Since the beginning of time or, at least, pop music, only a few tracks have earned the esteemed designation of “song of the summer.” Who can forget hearing Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” for the first time, or when Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” reminded the world what it meant to cry? In 2024, there are a number of song of the summer contenders. Sabrina Carpenter's “Espresso” comes to mind, as does Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us” and Post Malone's “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen. Across genre, The Associated Press has selected a few songs that qualify — as well as a past holder of each crown.
