Justin Timberlake – “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
Summer has only just officially begun, but so far Timberlake is the one to beat. The insanely infectious “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” has Song of the Summer written all over it. Recorded for the soundtrack to the animated film “Trolls,” the feel-good pop smash is impossible to dislike, calling to mind Pharrell’s own soundtrack standout, “Happy,” from 2014.
Drake – “One Dance”
Drake’s first No. 1 hit is currently sitting at the top of the charts, making it an obvious contender heading into the summer months. But even if “One Dance’s” momentum starts to flag, the Toronto rapper has a few other songs primed to break through, including the dancehall-tinged “Controlla” and Rihanna collab “Too Good”
Rihanna – “Needed Me”
Only a fool would count out Rihanna in the Song of the Summer race, no matter how lukewarm the reception to “ANTI” may have been. Following a standout performance at the Billboard Music Awards, the “Umbrella” singer is climbing the charts and looking to take back her throne.
Calvin Harris Feat. Rihanna – “This Is What You Came For”
Never. Underestimate. Rihanna. In addition to her solo tracks and Drake feature, the Barbadian singer also has a Calvin Harris collab dominating the radio heading into summer. And given how huge the duo’s last team-up, “We Found Love,” was back in 2011, their partnership is a sure-fire recipe for success.
Ariana Grande – “Into You”
Grande’s third studio album, “Dangerous Woman,” is chock full of radio-friendly pop anthems, but the album’s second single “Into You” is an obvious standout. Produced and co-written by proven hit-maker Max Martin, “Into You” sounds like it was scientifically engineered in a lab to be the perfect pop song.
Fifth Harmony Feat. Ty Dolla $ign- “Work From Home”
The most successful girl group since The Pussycat Dolls, Fifth Harmony is bringing an end to the boy band era with their latest album “7/27” and lead single “Work From Home.” The Ty$-assisted track is the group’s most successful to-date, and it only continues to grow.
Desiigner – “Panda”
Future-soundalike Desiigner had a viral hit on his hands earlier this year thanks to a lengthy sample on Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo,” and the Brooklyn rapper’s breakout is still riding high. Ultimately, the track may have peaked too early to win the summer, but there’s always the possibility of a second wind.
The Chainsmokers Feat. Daya – “Don’t Let Me Down”
If there’s a dark horse in the race for Song of the Summer, it’s The Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down.” The duo previously scored a Top 10 hit in February with the understated “Roses,” and with its rising streaming numbers and regular radio play, “Don’t Let Me Down” is set to do even better.
