Spotify unveils 2026 Songs of Summer predictions, launches fan voting feature

The annual selection features a mix of established international stars and emerging artists, reflecting a range of genres and regional influences. Among the artists featured are Ariana Grande, Drake, Tems, DopeNation and Zara Larsson.

According to Spotify, the playlist highlights several musical trends expected to dominate the season, including nostalgia-driven dance music, globally influenced club tracks, emotionally reflective pop songs and country music centred on themes of travel and place.

For the first time, Spotify has also introduced an in-app voting feature within the Songs of Summer playlist, allowing users to select the track they believe will become the defining song of the season. Listeners can cast their vote through the playlist and share their selections on social media platforms.

Key trends identified by Spotify

Spotify's editorial team pointed to a resurgence of nostalgic club anthems as one of the major themes of the summer. Songs such as New Religion by Bebe Rexha and Faithless, Jamaican (Bam Bam) by HUGEL and SOLTO, and Girl Like Me by PinkPantheress incorporate elements of earlier dance music eras. Zara Larsson's Midnight Sun was also highlighted for drawing inspiration from 1990s house music and early 2000s French electronic sounds.

Global dance music continues to feature prominently in the selection. Spotify cited Kakalika by Ghanaian duo DopeNation as an example of cross-cultural influences, combining azonto and amapiano styles.

The platform also identified what it described as a "sadboy summer" trend, characterised by introspective and emotionally driven pop music. Tracks including Babydoll by Dominic Fike and Earrings by Malcolm Todd were highlighted within this category.

Country music also features strongly through what Spotify termed "postcard country", with songs such as Kacey Musgraves' Mexico Honey and Noah Kahan's Doors focusing on specific locations and personal reflection.

The full list includes:

• Talk to You — ANOTR, 54 Ultra
• CHÉVERE (premium_remix) — ARIA VEGA, Ryan Castro
• hate that i made you love me — Ariana Grande
• New Religion — Bebe Rexha, Faithless
• Kingdom of Fear — Cameron Whitcomb
• Bangaranga — DARA
• Raindance (feat. Tems) — Dave, Tems
• Freakin' Out — Dexter and The Moonrocks
• Babydoll — Dominic Fike
• E85 — Don Toliver
• Kakalika — DopeNation
• Janice STFU — Drake
• Choosin' Texas — Ella Langley
• NOBLE — F3miii
• L.U.C.K.Y — Fcukers
• Jamaican (Bam Bam) — HUGEL, SOLTO
• Mexico Honey — Kacey Musgraves
• Earrings — Malcolm Todd
• Maladie — Mauvais djo
• Doors — Noah Kahan
• drop dead — Olivia Rodrigo
• KOKO — Omar Courtz
• Girl Like Me — PinkPantheress
• Free Your Mind — Prospa, Cloonee
• Rein Me In (with Olivia Dean) — Sam Fender, Olivia Dean
• DANCE… — Slayyyter
• Boston — STELLA LEFTY
• Dracula – JENNIE Remix — Tame Impala, JENNIE
• Self Aware — Temper City
• Midnight Sun — Zara Larsson