Spark," Kabin Crew & Lisdoonvarna Crew

There's always one song that's part joke, full hit. Enter "The Spark," an Irish collaboration between some remarkably talented kids from Cork and Lisdoonvarna, written for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day meant to celebrate children's creativity. These kids have produced an empowering electro-club banger for all ages.

Past champion: "The Margarita Song," That Chick Angel, Casa Di & Steve Terrell (2023)

Song of the Summer for Swedish Pop Lovers: "We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)," Ariana Grande

Of all the songs on Ariana Grande's "eternal sunshine," "We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)" is the Europop exemplar. It explodes into a string crescendo, electronic sounds effortlessly blending into organic ones, lyrically highlighting a relationship on the outs. It's a gorgeous and devastating listen in the tradition of another queen of summertime sadness bangers, Robyn.

Past champion: "Call Your Girlfriend," Robyn (2010)

Song of the Summer for It Girls: "360," Charli XCX

Charli XCX's latest album, "Brat," oscillates between hedonism and anxiety. "360" is a hot girl club classic squarely in the first category – all sexy showboating and futuristic production.

Past champion: "Stars Are Blind," Paris Hilton (2006)