What’s 2025’s song of the summer?

Last year there were contenders aplenty for the title song of the summer – and then some. There was the entirety of Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ album, the rapid rise of Chappell Roan with ‘Good Luck, Babe!’, Shaboozey’s historic chart run with ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ and a shot of ‘Espresso’ from Sabrina Carpenter – and these are just the obvious ones. Needless to say, we were spoiled for choice in 2024.

• READ MORE: Turnstile embarked on an odyssey of their own to make new album ‘Never Enough’

2025, however, hasn’t necessarily played out in the same way. While there are songs that have shown some potential to claim the crown, none has emerged as a clear frontrunner just yet. As summer looms, join NME as our staff weigh in on the best soundtrack for this season in the sun.

Ziwei Puah, Associate Commissioning Editor (Music)

1T1, Théomaa – ‘Bouwey’

Bouyon (pronounced boo-your) is the unruly cousin of soca – a riotous, pulse-racing subgenre born in Dominica, the small yet mighty Caribbean powerhouse where French-based creole (Kwéyòl) flows through the streets. Its carnival chaos didn’t stay put – it voyaged and landed in Black Francophone scenes, sparking up in France’s rap game with artists like 1T1 and Théomaa.

Their track ‘Bouwéy’ immortalises the rum-soaked, waistline-shackling frenzy of bacchanals, loaded with crashing cymbals, taunting pianos, whirling sirens and piercing organs. A slick blend of French-Creole and English, it’s a borderless anthem proving bouyon is more than a sound – it’s the soundtrack of the summer.

Kyann-Sian Williams, Junior Staff Writer

Aleksiah – ‘The Hit’

Summer romances rarely turn out the way we hope – but on her latest single, ‘The Hit’, Australian singer Aleksiah makes the passionate delirium of a misguided love affair sound like it might just be worth all the heartache and turmoil.

Over sparkling synths and hazy production, the budding popstar likens a bittersweet fling to the artificial high of a drug: “It’s the hit that gets me through the night / Leaves me thinkin’ that I’m fine / In the mornin’ I’ll be all yours.”

But the real magic hits when Aleksiah strips down the instrumental during the first half of the final chorus, leaving just her vulnerable voice and sparse soft synths – before it all rushes back in a euphoric, heart-pounding rush. Fleeting (and potentially toxic) summer love has never sounded so good.

Ziwei Puah, Associate Commissioning Editor (Music)

Fontaines D.C. – ‘It’s Amazing To Be Young’

Just as ‘Brat’ summer lingers, that neon green glow of ‘Romance’ bleeds into another year courtesy of Fontaines D.C.’s recent bumper edition of that album, which gave us this gem. Inspired by Carlos O’Connell’s newborn child, the song sighs with a pure and innocent euphoria and optimism. You’re young, savour these times. With just a handful of chances to see Dublin’s finest at some mega outdoor gigs and festival spots in the months ahead, grab a can, grab your mates, celebrate life, and know everything’s (probably) gonna be alright.

Andrew Trendell, News Editor

Haim – ‘Relationships’

Seven years in the works and five years after their last LP, ‘Relationships’ marked the long-awaited comeback from Haim and the breezy first preview of their new album ‘I Quit’. Exuding ‘00s R&B vibes and ethereal vocals from Danielle, this song from the Los Angeles sister trio is the ultimate anthem for those embracing a single girl summer, and one that hits the spot whether you’re living your best life at a festival or simply enjoying not being stuck in a situationship. Top of the playlist, please!

Liberty Dunworth, Staff Writer

Katseye – ‘Gnarly’

When Katseye first dropped the chaotic juggernaut that is ‘Gnarly’ in April, it was a whiplash-inducing U-turn from the cutesy sounds of their previous viral hit ‘Touch’. But gradually, what once seemed bonkers has become the most addictive, maximalist banger of the summer.

It’s the ultimate hype song for any situation – driving to a festival with your mates, getting ready for a big night out, or just strutting under the sun to do your groceries. It’s a reminder that to be cringe is to be free (we’ll admit lines like “Don’t talk to me, you’re gnarly / I’m not” could do with some work) and that calling yourself a “hottie, hottie / Like a bag of Takis” is an instant confidence and mood booster. You’ll either love it or you’ll hate it, but that’s all part of ‘Gnarly’’s charm.

Rhian Daly, Music Editor

PinkPantheress – ‘Tonight’

Honestly, you could soundtrack your whole summer with the entirety of PinkPantheress’ ‘Fancy That’ – from the chirpy self-introduction of ‘Illegal’ to the transatlantic dalliances of ‘Stateside’, this bright, bouncy project feels perfect for the season.

But there’s a special something about the lead single ‘Tonight’, which is as light and addictive as candy floss. Pink nails the frisson of flirtation with effortless quotables: “You want sex with me? (Uh huh) Come talk to me!” and “You can ruin my makeup / Yes, it’s fine / You could even ruin my life.” With lines like these, even the most introverted among us can summon the casual cheek for a short-lived summer fling.

Karen Gwee, Managing Editor (Music)

Turnstile – ‘Never Enough’

There’s something in the dreamy synths and wistful lyrics of this contemplative post-hardcore gem that makes you think of warm, hazy summer evenings spent lounging in the park. It drifts along, like a balloon on a light breeze, until caught in the sudden gust of wind that is guitarist Pat McCrory’s thunderous riff-making, which kickstarts the euphoric chorus.

“It’s never enough/Never enough,” sings frontman Brendan Yates – and though he’s talking about the emotional exhaustion of chasing fulfillment in a world that constantly demands more, it could just as easily be a rant about how those short, sunny months in the middle of the year always pass too quickly.

Alex Flood, Managing Editor (Entertainment & Partnerships)

Wet Leg – ‘Catch These Fists’

You may have first gotten to know Wet Leg as a quirky, deadpan duo from the Isle of Wight – but you’ll find now they’re spikier, stand-on-business and no longer taking any shit.

An anthem of frustration and confrontation, ‘Catch These Fists’ sees Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers speak for women everywhere: “I just threw up in my mouth when he just tried to ask me out / Yeah, don’t approach me, I just wanna dance with my friends / I know all too well just what you’re like / I don’t want your love, I just wanna fight.”

Bubbling basslines, scratchy guitar riffs and pummelling drum fills help make their chaos-driven message crystal clear: leave the girls alone. This summer, choose fun. Choose a night out with your friends. And if push comes to shove, choose violence.

Surej Singh, Senior Staff Writer

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