Spotify's Songs of Summer 2025 highlights introspective sounds with standout names like Ravyn Lenae and MOLIY, while hip-hop and global collaborations thrive.
As the warm days of summer 2025 begin to wane, Spotify has unveiled its ‘Songs of Summer’ playlist, setting a reflective tone for the season’s soundtrack. Rather than the high-energy beats that typically characterize summer jams, this year’s list leans into more introspective and softer sounds, featuring a multi-genre exploration that is both refreshingly soothing and deeply engaging.
One of the standout features this summer is the presence of artists like Ravyn Lenae, MOLIY, and PinkPantheress, who have each carved out a unique space in the summer soundscape. Yet, despite the primary focus on mellow vibes, the ever-resilient hip-hop genre still finds its influence resonating through tracks by renowned artists like Drake, Lil Tecca, and emerging names such as BigXthaPlug.
The highlight of the playlist is undoubtedly Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” which not only topped the list but also famously outperformed Drake’s “What Did I Miss?” on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its widespread appeal. The song captures the essence of a typical summer day with its relatable lyrics and catchy rhythm.
Close contenders on the playlist include Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” a follow-up to her viral hit “Espresso.” Meanwhile, MOLIY’s remix of “Shake It To The Max (FLY)” features an exciting collaboration with Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea, adding a luscious spice of global flair to the mix. Spotify particularly praised Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” for enveloping listeners in a ‘warm, nostalgic groove,’ ideal for those languid summer evenings.
Interestingly, Spotify’s analysis this year highlighted a trend towards lower energy, less danceability, attributing this shift to changes in tempo, rhythm, and beat strength. This phenomenon underscores a broader cultural shift, reflecting perhaps a deeper communal introspection or simply a temporary departure from overt, high-energy beats.
Nevertheless, hip-hop was not to be left out, as familiar names punctuated the playlist. PinkPantheress’ “Illegal” claimed the sixth spot, showcasing her knack for merging contemporary sounds with nostalgic flair. Other notable inclusions like Lil Tecca’s “Dark Thoughts” and BigXthaPlug’s collaboration with Bailey Zimmerman on “All The Way” underline how hip-hop continues to define summer narratives even amidst evolving genre landscapes.
Comparing this year to 2024’s top picks, which included vibrant tracks such as Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” it’s clear that while the thematic tones may have shifted, the core appeal of a ‘summer hit’—capturing the essence of the moment—remains unchanged.
Spotify’s assertion that “the season’s not over yet” leaves room for anticipation, as a few surprise hits could still emerge, leaving a last-minute mark on the fading summer days. Whether the remaining weeks will introduce chart-topping surprises or solidify the playlist’s established themes remains to be seen, but this reflection of summer 2025 provides a compelling case for music’s adaptive power.
