The best summer songs of 2021

Continuing our look back at the best summer songs of yesteryear, today we’ve got 2021. Seeing as 2021 was only a few years ago, you probably remember it pretty vividly. But in case you have the memory of a fish (same, no judgement) here’s a recap: Squid Game was all anyone was talking about, Olivia Rodrigo was everywhere, and Adele dropped 30.

Now you’re in the right mindset, here are the best summer song of 2021.

Peaches - Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, Giveon

'Peaches' is easily the smoothest summer song of 2021. With caramel vocals from Daniel Caesar and Giveon and a catchy chorus from Justin Bieber, 'Peaches' was probably a song many loved in secret due to one of the most hated guys in music releasing it. But we need to set any prejudice aside and appreciate this banger as it deserves. 

Kiss Me More - Doja Cat, SZA

Nothing short of pop excellence 'Kiss Me More', as with any Doja track, is bursting with personality and catchy melodies. Doja’s proven more than once that she can pen a killer summer song. She has a serious knack for injecting a sunny sound into her tunes. 

Good 4 U - Olivia Rodrigo

If you haven’t heard this tune, where have you been? Like, actually. Reviving that 00s pop-punk vibe, 'Good 4 U' introduced younger fans to bands like Paramore and the absolute icon that is Avril Lavigne. And, of course, the fans who loved them both from the beginning loved to see their fave’s energy matched in such a popular tune.  

MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) - Lil Nas X

'Montero' slaps. The creativity of Lil Nas X knows no bounds. And not only is the tune great but the backlash from angry middle-aged Christian Americans was pretty hilarious. They were, of course, angry about the lyrics but also because the music video features Lil Nas giving Satan a lap dance and pole dancing. Iconic. 

Your Love (9PM) - ATB, Topic, A7S

Blissful and light, 'Your Love (9PM)' wouldn't feel out of place playing on the beach, at a barbecue, at a party, in the club, or on a late-night drive. Seeing as those are how we tend to fill our summers, we’d say that’s about as summery as a song can get.

Skate - Silk Sonic

Excuse the dodgy “you smell better than a barbecue” lyric and 'Skate' is just about perfect. Funky guitars, perky percussion, lively strings, and the subtle bright xylophone creates the weightless summery vibe that instantly made it one of the greatest summer songs of 2021. In fact, the same can be said for just about every song off their album. 

Thot Shit - Megan Thee Stallion

Okay, it isn’t the most summery of songs but it feels wrong to leave the creator of “hot girl summer” off the list for fairly obvious reasons. And what’s more hot girl summer than being lit since brunch and not giving a f*ck? Exactly. 

OUT OUT - Jax Jones, Joel Corry, Charli XCX, Saweetie

This summer banger samples Stromae’s 'Alors on Danse', adding bass and playful vocals about heading “out out”, something every British person is all too familiar with. Nothing screams summer like going out out. Super danceable, the instrumental is full of summery vibes too. 

I Wanna Be Your Slave - Maneskin 

After emerging victorious at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest with their song 'Zitti e buoni', Italian rockers Maneskin stormed onto the summer charts with the follow up single from their second album, 'I Wanna Be Your Slave'. This tune is perfect for those who prefer their summers with grit and clenched fists. 

Save Your Tears - The Weeknd, Ariana Grande

Dare we say an instance where the remix was better than the original? With Ariana Grande's signature vocal range, the 'After Hours' banger's 80s synths and infectious R&B is taken up to the next level. When we think summer 2021, few can top this. 

There were so many killer summer songs in 2021. But it wasn’t the only year with certified summer bangers. Check out the best songs in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and more. 

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.