The Best Summer Songs of 2018

Want to step back into 2018? 

Kanye visited the Oval Office, Fergie sang an… interesting version of the national anthem at the NBAs, Childish Gambino dropped ‘This Is America’, and Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer. Yeah, a lot went down in 2018. 

Add to that the Black Panther movie, Banksy’s art selling for $1.4 million before shredding itself, and the deaths of Aretha Franklin and Stan Lee, and it really was a rollercoaster of a year. 

Sunflower - Post Malone & Swae Lee

From the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, ‘Sunflower’ is simple but was evidently very effective. It even became the first-ever single to become double diamond certified in RIAA history. Yeah, it was that massive. 

I'll Be There - Jess Glynne 

As with many a Jess Glynne song, this one’s pretty summery, and it hit number one. No surprise there if you listened to the radio or even simply left your house in 2018. 

thank u, next - Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande simply didn't miss with this song about her exes. Being a pop star, your relationships are often in the public eye and this song saw her reclaim the narrative that surrounded her love life by tenderly describing what they'd offered to her life and why now was the time to move on with her life. 

In My Feelings - Drake

The meme, the hit, the record-breaking track, ‘In My Feelings’ was a big moment. The #KikiChallenge was everywhere, even leading to police across the world asking people to stop doing it. Yeah… 

SICKO MODE - Travis Scott ft Drake

This is arguably Travis Scott's biggest hit to date and he enlisted the help of Drake in order to achieve it. 'SICKO MODE' was such a hit that it seemed to even become a term for describing things. When things go a bit mad, it's probably "sicko mode". A team-up between two legends, their verses complement each other brilliantly.

One Kiss - Calvin Harris ft Dua Lipa

We are still hearing this song every summer since it came out. It has also strangely become affiliated with Liverpool Football Club with the fans bringing it out to celebrate their recent successes. Calvin Harris even joined them on an open-top bus parade. There's no doubt that the chorus gets right in your head.

Paradise - George Ezra

George Ezra has a knack for creating songs that dominate the summer. A festival favourite, he always has something up his sleeve to get the crowds going. 'Paradise' is a song that bounces constantly with excitement as he describes being in paradise with someone. It'll have you crying out for a beach holiday.

New Rules - Dua Lipa

This one may technically be cheating as it was first released in 2017, but it really took off in the summer of 2018. Everyone was obsessed with Dua's new rules that make sure that you don't go back to an ex and a lot of people found it empowering. Dua knows how to have a hit.

I Like It - Cardi B ft Bad Bunny, J Balvin

Cardi B's biggest hit to date dominated 2018. Enlisting the help of Bad Bunny and J Balvin, two megastars in their own rights, it maybe wasn't a surprise that this became a hit. Cardi's flow is enough to draw you in and the way it brought in some influences from Latin music drew everything together perfectly.

It Makes You Forget (Itgehane) - Peggy Gou

Peggy's track may not have dominated the charts like some of the other songs in this list but there can be no doubt that this dance classic was loved by many. Peggy Gou has a huge following and there can be no surprise as to why, this song feels so tranquil and the beat is so satisfying, the production is wonderful.

Finesse (Remix) - Bruno Mars ft Cardi B

Fun and a brilliant collab, ‘Finesse’ had plenty of us in a headlock. The 90s vibes in the track and music video, the dancing, the chemistry, and the fusion of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and funk instantly gripped us and wouldn’t let go.  

High Horse - Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves' Golden Hour album produced some absolute gems. 'High Horse' is a track that rallies against a guy who insists on only talking about himself and thinks he's the authority on everything. Well, with a psychedelic country shimmer, Kacey tells him to get gone and sends him on his way.

Boys - Lizzo

No matter what anyone says ‘Boys’ is a banger. Funky as hell with that irresistible bassline, we want to groove as soon as that sweet bass kicks in. Bursting with personality, confidence, and empowerment, we were addicted immediately. 

Boo'd Up - Ella Mai 

Ella Mai’s ‘Boo’d Up’ is summery perfection. Made for late-night drives or chilled summer evenings in the garden with a few drinks, this might be the chill anthem of the year. 

If you fancy continuing your quest for nostalgia, you can find more of the best summer songs of yesteryear, including 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and more. Have fun! 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.