Songs of the Summer: What America Was Listening Each Year (2010-2024)
Every summer has its own soundtrack - that one song you couldn't escape, whether you loved it or hated it. Some tracks become instant earworms, dominating radio airwaves, pool parties, TikToks, and group chats. Others ride controversy or pop culture moments straight to viral status. But what makes a true song of the summer? According to Google Trends, it's the track that Americans searched for the most during those long, hot months.
Whether you're feeling nostalgic or just want to revisit what was playing in the background of your life, here's the official search-based soundtrack of summer from 2010 to 2024.
1. 2024: "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar
2. 2023: "Try That In A Small Town" - Jason Aldean
3. 2022: "Running Up That Hill" - Kate Bush
4. 2021: "Fancy Like" - Walker Hayes
5. 2020: "WAP" - Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion
6. 2019: "Old Town Road" - Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
7. 2018: "In My Feelings" - Drake
8. 2017: "Despacito" - Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber
9. 2016: "Panda" - Desiigner
10. 2015: "The Hills" - The Weeknd
11. 2014: "Fancy" - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
12. 2013: "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell Williams and T.I.
13. 2012: "Mercy" - Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz
14. 2011: "Super Bass" - Nicki Minaj
15. 2010: "Love The Way You Lie" - Eminem ft. Rihanna
2024: Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar's 2024 summer anthem "Not Like Us" dropped like a lyrical bomb. With precision, punch, and pointed bars, "Not Like Us" dominated social media and fueled a public rap beef that captivated fans. Google saw surges in searches for lyrics, references, and reactions. The track combined classic West Coast swagger with modern production, creating a diss track with crossover appeal. It's smart, sharp, and everything we expect from a summer ruled by Kendrick.
Kendrick Lamar's 2024 summer anthem "Not Like Us" dropped like a lyrical bomb. With precision, punch, and pointed bars, "Not Like Us" dominated social media and fueled a public rap beef that captivated fans. Google saw surges in searches for lyrics, references, and reactions. The track combined classic West Coast swagger with modern production, creating a diss track with crossover appeal. It's smart, sharp, and everything we expect from a summer ruled by Kendrick.
2023: Try That In A Small Town - Jason Aldean
"Try That In A Small Town" - Jason Aldean became the most talked-about - and searched - song of summer 2023. The lyrics and controversial music video sparked national debate and media scrutiny. While critics and supporters clashed online, interest in the song soared. It tapped into deep cultural divides, but also topped country charts and generated endless headlines. It's a case where controversy undeniably fueled curiosity.
"Try That In A Small Town" - Jason Aldean became the most talked-about - and searched - song of summer 2023. The lyrics and controversial music video sparked national debate and media scrutiny. While critics and supporters clashed online, interest in the song soared. It tapped into deep cultural divides, but also topped country charts and generated endless headlines. It's a case where controversy undeniably fueled curiosity.
2022: Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush
Nearly four decades after the release of "Running Up That Hill", this ethereal 80s track roared back into pop culture thanks to Stranger Things Season 4. Viewers rushed to Google to find out more about the mysterious, haunting voice behind Max's theme song. As Kate Bush topped charts around the world, searches surged for lyrics, interpretations, and even fan theories. The resurgence proved that a great song doesn't age - and sometimes, it just needs the right story to come alive again.
Nearly four decades after the release of "Running Up That Hill", this ethereal 80s track roared back into pop culture thanks to Stranger Things Season 4. Viewers rushed to Google to find out more about the mysterious, haunting voice behind Max's theme song. As Kate Bush topped charts around the world, searches surged for lyrics, interpretations, and even fan theories. The resurgence proved that a great song doesn't age - and sometimes, it just needs the right story to come alive again.
2021: Fancy Like - Walker Hayes
"Yeah, we fancy like Applebee's on a date night." Walker Hayes tapped into small-town charm with a viral country-pop anthem that felt both playful and relatable. TikTok once again propelled the song to popularity, thanks to a father-daughter dance that captivated viewers. The catchy lyrics, casual energy, and nods to everyday life gave the song mass appeal. For a summer still feeling the effects of the pandemic, "Fancy Like" brought a smile - and a lot of clicks.
"Yeah, we fancy like Applebee's on a date night." Walker Hayes tapped into small-town charm with a viral country-pop anthem that felt both playful and relatable. TikTok once again propelled the song to popularity, thanks to a father-daughter dance that captivated viewers. The catchy lyrics, casual energy, and nods to everyday life gave the song mass appeal. For a summer still feeling the effects of the pandemic, "Fancy Like" brought a smile - and a lot of clicks.
2020: WAP - Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion
Bold, explicit, and completely unapologetic, "WAP" dominated 2020's online discourse. From TikTok dance challenges to heated political commentary, the track turned every head - and search engine - in its direction. Cardi and Megan's fearless lyrics ignited cultural debates and think pieces, while fans couldn't stop replaying the jaw-dropping music video. Despite - or because of - its polarizing nature, it was the summer song people couldn't stop talking (and Googling) about.
Bold, explicit, and completely unapologetic, "WAP" dominated 2020's online discourse. From TikTok dance challenges to heated political commentary, the track turned every head - and search engine - in its direction. Cardi and Megan's fearless lyrics ignited cultural debates and think pieces, while fans couldn't stop replaying the jaw-dropping music video. Despite - or because of - its polarizing nature, it was the summer song people couldn't stop talking (and Googling) about.
2019: Old Town Road - Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
A country-trap crossover no one saw coming, "Old Town Road" took the internet - and the charts - by storm. Originally a viral TikTok hit, the remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus solidified its mainstream dominance. The song's genre-defying nature sparked debate, curiosity, and endless remixes. It spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's no surprise that searches around the lyrics, the origin, and the artist exploded.
A country-trap crossover no one saw coming, "Old Town Road" took the internet - and the charts - by storm. Originally a viral TikTok hit, the remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus solidified its mainstream dominance. The song's genre-defying nature sparked debate, curiosity, and endless remixes. It spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's no surprise that searches around the lyrics, the origin, and the artist exploded.
2018: In My Feelings - Drake
"Do you love me? Are you riding?" Drake's catchy hook launched the viral #InMyFeelingsChallenge, and the internet went wild. Comedian Shiggy's dance routine sparked thousands of videos across social media, with people hopping out of moving cars to show their moves. While the song was already a hit, the meme sent it into the stratosphere. Searches spiked as fans tried to learn the choreography and decode the references. It was meme culture at its musical peak.
"Do you love me? Are you riding?" Drake's catchy hook launched the viral #InMyFeelingsChallenge, and the internet went wild. Comedian Shiggy's dance routine sparked thousands of videos across social media, with people hopping out of moving cars to show their moves. While the song was already a hit, the meme sent it into the stratosphere. Searches spiked as fans tried to learn the choreography and decode the references. It was meme culture at its musical peak.
2017: Despacito - Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber
"Despacito" wasn't just the song of the summer - it became a global phenomenon. The remix featuring Justin Bieber helped bring reggaetón fully into the American mainstream, while the original broke records on YouTube. With a sexy, danceable rhythm and undeniable hook, it was played everywhere from wedding receptions to rooftop bars. Searches for translations, lyrics, and dance routines flooded Google. Few songs have ever had this kind of crossover impact.
"Despacito" wasn't just the song of the summer - it became a global phenomenon. The remix featuring Justin Bieber helped bring reggaetón fully into the American mainstream, while the original broke records on YouTube. With a sexy, danceable rhythm and undeniable hook, it was played everywhere from wedding receptions to rooftop bars. Searches for translations, lyrics, and dance routines flooded Google. Few songs have ever had this kind of crossover impact.
2016: Panda - Desiigner
One word. One hook. Infinite memes. Desiigner's debut single "Panda" was pure chaos in the best way. The track's rapid-fire flow, minimalist beat, and cryptic lyrics made it both infectious and mystifying. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated online platforms. For months, people tried to decode what exactly Desiigner was saying - or why he was saying it so fast. It was the ultimate internet-fueled hit, with Google searches to match.
One word. One hook. Infinite memes. Desiigner's debut single "Panda" was pure chaos in the best way. The track's rapid-fire flow, minimalist beat, and cryptic lyrics made it both infectious and mystifying. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated online platforms. For months, people tried to decode what exactly Desiigner was saying - or why he was saying it so fast. It was the ultimate internet-fueled hit, with Google searches to match.
2015: The Hills - The Weeknd
Dark, moody, and seductive, "The Hills" was a sonic shift from the typical summer jam. The Weeknd's breakout year included this hypnotic track that blended alternative R&B with horror movie undertones. Lyrics like "I only love it when you touch me, not feel me" fascinated fans and critics alike. The ambiguity and edge drew listeners in - and sent them Googling for interpretations and covers. It was the perfect soundtrack for sultry nights and emotional detachment.
Dark, moody, and seductive, "The Hills" was a sonic shift from the typical summer jam. The Weeknd's breakout year included this hypnotic track that blended alternative R&B with horror movie undertones. Lyrics like "I only love it when you touch me, not feel me" fascinated fans and critics alike. The ambiguity and edge drew listeners in - and sent them Googling for interpretations and covers. It was the perfect soundtrack for sultry nights and emotional detachment.
2014: Fancy - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
"I'm so fancy / You already know" - if you were anywhere near a speaker in 2014, chances are you still have this hook lodged in your head. With its Clueless-themed video and slick production, "Fancy" became a pop culture moment. Iggy Azalea's breakout hit and Charli XCX's sugary chorus created the ultimate summer duo. As the internet debated Iggy's accent and watched the music video on loop, Google searches surged. This was the season of flashy fun and Instagram filters.
"I'm so fancy / You already know" - if you were anywhere near a speaker in 2014, chances are you still have this hook lodged in your head. With its Clueless-themed video and slick production, "Fancy" became a pop culture moment. Iggy Azalea's breakout hit and Charli XCX's sugary chorus created the ultimate summer duo. As the internet debated Iggy's accent and watched the music video on loop, Google searches surged. This was the season of flashy fun and Instagram filters.
2013: Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell Williams and T.I.
One of the most controversial summer hits in recent memory, "Blurred Lines" was inescapable in 2013. The upbeat, Marvin Gaye-inspired groove became a dancefloor staple - and a legal battle. It was also the center of cultural debate, drawing backlash over its lyrics and video. But controversy only fueled curiosity, and searches for the song skyrocketed. It became a defining case of how virality and infamy can go hand in hand.
One of the most controversial summer hits in recent memory, "Blurred Lines" was inescapable in 2013. The upbeat, Marvin Gaye-inspired groove became a dancefloor staple - and a legal battle. It was also the center of cultural debate, drawing backlash over its lyrics and video. But controversy only fueled curiosity, and searches for the song skyrocketed. It became a defining case of how virality and infamy can go hand in hand.
2012: Mercy - Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz
With its sinister beat and standout verses, "Mercy" became the rap anthem of summer 2012. Released as part of Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music project, it showcased a stacked lineup and a hypnotic hook. The track's infectious "Lamborghini Mercy" intro was echoed everywhere, from clubs to car speakers. Google searches reflected the song's mystique - fans wanted lyrics, breakdowns, and meaning. It was chaotic, confident, and pure Kanye-era excess.
With its sinister beat and standout verses, "Mercy" became the rap anthem of summer 2012. Released as part of Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music project, it showcased a stacked lineup and a hypnotic hook. The track's infectious "Lamborghini Mercy" intro was echoed everywhere, from clubs to car speakers. Google searches reflected the song's mystique - fans wanted lyrics, breakdowns, and meaning. It was chaotic, confident, and pure Kanye-era excess.
2011: Super Bass - Nicki Minaj
This was the summer Nicki Minaj went from rap star to pop culture icon. "Super Bass" was bubbly, fast-paced, and unapologetically fun - a perfect match for the neon aesthetic of the early 2010s. Its viral rise was helped by a YouTube video of a young Sophia Grace and Rosie rapping along, eventually leading to an Ellen DeGeneres appearance. From teenagers to talk shows, everyone was searching for Nicki. This song cemented her as a mainstay on the summer playlist circuit.
This was the summer Nicki Minaj went from rap star to pop culture icon. "Super Bass" was bubbly, fast-paced, and unapologetically fun - a perfect match for the neon aesthetic of the early 2010s. Its viral rise was helped by a YouTube video of a young Sophia Grace and Rosie rapping along, eventually leading to an Ellen DeGeneres appearance. From teenagers to talk shows, everyone was searching for Nicki. This song cemented her as a mainstay on the summer playlist circuit.
2010: Love The Way You Lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna
Haunting, raw, and undeniably catchy, this collaboration between Eminem and Rihanna topped charts and sparked conversation. With its emotional lyrics about a toxic relationship, the track struck a nerve and stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks. Its cinematic video, featuring Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan, added even more buzz. As the internet searched for meaning behind the lyrics, the song became a defining moment for both artists. It was a summer hit with substance - and serious staying power.
Haunting, raw, and undeniably catchy, this collaboration between Eminem and Rihanna topped charts and sparked conversation. With its emotional lyrics about a toxic relationship, the track struck a nerve and stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks. Its cinematic video, featuring Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan, added even more buzz. As the internet searched for meaning behind the lyrics, the song became a defining moment for both artists. It was a summer hit with substance - and serious staying power.
