Continuing Artsweek’s summer rollout, here’s what I’ve been listening to throughout summer 2025 — an eclectic mix of new releases, nostalgic hits and everything in between.
You’re turning over a new leaf: “Used to Know Me” by Charli xcx
New summer, new you. This is one of my personal favorite songs from Charli’s “Crash” era (yes, I was a fan before “Brat,” and yes, I’m very annoying about it). The thesis of the track can be found in the very first line: “You used to know me, now you don’t,” which is perfect for those who approach summer as a chance to reset, shake off everything and embark on a fresh start. It’s a high energy, straightforward hit that catches your ear from the start and takes you along for the electropop ride.
You miss summer 2016: “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris and Rihanna
Calvin Harris is the king of summer hits, no doubt about it. And “This Is What You Came For” is no exception. Sung by Rihanna (and written by Taylor Swift), the track literally transports you back to simpler times, when choker necklaces were everywhere and Instagram filters were still a thing. I’m not joking — I see the world through VSCO lenses when listening to this song. It’s a guaranteed hit no matter where you go, and is the perfect track to play poolside, beachside or just in your room, reminiscing.
You’re falling for your summer fling: “The Louvre” by Lorde
There’s something about the sunny weather and long days that sets the stage for a short-lived summer romance. And while some are fine with a casual, no-strings-attached situation, these summer flings can get complicated. Fast. In “The Louvre,” Lorde sings about the excitement of a new romance that starts to grow into something more serious, and the emotions that come with navigating it.
What’s notable about the track (and the masterpiece that is the “Melodrama” album) is Lorde’s ability to capture the complexities and intricacies of young love, and how feelings are amplified when an expiration date looms in the near future. “A rush at the beginning / I get caught up, just for a minute.”
You want to respark an old flame: “Ring Ring Ring” by Tyler, The Creator
Summer is the season of opportunity. However, for some, it’s the season of backsliding. Sometimes the lulls of time and lazy days result in the need to disturb your peace and slide back into the past. In “Ring Ring Ring,” the lead single from Tyler, The Creator’s summer 2025 album “DON’T TAP THE GLASS,” the rapper yearns for a past relationship, expressing the desire to get back together one last time. The song itself is structured as a phone call to said ex, asking for them to “Ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring, pick up the phone.”
You’re on the beach and life has never been better: “Mona Lisa” by Dominic Fike
Perhaps best known for its inclusion in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Mona Lisa” is an undeniably catchy summer hit, best listened to at the beach. The song itself is like listening to sunshine. I have a distinct memory of tanning on the beach with “Mona Lisa” playing on a speaker nearby, hair slightly damp from the ocean and thinking, “This might be the life.” And honestly? I was right. That is the life.
You’re running around a new city, feeling like Dakota Johnson in a summer rom-com: “My Baby (Got Nothing At All) (Materialists Soundtrack)” by Japanese Breakfast
Celine Song’s sophomore film “Materialists” took summer by storm, with leads Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal captivating the minds of audiences and bringing back the classic rom-com to theaters. The film features “My Baby (Got Nothing At All),” an original song from indie rock artist Japanese Breakfast. The song is gentle and comforting, and (speaking from personal experience) the perfect track to imagine yourself as the star of a rom-com, walking around the city and smiling to the lyrics “You’re in love / And there’s no doubt about it.”
You’re going stir-crazy in your childhood bedroom: “Thirst Trap” by Audrey Hobert
If there’s one thing pop’s newest face is good at, it’s brutally honest and often self-deprecating lyrics. Audrey Hobert’s debut album “Who’s the Clown?” is unlike any other album released this summer, mainly because of its sardonic and comical nature. In “Thirst Trap,” Hobert puts words to actions that are borderline inexplicable, singing about the process of taking a thirst trap with one person on your mind to see it.
Perhaps the most real lyrics ever are found in the bridge of the song — “But now I listen to my playlists and pretend I’m you / Look at what I posted and pretend I’m you / I’m sick and twisted and borin’ / But all yours, so let me adore you.” I mean, come on. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, I’m jealous.
You’re a little too invested in “The Summer I Turned Pretty:” “Summer Love” by Justin Timberlake
Let’s be real: whether you’re team Conrad (which everyone should be) or team Jeremiah (which no one should be), “Summer Love” has probably been stuck in your head since episode 1 of season 3, when Belly and Jeremiah sing along to it in the car. The Justin Timberlake track is the perfect 2000s dopamine hit, with a hook that’s impossible to get out of your head and incredibly lip-sync-able lyrics. Like Belly and Jeremiah, you can’t help but roll down the car windows and blast that song while driving at night.
