Every summer seems to have its own anthem—a song that captures the mood of the season and dominates airwaves, playlists, and parties. Based on radio requests, streaming stats, and cultural impact, here are 20 unforgettable summer hits from the last two decades, including what people are listening to in the summer of 2025.

1. 2005 – “Hollaback Girl”
   Gwen Stefani | 10 weeks in Top 10
   A cheerleader chant gone pop, perfect for summer energy.
2. 2006 – “Crazy”
   Gnarls Barkley | 15 weeks on chart
   Soulful, eerie, and completely unforgettable.
3. 2007 – “Umbrella”
   Rihanna ft. Jay-Z | 18 weeks in Top 10
   A rainy-day anthem that still sizzled all summer.
4. 2008 – “I Kissed a Girl”
   Katy Perry | 14 weeks on chart
   A bold pop debut that screamed summer rebellion.
5. 2009 – “I Gotta Feeling”
   Black Eyed Peas | 26 weeks on chart
   A party staple that dominated global playlists.
6. 2010 – “California Gurls”
   Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg | 16 weeks in Top 10
   An ode to West Coast fun and sun.
7. 2011 – “Party Rock Anthem”
   LMFAO | 29 weeks on chart
   Everyone was shufflin’ that summer.
8. 2012 – “Call Me Maybe”
   Carly Rae Jepsen | 20 weeks on chart
   A catchy hook that no one could resist.
9. 2013 – “Blurred Lines”
   Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell & T.I. | 22 weeks on chart
   Controversial, but everywhere.
10. 2014 – “Fancy”
    Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX | 18 weeks in Top 10
    A stylish beat perfect for beach drives.
11. 2015 – “Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)”
    OMI | 15 weeks in Top 10
    A breezy tropical tune.
12. 2016 – “One Dance”
    Drake ft. WizKid& Kyla | 23 weeks on chart
    Laid-back and made for warm nights.
13. 2017 – “Despacito”
    Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber | 30 weeks on chart
    A global Latin pop phenomenon.
14. 2018 – “In My Feelings”
    Drake | 22 weeks on chart
    Fueled by viral dance challenges.
15. 2019 – “Old Town Road”
    Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus | 31 weeks in Top 10
    Genre-defying and unshakably catchy.
16. 2020 – “Watermelon Sugar”
    Harry Styles | 20 weeks on chart
    A sensual, summery hit.
17. 2021 – “Butter”
    BTS | 18 weeks on chart
    A smooth, feel-good jam.
18. 2022 – “As It Was”
    Harry Styles | 25 weeks in Top 10
    Melancholic yet breezy.
19. 2023 – “Cruel Summer” (re-release)
    Taylor Swift | 21 weeks on chart
    A fan-favorite finally crowned.
20. 2025 – “Heatstroke Heart”
    Lana Del Rey & The Weeknd | 9 weeks (and climbing)
    Dark and dreamy, it’s the unexpected vibe of summer 2025.

These summer songs defined their seasons—and many still light up speakers today.