We’re decoding what makes a song a summer anthem and discuss how you can make your own seasonal hit that gets played by the pool.

Every summer, Spotify curates a playlist of the hottest songs of the season. This year, the platform has unveiled its Global Top 5 Songs of Summer, a collection that showcases the diverse sounds and cultural moments that resonated with listeners worldwide.

Spotify’s 5 tracks that defined summer 2024 are:

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish

HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan

Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar

Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter

A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey

You can see the selection of songs that became iconic this summer span genres and styles, from pop and hip-hop to country. So, if it’s not as simple as one genre making the headlines, then what makes a hit summer song?

What makes a hit song evolves over the years, particularly over time. A few trends can be taken from this summer’s hits that we can apply to our understanding of what made the hit songs of this summer.

  1. The Rise of Female Pop Stars: Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan both had breakout summers, with their songs topping charts and resonating with audiences.
  2. The Global Appeal of Country Music: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became a worldwide hit, showcasing the growing popularity of country music beyond the United States.
  3. The Power of Cultural Moments: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” gained momentum following his Juneteenth concert and the release of its music video.
  4. The Enduring Appeal of Classic Pop: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” became a summer anthem with its catchy chorus and nostalgic vibe.

5 tips for creating a hit summer song

We can use the trends we’ve seen this year with other general pieces of key advice to make our very own summer songs guaranteed to have an impact as the sun comes out and listeners head towards the sea and the pool.

1. Capture the summer vibe

  • Nostalgia: Tap into the feelings of nostalgia associated with summer, such as carefree days, beach vacations, and warm weather.
  • Upbeat Tempo: Create a catchy and energetic melody that will make listeners want to dance and sing along.
  • Positive Lyrics: Write lyrics that evoke feelings of happiness, joy, and carefree fun.

2. Know your audience

  • Research: Identify your target audience and understand their preferences in music.
  • Tailor Your Sound: Create a song that resonates with your target audience’s tastes and interests.

3. Create a memorable hook

  • Simplicity: Keep the hook simple and easy to remember.
  • Catchiness: Use a catchy melody and lyrics that will stick in people’s heads.

4. Leverage social media

  • Build a Following: Use social media platforms to promote your music and connect with fans.
  • Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your followers and respond to their comments.

5. Collaborate with others

  • Find the Right Partners: Collaborate with other musicians, producers, or songwriters who can bring fresh perspectives to your music.
  • Expand Your Network: Building relationships with other artists can help you reach a wider audience.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of creating a hit summer song that resonates with listeners and captures the spirit of the season.

Once you’ve created a hit song, it’s time to release it to the world. Thankfully, with RouteNote it’s both free AND easy to release your music to the top music services around the world, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.

Upload unlimited releases to the world by signing up to a free account at www.routenote.com today.