The song of the summer is DEAD with Today Explained
Jul 15, 2024
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Two guests, Charlie Harding and Brittany Spanos, debate the existence of the song of the summer. They explore the evolution of the concept, summer music trends, and changing dynamics in the music industry. The podcast challenges the idea of a definitive 'Song of the Summer' in today's diverse music landscape.
The concept of 'song of the summer' has evolved over time, resonating with universal hits like Old Town Road.
The impact of streaming services on album sales has emphasized the importance of artist development beyond viral hits.
Deep dives
The Decline of the Song of Summer
The notion of the 'song of the summer' has evolved over the years, with recent hits like Old Town Road resonating due to their universality and widespread appeal. The decline in the impact of supposed summer anthems like those of Morgan Wallen can be attributed to factors such as shifting musical tastes, the rise of country music, and the injection of political themes in recent chart-topping tracks.
Evolution of Song of Summer Tradition
The concept of the 'song of the summer' can be traced back to the 1800s, evolving with the launch of Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1958. Songs like Volare set the early precedent, leading to iconic hits from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. While defining a clear song of the summer may vary based on personal experiences and community listening habits, the tradition remains an integral part of seasonal music culture.
Diverse Music Landscape and Industry Challenges
In today's music landscape, diverse genres and artists dominate the charts, reflecting the varied listening preferences of audiences. The impact of streaming services on album sales and chart rankings has highlighted the need for artist development and sustained promotion beyond viral hits. Established artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift continue to chart well, even if their recent releases may not be dominating the summer music scene.
Long live the song of the summer with Today Explained. But wait! Switched on Pop's Charlie Harding disagrees. And Rolling Stone's Brittany Spanos says maybe it never existed at all. This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.