Missing in action: The summer season is sans a summer song

Can we just take a moment to acknowledge the chaos of having to ring in the summer without an actual anthem to get this season going?

Where is our next “Espresso” moment? You know, the track that takes over barbeques, rooftop hangouts, speakers at the beach, your entire Instagram feed — the soul song of each summer.

Right now, Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist is trying to do all the heavy lifting but failing miserably. Too many songs on the charts yet none bold enough to claim the song of the summer 2025 crown.

We need a certified bop stat. But until we get that, here are some of my favourites to soothe this music sunburn and keep you company in the meantime.

“Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley and the Wailers (1980)

This track is a timeless groove that radiates a joyful sunshine vibe. It’s perfect to play in the background as you enjoy a good game of cards under a tree surrounded by little white daisies and a fountain spraying ahead of you. (I’m totally thinking of the KPU Surrey campus.)

“Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John (2006)

Whistle away with this indie song as you cycle through Stanley Park. Its laid-back vibe pairs perfectly with the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, making you feel effortlessly cool and completely in the moment.

“Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae (2011)

Everyone knows the lyrics to this peak care-free summer song. Scream your heart out of rolled-down car windows while you head to the beach. As Hot Chelle Rae advises in the song, be sure to get crazy and let it out — and remember that it is in fact alright tonight!

“Tumhi Ho Bandhu” by Kavita Seth, Neeraj Shridhar, and Pritam Chakraborty (2012)

This Hindi song mixes Bollywood flair with the exciting feeling of being young and in the moment with your friends. With themes of being care-free and celebrating your uniqueness, this track’s upbeat melody just feels like dancing barefoot at the beach.

“Live While We’re Young” by One Direction (2012)

A summer playlist without a One Direction song is going in the wrong direction. This song is bold, bright, and totally unapologetic. It captures the heart-racing feeling of jumping into lakes fully clothed, just because it is summer and you can. And while the summer semester is a bit of a scam, as contributor Jeevan Johal warned us about in The Runner’s previous issue, still don’t forget to live while you’re young.

“Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE (2015)

This one is loud, funky, chaotic, and maybe even a little dirty, but hey, who doesn’t like a bit of sand? A song about a sweet treat by the sea in the summer with someone just as sweet — and hopefully not sunburnt — is why this song ruled in 2015 and why it still rules my heart (Also, Joe Jonas. Nothing more.)

Until someone drops the summer anthem, I’ll be here — sunburnt, overhydrated, and blasting these bops like they’ve got SPF 100.