10 Songs Poised to Define Summer 2026: From Zara Larsson to Thaiboy Digital
Time Out has unveiled its pick of ten tracks vying for the title of the unofficial 'song of the summer 2026.' This diverse lineup showcases an array of genres, bringing together both established artists and emerging talents. Highlighted is 'Stateside,' a nostalgic collaboration between Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress, which incorporates a sample from Adina Howard’s 'Freak Like Me.' Olivia Rodrigo is represented with 'drop dead,' a lead single from her soon-to-be-released third album. Other noteworthy contributions include 'Cotton' by Vince Staples, 'Orange County' from Gorillaz, and Madonna's 'Bring Your Love,' reflecting a blend of experience and innovation.
Key facts
- Time Out published a list of 10 songs as contenders for song of the summer 2026.
- The list includes tracks by Zara Larsson & PinkPantheress, Olivia Rodrigo, Slayyyter, Vince Staples, Gorillaz, Fcukers, fakemink, Madonna & Stuart Price & Sabrina Carpenter, Confidence Man & DJ Seinfeld, and Thaiboy Digital & swedm®.
- Zara Larsson's 'Stateside' samples Adina Howard's 'Freak Like Me' and is from her album Midnight Sun.
- Olivia Rodrigo's 'drop dead' is the lead single from her third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.
- Slayyyter's 'CRANK' is from her album WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA and is influenced by Charli xcx's Brat.
- Vince Staples' 'Cotton' critiques commodification of Black music.
- Gorillaz's 'Orange County' features Anoushka Shankar and Kara Jackson, from album The Mountain.
- Madonna and Stuart Price previously collaborated on a hit that sampled ABBA; 'Bring Your Love' samples Inner City's 'Good Life'.
- Confidence Man and DJ Seinfeld previously collaborated on 'Now U Do' in 2023.
- Thaiboy Digital's 'Destiny' is with Swedish production trio swedm® and is described as his danciest track to date.
Entities
Artists
- Zara Larsson
- PinkPantheress
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Slayyyter
- Vince Staples
- Gorillaz
- Anoushka Shankar
- Kara Jackson
- Damon Albarn
- Fcukers
- Shanny Wise
- fakemink
- Madonna
- Stuart Price
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Confidence Man
- DJ Seinfeld
- Janet Planet
- Thaiboy Digital
- swedm®
- Adina Howard
- Charli xcx
- Inner City
Institutions
- Time Out
Locations
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Australia
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Sources
- Quartz —