Summer means speakers blasting and music festivals packed to the brim, and summer 2024 was no exception. From Kendrick Lamar to Olivia Rodrigo, there was no shortage of great music. But as the sunny season wraps up, Cougs are left asking: What was the song of the summer?
We asked our fellow Cougs two simple questions: “What is the song of the summer?” and “Why?” After gathering responses and analyzing the data, we narrowed it down to four strong contenders.
“I Had Some Help”
One of the top picks is Post Malone’s dive into country music with his single “I Had Some Help,” featuring country star Morgan Wallen. The upbeat track tells the story of a relationship’s end and the hope that exes also take responsibility for the breakup.
While this isn’t Post Malone’s first venture into country—he appeared on Beyoncé’s country-inspired album on the song “LEVII’S JEANS”—it marks his full shift into the genre.
“I Had Some Help” didn’t go viral on social media but still reached No. 1 on the charts. Many Cougs who chose this song pointed to its upbeat energy or described how the music made them feel free and light.
“It just feels very light and free, like a bright, sunny season,” junior broadcast major Becky Oberlander said.
“Not Like Us”
Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” also received plenty of votes. He directed the track at Canadian rapper Drake, and it dropped in May during the height of their public feud.
“Not Like Us” took off on social media, with soundbites going viral and even getting played at political rallies.
When asked why Cougs picked “Not Like Us” as the song of the summer, many pointed to its sharp lyrics and the intense rivalry between Kendrick and Drake.
“The Kendrick-Drake beef was on another level this summer. Kendrick absolutely destroyed him,” senior Dayton Zimlinghaus said. “Every lyric was intentional.”
“HOT TO GO!”
Chappell Roan’s popularity soared this summer, and many Cougs named songs from her 2023 album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” especially “HOT TO GO!”
“HOT TO GO!” draws inspiration from Y.M.C.A., but with a twist: it mocks a cheerleading routine, with chanting vocals and an ’80s pop and dance vibe.
When Cougs shared why they picked “HOT TO GO!” as the song of the summer, the reasons were varied, ranging from “gay pop” to “the dance is super iconic.”
“It’s a feel-good song. Everyone wants to feel hot and sexy, and it fits that vibe,” said Eliza Pepito, junior international business major.
“Espresso”
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” took the top spot, with the most votes from Cougs. Her other singles, “Please Please Please” and “Taste,” also got plenty of mentions.
Carpenter’s new album, Short n’ Sweet, dropped recently, and her three singles—“Espresso,” “Please Please Please” and “Taste”—made up more than a third of the total responses.
“Espresso” offers upbeat ’80s-inspired sounds with playful, nonsensical lyrics. Several lines, like “I’m working late ’cause I’m a singer,” blew up on social media. The song’s central theme— that Carpenter is as addictive as caffeine— resonated with listeners.
“I really relate to the idea of making someone obsessed with you to the point that you’re their espresso,” said Hudson Miller, senior multimedia journalism major.
Whether your summer was short and sweet, hard and soft or even a little bratty, the song of the summer is up for interpretation. Every song has its moment and deserves recognition. But based on the data we collected from our Cougar community, the song of the summer is… “Espresso.”
