The Best Summer Songs of 2025, According to The Guardian Writers

The Guardian writers have selected their top tracks of the summer 2025, each offering a unique perspective on what makes a song unforgettable for the season. From Addison Rae’s carefree ‘Headphones On’, which perfectly embodies the feeling of summer relaxation, to Katseye’s wild ‘Gnarly’, reminiscent of early 2010s pop energy, these songs capture different moods and vibes. Jade’s ‘Plastic Box’ brings a mix of melancholy and electro-pop charm, while PinkPantheress’s ‘Illegal’ takes listeners on a journey through the haze of summer highs. Other picks include the punk-pop energy of ‘commie bf’ by forty winks and the introspective summer melancholy of Khamari’s ‘Head in a Jar’. UK producer MK’s ‘Dior’ is a standout, already a chart-topper in the UK. Haim’s ‘Relationships’ offers a reflective take on summer ennui, while The Beths’ ‘No Joy’ contrasts its summery pop sound with lyrics about depression. Newcomers like sombr and Matías Aguayo also make their mark, with their genre-blending tracks perfectly fitting the season’s vibe. Each song embodies a distinct side of summer, from party anthems to reflective ballads, capturing a broad spectrum of emotions and experiences that define the season in music.