What Happened to the Song of the Summer? episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 7, 2026 · 15 MIN

What Happened to the Song of the Summer?

from CNN 5 Things · host CNN Podcasts

We’re closing out the summer on a high note! We asked you to let us know what you think the song of the summer is, and it turns out, the classics can still compete with this year’s biggest hits. CNN contributor and “Engagement Party” co-host Ari Shapiro traces how the song of the summer became a cultural phenomenon – and why today’s mix of country, rap, pop and throwbacks may mean our musical tastes are expanding, not dividing us.    Listen to the Engagement Party episode on the song of the summer here.  Here are the songs that shaped your summer:  My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na   Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff - Summertime   AR/CO, Kasango, and Shimza – Fire Fire  Rudy Currence – Compliment    The Rolling Stones - Angry  (No Artist Listed) - Constant Cadence  Sky Ferreira – Everything Is Embarrassing   Shakira - Dai Dai   Yung Miami – Spend Dat  RAYE – Where Is My Husband!  Zac Brown Band – Pirates & Parrots  Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas  Chic – Good Times  Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun  Sister Sledge – We Are Family  Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze  The Beginning of the End - Funky Nassau  Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing in the Street  Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Find Your People   Stephanie Mills – Put Your Body In It  Drake – Janice STFU  DJ Ilham - Digidi Digidi    Scott Helman – Mr. Record Label  RAYE – Joy  Bill Stiteler / The Saxboy – The Puerto Rico Song  Master KG - Jerusalema  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 7, 2026

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