What Happened to the Song of the Summer?

We’re closing out the summer on a high note! We asked you to let us know what you think the song of the summer is, and it turns out, the classics can still compete with this year’s biggest hits. CNN contributor and “Engagement Party” co-host Ari Shapiro traces how the song of the summer became a cultural phenomenon – and why today’s mix of country, rap, pop and throwbacks may mean our musical tastes are expanding, not dividing us. 

 

Listen to the Engagement Party episode on the song of the summer here. 

Here are the songs that shaped your summer: 

My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na  

Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff - Summertime  

AR/CO, Kasango, and Shimza – Fire Fire 

Rudy Currence – Compliment  

 The Rolling Stones - Angry 

(No Artist Listed) - Constant Cadence 

Sky Ferreira – Everything Is Embarrassing  

Shakira - Dai Dai  

Yung Miami – Spend Dat 

RAYE – Where Is My Husband! 

Zac Brown Band – Pirates & Parrots 

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas 

Chic – Good Times 

Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun 

Sister Sledge – We Are Family 

Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze 

The Beginning of the End - Funky Nassau 

Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing in the Street 

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Find Your People  

Stephanie Mills – Put Your Body In It 

Drake – Janice STFU 

DJ Ilham - Digidi Digidi   

Scott Helman – Mr. Record Label 

RAYE – Joy 

Bill Stiteler / The Saxboy – The Puerto Rico Song 

Master KG - Jerusalema 

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