Myresa Medsker

Songs can have a unique way of capturing the essence of summer. What was once our favorite song or a trending sound on TikTok can turn into something of nostalgia, reminding us of staying up the whole night and being our tannest selves.
Summer anthems have a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a pop hit on the radio or a laid back indie song, these songs create a shared experience that can connect an entire group of people. Music plays a big part in a lot of people’s lives. Many memories can be held in a single song to the point that we can remember exactly where we were when we listened to that song and others can define a season. Sophomore Isabelle Evans has a favorite summer song.
“My favorite summer song is ‘Verbatim’ by Mother Mother because it’s catchy, with lyrics that inspire me to think positively,” said Evans.
For sophomore Anna Burlison, it’s Katy all the way.
“Anything by Katy Perry because she’s the ultimate summer girl for songs. The songs she makes are all about summer or partying,” said Burlison.
As they roll out of the parking lot into the summer sun, other students will be blasting their go-to tunes. David Campbell might be cranking “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, Maddie Greenway will jam out to “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, Ashton Stoney will be “soaking up the sun” with Sheryl Crow, and Addy Grey is likely to be “Surfin’ USA” because it makes her think of the beach.
The idea of summer anthems started around the early ‘90s, the most notable ones being “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette, and “Wonderwall” by Oasis. Older summer songs even included hits like “School’s Out for the Summer” by Alice Cooper in the early ‘70s and “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams in the ‘80s. Even though at the time “Summer of ‘69” was not named a “summer hit,” people who are old enough to have lived it can easily remember that summer by recalling that song.
So what makes a summer anthem a summer anthem? An “anthem” is made from a song with catchy lyrics that teens of the time relate to. Sometimes the lyrics are popularized by a chart topping band or singer, or by a one-hit-wonder. A person’s most influential time in their life is during their teen years, so it is no wonder they are the ones that define summer anthems.
Some recent summer anthems include: “Hot to Go” by Chapell Roan and “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar from 2024, “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift in 2023, and “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles from 2021. It begs the question: what will the summer anthem of 2025 be? Who will it be by? Could it be stars already in the scene, like Selena Gomez, Gracie Abrams, or Bruno Mars? Or a rising newcomer that makes their debut?