It’s literally the summer solstice, so we cannot put off this conversation any longer: Who the fuck is taking song of the summer this year? I swear everyone and their mother, father, and third and fourth cousins has released new music in the last few months. We’ve seen established Main Pop Girls like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift competing for (and low-key feuding over) the top summer album, and a bunch of smaller pop girlies like Sabrina Carpenter, Tinashe, and Chappell Roan are suddenly taking over the world. It’s at the point where I can’t think about anything other than pop stars and pop songs. Okay, fine, maybe that has always been the case.

Let’s get into it: As a pop music addict and expert judger, here are my top contenders for the 2024 song of the summer… and my winner.

My Top Contenders For 2024 Song Of The Summer (In No Particular Order)

“Espresso”— Sabrina Carpenter

She said, “Let’s make another ‘Nonsense,’ but with a word that can get me my own Van Leeuwen ice cream flavor and London coffee shop meet and greet.” As a longtime Sabrina fan, I think this song is fun, but it’s not my fave of her discography.

“Nasty” — Tinashe

But is somebody gonna match her freak?? I’m on the edge of my seat. This talented queen really served us a flawless, unserious bop, and her time in the spotlight is long overdue.

“Good Luck, Babe!” — Chappell Roan

They say this is the best built bridge in history. Evidence suggests millions of lives were forever changed after your favorite artist’s favorite artist first belted that “I TOLD YOU SOOOOOOO.”

“360” — Charli XCX

She’s everywhere, she’s so Julia! We’re having a BRAT summer: I don’t make the rules. (Julia and Charli do.)

“The Boy Is Mine (Remix)” — Ariana Grande, Brandy, Monica

Ariana is always gonna destroy a remix (unless it’s the Mariah Carey “yes, and?” one), and that’s exactly what she’s done here. This song has been out for less than 24 hours, and it’s already cured my depression and healed Brandy and Monica’s friendship.

“LUNCH” — Billie Eilish

Billie really ate, and you can interpret that in at least three different ways. In all seriousness, this might be the best pop song I’ve heard in years besides “Woman’s World” by Katy Perry, of course. (That was a joke.)

“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick gets the honor of being the token man on this list because “tryna strike a chord but it’s prolly A minorrrrrrrrrr” is Shakespearean. Plus, hearing this in the club is a spiritual experience.

The Objective And Subjective Winners

Objective Winner: “Espresso”— Sabrina Carpenter

I kinda feel like “Espresso” has already claimed the title. It came out at the perfect time, the beachy music video screams summer, and it’s at the top of the charts. Happy for Sabrina, but sad for me, because I’ll never be able to afford a ticket to her shows again.

My Personal Winner: “LUNCH” — Billie Eilish

*whispers* My actual favorite song of this summer is “I LUV IT” by Camila Cabello, but I KNOW that’s not popular enough to qualify. Leave me alone. Out of this list, “LUNCH” is my No. 1. It’s just chef’s kiss… see what I did there?