Summer and music are a perfect pairing, much like sand and surf or barbecues and backyards. The summer of 2021 was no different, providing a soundtrack filled with catchy, uplifting, and breezy tunes that carried us through heatwaves and beach days alike. Each of these songs made their mark, ringing out of car windows, and becoming the backdrop for countless memories. Let’s dive into the top 10 summer songs of 2021, starting with number ten and working our way to the season’s ultimate anthem.
#10 “Peaches” – Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon
Released in March, “Peaches” quickly became a summer hit with its laid-back vibe and catchy chorus. The track features smooth guest verses from Daniel Caesar and Giveon, artists who add their unique R&B flavors. Justin Bieber’s soft vocals sing of love and longing, with a nod to the pleasures of life—Georgia peaches and California weed, among others. It’s the kind of track that seems tailor-made for cruising down the highway with the top down.
#9 “Levitating” – Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby
Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” kept us floating throughout the summer with its disco-infused beats and a celestial vibe—fitting for a song about being on top of the world. The British pop sensation collaborated with rapper DaBaby, adding a new dimension to the hit that propelled it even further on the summer soundtrack charts. Its upbeat, infectious energy makes “Levitating” a song you can’t help but dance to.
#8 “Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat feat. SZA
A flirty and funky song that effortlessly blends pop with a touch of hip-hop, “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat, featuring SZA, reliably set the mood for summer love stories. The playful back-and-forth between the two female powerhouses created a sizzling track proving irresistible, whether at summer pool parties or in late-night jam sessions with friends.
#7 “good 4 u” – Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo burst onto the scene with “drivers license,” but it was “good 4 u” that became the angsty pop-punk anthem of the summer. Channeling the spirit of 2000s rock, Rodrigo delivered a breakup song that combines teenage heartbreak with electric guitar riffs, making it perfect for both tearful singalongs and cathartic shouting.
#6 “Deja Vu” – Olivia Rodrigo
Another hit from breakout star Olivia Rodrigo, “Deja Vu” combines nostalgia with a hint of jealousy, reflecting on a past relationship and the eerie feeling that follows when an ex moves on. With its clever lyrics and dreamy production, “Deja Vu” resonates with anyone who’s ever seen history repeating itself and wondered if they’re the only one noticing the pattern.
#5 “Butter” – BTS
K-pop phenoms BTS delivered the ultimate feel-good hit with “Butter.” The smooth like butter song, complete with a pulsating bass line and a catchy hook, offers a pure pop experience that is both energizing and easygoing—exactly what the best summer songs are made of. “Butter” demonstrates BTS’s uncanny ability to create music that transcends language barriers and unites listeners around the globe in dance.
#4 “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X continued to redefine what a pop hit could be with “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” Merging hip-hop beats with a dash of flamenco guitar, the artist crafts a song that is both personal and provocative. The summer of 2021 saw “Montero” not just climbing charts, but also challenging norms and sparking conversation, all the while encouraging listeners to sing along to its hypnotic chorus.
#3 “Leave The Door Open” – Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, collectively known as Silk Sonic, launched a sonic time machine with “Leave The Door Open,” a song oozing with ’70s soul and charisma. This smooth, romantic ballad was made for easy summer evenings—the kind of song to accompany a sunset-lit dinner or a slow dance under the stars.
#2 “Save Your Tears” – The Weeknd & Ariana Grande (Remix)
Already a hit, “Save Your Tears,” by The Weeknd, got a summer revival with a feature from pop siren Ariana Grande. The remix added a new layer of vocal harmony and a tinge of melancholy to the synth-pop tune, making it a mainstay on summer playlists. It’s a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for reflective moments or late-night drives.
#1 “Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran
Topping the list is Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits,” which dominated the airwaves with its vibrant, dance-friendly production—a slight departure from Sheeran’s typical acoustic pop fare. The song’s infectious beat and melody, juxtaposed against lyrics about repeatedly giving in to temptation, created the ultimate dichotomy of reflection and revelry.
“Bad Habits” is reminiscent of the nightlife scene that many longed for during the pandemic, with its theme of indulgence in the twilight hours. As summer parties returned and life seemed to bloom again, “Bad Habits” captured the collective desire to let loose and embrace the joys of the season to the fullest.
In summation, these ten tracks each played a part in defining the soundtrack of Summer 2021—a mix of up-tempo dance anthems, breezy pop tunes, and the familiar comfort of romantic ballads. Whether you spent the season hitting the beach, embarking on road trips, or simply finding solace in the sun-drenched days at home, it’s these songs that underscore our memories, turning an ordinary summer into an unforgettable melody of moments.