Full of teaser singles and new releases, this summer brought another round of fiery, emotional, and relatable anthems. From recovery songs to upbeat rhythms for the dancefloor, there is a lot to break down—so let’s get to it.
“Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone
4/10
First up, Benson Boone’s infamous “Mystical Magical.” This song didn’t go viral because people enjoyed it—it was because we were waterboarded by it. Its high-pitched verses and painfully catchy chorus definitely left a mark this summer. The song was played non-stop, met with groans and eyerolls, yet, somehow, everyone had it memorized. Boone’s anthem haunted nearly every space this season. The song is not even that bad—its quirky, almost nonsensical lines made it quite unforgettable. They gave it a strange charm, the kind that left people half-laughing, half-singing along whether they wanted to or not.
“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter
7/10
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” the ultimate petty song of summer, is perfect to play while driving with the car windows down and screaming all the air out of your lungs. Carpenter jabs at ex-boyfriends like the chorus line “Man-child, why you always come a-runnin’ to me? / F*ck my life, won’t you let an innocent woman be,” she sings. This line, paired with a danceable rhythm, united heartbroken girls everywhere. Wrapped up in a bright, country twang, the lyrics aren’t subtle or profound—but they hit exactly where they’re supposed to. Although not the most sophisticated of songs, if the moment calls for verbally torching a situationship, just blast “Manchild” instead!
“The Subway” by Chappell Roan
9/10
After over a year of anticipation, Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” did not disappoint. Its vivid and strong storytelling builds into a heartbreaking bridge. The lines “She’s got a way,” which transition into “she got away,” have wholeheartedly taken over people’s minds. It’s a simple line, yet it’s the type that you cannot stop replaying. Through the chorus, “The Subway” is reminiscent of classical yearning throughout time, such as Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” emphasizing the eternal, soul-crushing desire for something unattainable. Its stripped-down production lets the emotion shine, making it not only devastating but haunting. If you are ‘yearning’ this summer, Roan might’ve provided you with the ultimate summer soundtrack.
“DAISIES” by Justin Bieber
8/10
After a four-year drought and amid divorce rumors, Justin Bieber is finally standing on business. “DAISIES” is some of the best work Bieber has produced in a long time. The sweet lyrics reflect on his newfound fatherhood, but contrast with his troubled past of arrests and scandals. The song is catchy, having gone viral on TikTok with the lines “But if you need time / Just take your time / Honey, I get it, I get it, I get it.” Beyond the hook, it seems like Bieber is stepping into maturity and finally turning his scandals into stability with his new album. The growth is clear, the beat is catchy, and when Bieber finally dropped “DAISIES,” I knew it could be a strong song of the summer.
“back to friends” by sombr
5/10
This past summer could be considered a “sombr summer” with hits “12 to 12,” “undressed,” and obviously “back to friends,” which might be my least favorite of them all. While listening to the lines “How can we go back to being friends / When we just shared a bed,” I couldn’t help but feel somewhat unsettled. The eerie background track and isolated vocals didn’t just convey sombr’s isolation, but left me feeling hollow. I think this song and I will just be ‘staying friends.’
“Ordinary” by Alex Warren
6/10
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” has taken the music and social media world by storm, circulating the internet and holding the first spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for ten straight weeks this summer. The song is touching and melodic, describing a love that is anything but ordinary. “The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found / Somethin’ so out of the ordinary,” he sings, suggesting a love so grand that even the divine would be envious. As heartfelt as it is, this song lacked the “wow” factor upon first listen. Maybe it’s the overexposure on the TikTok For You Page, or maybe the fact that the singer was once dancing on the app in the Hype House.
