2026 Song of the Summer
I watched Mic the Snare’s latest video on his top 20 songs for the Summer of 2026. I was particularly interested in watching this video (although I admit I do just watch everything he puts out anyways) because I’ve been recently self-tasked with making 2026 Summer mixtapes for friends. As I'd been going through the process of planning out these mixtapes, I felt like I really hadn't been able to compile a true 2026 Summer playlist.
I went back to thinking of what I was listening to last year around summer time, and there’s a few big standouts:
Namely as entire albums, PinkPantheress’ Fancy That came out early May in 2025, which held “Illegal”, “Stars”, “Stateside”, and “Girl Like Me” that were in constant rotation in my house. Marina (namesake of Marina and the Diamonds) dropped Princess of Power, and I got treated to a song that is a constant earworm still, undoubtedly helped by this inspired tiktok:
@homosweethomo Omastar Omastar Omastar 💜 #cuntissimo#marina#omastar#shinyomastar
♬ original sound - David A
A little later on Jeon Somi released her EP Chaotic & Confused on August 11th which has been saved to the top of my YouTube Music “Speed Dial” since my first listen. (Also if you’ve never listened to her EP Game Plan please do because I love it sm)
Then there was the phenomenon that was K-Pop Demon Hunters that premiered on Netflix on June 20th. From the musical spawned “Golden”, “Take Down”, “Soda Pop”, and “What It Sounds Like” as daily listens. (They recently released the movie's OST with their original songs in French and I'm loving it)
So I sat down to think of what songs DO feel like Summer 2026 to me. As I think of the albums and songs I’ve been repeatedly listening to this season, I’m looking at illit’s MAMIHLAPINATAPAI; In particular, “paw, paw!” and it’s playful melody that I can easily envision on my hypothetical 2026 Summer Playlist. I also like the title track, but there’s some weird reverb on the vocals that makes it hard to listen to x{
It seems as though Le Sserafim is the group that will take up the mantle of Summer Song Queens left vacant by Sistar. It’s slowly growing on me, but “BOOMPALA” from their latest album ‘PUREFLOW’ pt. 1 is probably what most people will remember regarding summer in K-Pop, although “CELEBRATION” and “iffy iffy” are my favorites off there.
There's also “Surfin’ Boy” or “Hot Girls Cold Vibe” from Red Velvet’s recent EP Velvet Summer, but they feel so on the nose that when I first listened they didn't immediately register as playlist contenders, although on repeat listens they absolutely are.
Sam Gellaitry’s ANYWHERE HERE IS PERFECT (DELUXE) was something that came up in the New Releases section of YouTube Music that I gave a chance and really surprised me. The third track, “NERVOUS”, truly ramps up into a party song I would deem list worthy. It’s a phenomenal album, and I look forward to learning more about this new-to-me artist.
Hearst2Hearts “RUDE!” is a song that has actually made it onto one of the playlists I finished, whose catchy summer makes me feel like driving down the highway in a convertible and singing it’s chorus in unison and repeating it’s ad-libs. Their latest single, "ICONIC HEART" is also Summer '26 list worthy. (I really love the Sailor Scout themed music video too!)
Speaking of ad-libs, I absolutely know “Leak It” from FLO's latest album THERAPY AT THE CLUB is going on my list.
Finally, Carly Rae’s anticipated next album Day And Night will be squeaking in on September 18th, four days before the end of the summer, with two out of the three pre-release singles “Don’t Leave Me on the Dancefloor” and “After All” giving off a sort-of melancholic summer vibe. I think I envision myself associating these with the Fall season more.
I also realized that I haven’t really been listening to “Popular Pop” this year. Out of the songs I’ve listed above, “BOOMPALA” is probably the most commercial pick for radio play. Not to say that my songs of the summer would have to be in line with popular opinion, but it was interesting to notice how many of the songs Mic had on his list were ones I hadn’t even heard before. I actually don’t think I’ve listened to any Ella Langley song, who he had nothing but glowing praise for. I hadn’t even known Bruno Mars put out a new album to be honest… I did listen to Olivia’s new album when it came out but I never revisited it, nor did I seem to save any of the songs from it to my music library. I adored GUTS (spilled), so I feel like I’ll have to give it an earnest re-listen.
Other that Tame Impala and PinkPantheress, the only other song he mentioned from an artist I like are Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” and “Man I Need”, which were released in 2025.
One of the big things I noticed when I set about trying to create a 2026 Summer playlist was that the most summery songs for me this year are not from this year: “OTSUKARE Summer” from HALICALI immediately is my top contender for a quote-unquote Song of the Summer for 2026. It recently re-surged into popularity from being a tiktok sound bite and eventual dance, and I personally discovered the song through episode 2 of Saikoro Music. The lyrics portray a frustrated and pensive recollection of summer memories between friends while bidding the summer farewell. It’s not hard to see it being popular in this nihilistic age. Other older songs I’d add are “YUSHA” by YOASOBI from 2023 and “saving flowers” by salute featuring Rina Sawayama from 2024.
I noticed was how somber most of Mic’s list felt too; Even the more “upbeat” sounding songs like “stupid song” from Olivia Rodrigo and “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson weren’t really dance-y in my opinion, and the ones that were closest are specifically remixes. There’s obviously a lot of turmoil in the air (and I’m not just talking about COVID) and I can feel it represented in Mic’s choices.
So far out of 7 playlists I owe, one has been completed and sent, I’m 70% of the way done with two, and 30% with another.
It Truly Sucks to be a bitch that cares about song order. I spent like, a whole ass hour trying to deal with Windows Media Viewer the other day finishing the one playlist I sent because it kept freezing as I was moving around songs to get the play order I felt worked best. I need to finish them before September 22nd, so I do have a month left, but I’m hoping to have them finished by the end of next week and If I Type It Out It’s A Real Deadline.
If you’re a mixtape freak (positive, highest regard), send me one of your favorites! I’m still very proud of this old playlist I made for the League of Legends characters Vi, Caitlyn, and Jinx back in like, 2015 or something LOL.
Whats your top "Song of the Summer" for 2026? I love music recommendations, so feel free to send me an email with some!