Switched on Pop Summer Bummer (with Commotion’s Elamin Abdelmahmoud)
20 snips
Aug 5, 2025 
Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC’s culture podcast Commotion, joins the conversation to dissect the peculiar absence of a definitive summer hit in 2025. They explore the disconnect between popular tracks and listeners, highlighting sleeper songs like Raven Lenae's 'Love Me Not.' Elamin suggests fresh contenders, including tracks from the anime KPop Demon Hunters, while also reflecting on the nostalgia of classic sounds. The discussion emphasizes the importance of music that fosters connection during the summer, challenging listeners to find their perfect anthem.
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Why No 2025 Summer Anthem?
- The 2025 summer lacks a unifying hit song, unlike previous years where a summer anthem creates a collective experience.
- Streaming fragmentation and bot-driven chart activity contribute to the disappearance of a clear song of the summer.
Year of Plenty vs Drought
- People crave unified listening moments to feel connected globally, and a song of the summer provides this communal experience.
- The contrast between 2024's abundant hits and 2025's drought highlights societal and industry shifts affecting collective music moments.
Summer Heat Cools Music Vibe
- Extreme summer heat forces people indoors, reducing opportunities for communal outdoor music experiences.
- Many current chart hits don't feel relevant or representative of the broader moment, contributing to a sense of disconnection.