NEW YORK (AP) — What defines the ultimate song of summer? Is it an upbeat pop anthem? A track with a hook that refuses to leave your head? Does it need sunny buzzwords like “sunshine,” “summer,” or even “California” slipped into the lyrics? And let’s be honest — is it even possible to follow in the footsteps of Brian Wilson and his masterful summer hits?

The truth is, determining the song of the summer is often up to individual taste — or ears, in this case. But The Associated Press considers it the tune that dominates the lazy, hazy days from June through August, the one you’ll hear blaring from beachside speakers or car radios. Of course, the right song varies by crowd and mood.

Below, AP presents its 2025 picks for song of the summer in a variety of flavors — with a nod to their predecessors for comparison.

Pick your favorite and stream them all in our curated Spotify playlist.

Best pre-season pick: “NUEVAYoL,” Bad Bunny

Summer jams don’t always need to debut in warm weather. History has shown that a January release can still make waves later — just ask Olivia Rodrigo. This year, Bad Bunny once again takes the spotlight with “NUEVAYoL,” the opening track from his latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” It cleverly samples El Gran Combo’s classic 1975 salsa anthem “Un Verano en Nueva York,” fusing tradition and innovation into a timeless new groove.

Previous highlight: “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2,” PinkPantheress, Ice Spice (2023)

Most online-friendly anthem: “Tonight,” PinkPantheress

The queen of internet pop strikes again — PinkPantheress returns with “Tonight,” a bass-heavy, hyperpop-infused track that’s instantly danceable. The British singer proves she’s no fluke, delivering digital-age hits with staying power. While some online favorites fade fast, hers have carved out a lasting legacy.

Previous highlight: “Million Dollar Baby,” Tommy Richman (2024)

Best post-breakup soundtrack: “What Was That,” Lorde

After a four-year hiatus, Lorde returns to her synth-pop roots with “What Was That,” reviving the emotional introspection of her “Melodrama” era. It’s a contemplative look at emotional detachment, combining moody production with vulnerability — making it ideal for anyone navigating post-romance introspection in the summer sun.

Previous highlight: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” Bee Gees (1971)

Girl-powered anthem of the season: “Gnarly,” KATSEYE

Born from K-pop training and global pop ambition, girl group KATSEYE delivers “Gnarly,” a high-energy pop number with chant-worthy vibes and brand-name flair. Whether you’re part of the sisterhood or just along for the ride, this catchy track rallies the crowd with cheer-squad charm.

Previous highlight: “Bills, Bills, Bills,” Destiny’s Child (1999)

Top flirt anthem: “WASSUP,” Young Miko

Summer sparks fly with Young Miko’s flirtatious banger “WASSUP.” Built on confident delivery and clever callbacks to hits like “Lollipop” and “Chulin Culin Chunfly,” this track fuses nostalgia with swagger — the perfect wingwoman for steamy nights and poolside crushes.

Previous highlight: “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” T-Pain ft. Yung Joc (2007)

Most boy-band-esque ballad by an American: “Ordinary,” Alex Warren

Alex Warren channels soft-focus sentimentality in “Ordinary,” a polished power-ballad reminiscent of UK boyband fare but from a stateside voice. It’s emotionally calculated with a spiritual afterglow — no wonder it soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Previous highlight: “Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone (2024)

The rebound anthem: “Nokia,” Drake

Despite a headline-heavy feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake rebounds with “Nokia,” a throwback-style jam blending R&B, rap, and pop. Ambling in with a charmingly retro ringtone motif, the track reminds fans why he’s still one of the genre’s biggest players.

Previous highlight: “Back to Back,” Drake (2015)

TikTok's energy booster: “Boots on the Ground,” 803Fresh

TikTok doesn’t just reflect pop culture; it sometimes writes the rules. Enter 803Fresh’s “Boots on the Ground,” a breakout hit complete with a line-dance hook and bouncy country-trap flavor. It’s comedic, catchy, and endlessly shareable — a digital generation’s dancefloor filler.

Previous highlight: “The Spark,” Kabin Crew & Lisdoonvarna Crew (2024)

Ultimate ‘it girl’ anthem: “Fame Is A Gun,” Addison Rae

For all fans of futuristic, glitzy synth-pop, Addison Rae’s “Fame Is A Gun” nails the post-“BRAT” era vibe. With glossy production and a trance-like energy, this stylish track is club-ready and cool-girl-approved — a must for anyone strutting through summer with shades on.

Previous highlight: “Bad Girls,” Donna Summer (1979)

Vengeful summer bop: “Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter is on a hot streak with clever, country-leaning pop. “Manchild” skewers toxic masculinity with a smile, tying pointed lyrics with a bouncy melody. A toast to personal empowerment, it’s a revenge anthem with rhythm — and wit, too.

Previous highlight: “Before He Cheats,” Carrie Underwood (2006)

Reigning chart-topping hit: “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Though “Luther” was released last November, its impact has stretched well into 2025. Dominating the charts for 13 straight weeks, this Kendrick and SZA collaboration is emotionally rich, sampling Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn for a soul-tinged ballad that transcends seasonal boundaries.

Previous highlight: “Last Night,” Morgan Wallen (2023)

Top country-pop blend: “What I Want,” Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae

Morgan Wallen steps into new terrain with “What I Want,” inviting pop sensation Tate McRae to co-star on a tender, genre-straddling duet. With its broad appeal and down-home charm, this track is built for crossover success and country radio domination alike.

Previous highlight: “You’re Still the One,” Shania Twain (1998)

Best resurfaced gem: “party 4 you,” Charli xcx

Fans can’t seem to get enough Charli xcx — so they went back through the crates. “party 4 you,” off her 2020 album, has found a second life in 2025, thanks to fan revival and a new music video. Its dreamy energy slots right into a modern-day summer rotation.

Previous highlight: “Cruel Summer,” Taylor Swift (2019, but crowned again in 2023)

Most canine-coded anthem: “Mutt,” Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas turns heads with “Mutt,” which climbed charts thanks to a deluxe edition and a remix featuring Chris Brown. Sticky and strut-worthy, the song’s canine metaphor is hard to resist — especially when belted at the top of your lungs during a summer drive.

Previous highlight: “Bird Dog,” The Everly Brothers (1958)