Everyone has a summer anthem that they can look back on, often associated with the sunny, fun days of the season. Some people even have multiple summer anthems, with each one bringing a smile to our faces every time we hear them. In preparation for the summer anthems of 2023, a new Spotify analysis pinpointed the top artists, songs, albums, and genres that consistently bring smiles to our faces, no matter the season.
This study analyzed over 38,000 songs and 250 playlists and took a deep dive into summer’s happiest songs, exploring music lovers’ preferences when it comes to songs for smiles. Keep reading to see who takes the top spots!
Top 25 Happiest Songs This Summer
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, is known around the world for his somewhat melancholy version of pop, so it’s rather a surprise to see his song, “Blinding Lights”, take the top spot for happiest songs. The Weeknd even recognizes this, as he said in the past, that people are surprised at his kindness when they meet him, as they expect him to be more standoffish based on his music.
Nevertheless, the song is a hit and will most likely become a summer anthem for many. The Weeknd didn’t stop at the #1 spot, as “Starboy” also made this list for the Weeknd at #14, and he made the list of artists who uplift us at #3, as well as the #1 happy album with After Hours.
For the #2 spot of happiest songs, pop favorite Ed Sheeran takes the silver with “Shape of You,” while Tones and I round out the third spot for the happiest songs on Spotify with “Dance Monkey.”
Although The Weeknd’s top song spot may be a surprise for some, it seems that other pop artists like Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and Post Malone have found the recipe for “happiness,” appearing multiple times throughout the analysis. If you’re building a playlist for summer smiles, keep an eye out for these artists and their songs.
Top 25 Artists That Make Listeners Happy
Drake takes the number spot for this category, with his songs “One Dance” and “God’s Plan” also making the list of happy songs at #7 and #21, respectively. A well-rounded performer, he has won 5 Grammy Awards and composed seven studio albums. He first shot to fame in the popular TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation, and the music that he went on to produce has indeed influenced the next generation.
Justin Bieber and The Weeknd take the #2 and #3 spots, respectively, with Taylor Swift also edging out Kanye West in an ironic twist of fate for #4. With both male and female artists being showcased on this list, they manage to represent the many different thousands of people all around the world looking for their next unique summertime anthem.
Top 25 “Happy” Albums and Genres
The top 3 happy albums are: After Hours by The Weeknd, ÷ by Ed Sheeran, and BRAVO Hits by Tones and I. What’s unique about these three albums is their use in movie soundtracks for popular films, such as Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse, Bohemian Rhapsody, and A Star Is Born. These three movies are listed in different genres and attract a wide range of people, allowing songs by these artists to get more recognition.
When it comes to genres, the three happiest types on Spotify are pop, rap, and hip-hop. These genres include various artists with different interpretations of each kind of music. For example, a pop song by Taylor Swift and her guitars will sound very different from a pop song by Lady Gaga, which uses a heavier beat and the presence of drums. However, that is the beauty of “happy” music, as such music is interpreted differently by each person, and since it is so widespread, it can easily cater to anyone looking for sounds to smile too.
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Did your favorite song make the list? If not, check out some of the songs other Spotify listeners have found that made them happy. Traveling for summer, cruising in your car, or soaking up some sun by the pool is the perfect time to turn up the volume on some new happy music. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new summer song to smile too!
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