The biggest music hits and misses of the summer, from Sabrina Carpenter to Katy Perry

Country music, expansive pop and powerful hip-hop have been the major flavours of the summer

Sabrina Carpenter scored one of the songs of the summer with Espresso. AFP

The summer of 2024 will go down as one when some pop stars were born and others, perhaps irrevocably, faded.

It is also one when a relatively niche genre like country music found relevance with a new generation of fans courtesy of a savvy hit by an emerging star.

Smart lyrics and production also cut through the noise with a swag of tunes highlighted by interesting world play and adventurous composition. As for those whose works flopped over the last few months, it could be a time to reconsider their approach or perhaps their whole career. Here are the biggest hits and misses of the summer.

The winners

1. A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

The prime contender for song of the summer is only considered a surprise hit if you haven't paid attention to the latest pop music trends. Country music is back in vogue. Or more precisely, it’s that indelible guitar twang forming the genre’s sonic DNA that’s been harnessed by the likes of Beyonce’s Texas Hold’ Em and Post Malone’s I Had Some Help to the top of the charts.

An interpolation of 2004 track Tipsy by rapper J-Kwon, A Bar Song (Tipsy) by rapper Shaboozey hits the sweet spot of hip-hop nostalgia. A fresh sound and an evergreen appeal allowed its summit across various US charts, ranging from Hot Country Songs and the Billboard Hot 100. Now that he owns the summer airways, it is intriguing what Shaboozey does next.

2. Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter

Where did Sabrina Carpenter come from? It's a fair enough question considering how ubiquitous the American singer and actress became on the back of monster single Espresso. Then again, this is what a brilliant pop tune delivered by a seasoned artist can do.

With Espresso featuring in upcoming sixth album Short N'Sweet, out on August 23, it does feel like a fresh start for Carpenter with its decisive move away from her teen pop roots. Powered by an irresistible summary groove by producer Julian Bunetta, Espresso has the kind of wordy and witty word play that has Carpenter celebrated by the Swifties. Even if it begins to grate after a few listens, the percolating track is close to pop-perfection.

3. Good Luck by Chappelle Roan

Synths meet strings in this gorgeous and slightly quirky break up song. The bold and bright production accentuates Roan's theatrical voice as she lyrically urges a friend to remain true to herself. The song deserves to shed light on collaborator Daniel Nigro, a producer making waves for sterling work with singers Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Graye and Sky Ferreira.

4. Guess by Charlie XCX

A bittersweet experience for hardcore fans of the adventurous British artist. While elated that the world finally discovered her talents – after US presidential nominee Kamala Harris adopted her “brat summer” slogan (named after XCX's album Brat) as part of her campaign – they should know that the singer's gone mainstream to probably never return.

In any case, Guess should convert anyone left to the cause. The shuddering and maximalist electro production is made to challenge your sound system, and the added bonus of Billie Eilish’s whispery vocals is welcoming without overshadowing XCX's complete artistic command throughout the track.

5. Fortnight by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone

It was always going to happen. Ever since the viral social media video where Taylor Swift expressed admiration for Post Malone at the 2019 American Music Awards, fans of both artists awaited the eventual collaboration.

The bruising Fortnight doesn’t disappoint with both artists challenging each other to try new things. For instance, this is the first time we've heard Swift's voice sounding so low pitched and languid while Post Malone also dials it down in a meditative piece about love and regret.

6. Million Dollar Baby by Tony Richman

If your head is not nodding by the 20-second mark you may need to check your pulse. Million Dollar Baby by American rapper Tommy Richman is the kind of vigorous soul infused funk Justin Timberlake failed to justify this summer (more on that later).

Vibe is key to this track because, if you dig deeper, there is only one verse flanked by two choruses. But who cares when those basslines bounce and Richman provides the kind of silky falsetto Prince would approve? An immediate hit, Million Dollar Baby topped the charts from the US and UK to Australia and New Zealand. It also fuels anticipation for his debut album Coyote out later this year.

7. Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar

If Kendrick Lamar ignited the heavyweight hip-hop battle rap with Drake with his guest verse on Like That by Future and Metro Boomin, he arguably ended the vicious duel with his biggest solo hit to date.

More than the much-dissected barbs, it was the power of Not Like Us that rallied America's arguably stagnated west-coast hip-hop community, elevating the song to landmark status. Best part of all, that significance didn’t come at the price of a brilliantly bouncy production by revered Los Angeles beatmaker DJ Mustard.

8. Too Sweet by Hozier

Talk about a comeback. Eight years after his last major hit, Take Me to Church, the Irish singer-songwriter scored a US and UK chart topper with a propulsive and bluesy lament on the emotional toll of living on the edge. “My coffee black and my bed at three,” the chorus declares. “You’re too sweet for me.”

The Misses

1. Doctor (Work It Out) by Miley Cyrus

If she thought the song wasn't good enough for inclusion in her 2013 album Bangerz, what made Cyrus think Doctor (Work It Out) was fit for purpose over a decade later? The collaboration with producer Pharrell Williams seems dated with its basslines recalling 2013 hit Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. Despite being featured in Louis Vuitton's autumn/winter show during this year's Paris Fashion Week, the song didn't raise attention and failed to crack the top 50 of the US charts.

2. I Luv It by Camilla Cabello

After leaning into her Cuban heritage in the previous well rounded album Familia in 2022, Camilla Cabello ditches the Latin rhythms for the blazing synths and louche lyrics of hyper-pop. Only thing, I Luv It lacks the panache and melodic detail found in scene leader Charlie XCX. What we have, instead, is a failed, noisy and slightly bonkers attempt at reinvention.

3. No Angels by Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake's image has taken such a battering of late – from rumoured marital issues to the role he played in diminishing the status of pop stars Britney Spears and Janet Jackson – that even a decent release won’t cut it to bring a swathe of his fan base back.

The disco channelling No Angels is that kind of song. It reminds us that Timberlake still has a lot to offer but the muted chart reception shows it was not enough to make us care again.

4. Woman’s World by Katy Perry

Who is advising Katy Perry? Who suggested it would be a good idea to attempt writing a feminist anthem with Dr Luke, a producer considered blackballed in the industry for alleged questionable behaviour with other female artists? Woman's World is just as senseless because not only does it sound like a desperate attempt for a hit, but the so-called empowering lyrics also seem like an afterthought.

“Sexy, confident. So intelligent, she is heaven-sent. So soft, so strong …” Perry sings over spiralling basslines and emphatic drum. In a time where Swift, Carpenter and Chappell Roan are finding new and innovative ways to lyrically express themselves, Woman’s World is simply not good enough.