It's Been a Minute Is “Kidz Bop: It’s the Devil” the song of the summer?
Sep 5, 2025
Join Stephen Thompson, NPR music host and co-host of Pop Culture Happy Hour, as he dives into the unique phenomenon of K-pop and its summer impact. They discuss the surprising lack of a true song of the summer this year, exploring what that reveals about today’s music landscape. From standout tracks to the nostalgic comparisons with past anthems, they reflect on how hits are shaped in the age of streaming. The conversation also touches on the cultural buzz around 'Kidz Bop: It's the Devil' and what makes certain songs resonate across generations.
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Chart Hits Aren't Always Cultural Anthems
- Top-charting hits can qualify as a song of the summer by metrics but not by cultural ubiquity.
- Popularity alone doesn't equal the inescapable, communal summer anthem people remember.
Algorithms Stretch A Hit's Lifespan
- Streaming algorithms keep songs on charts far longer than before, creating a backlog of hits.
- That persistence prevents new, breakout summer bangers from emerging and feeling ubiquitous.
Family Nickname For The Soundtrack
- Brittany's family called the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack 'Kids Bop: It's the Devil' as a joking nickname.
- Her niece and parents' repeated listening made the soundtrack an intergenerational phenomenon.