This year’s song of the summer is a ballad, not a banger. Here’s what that says about us – AP News

Key Takeaways:

• A subdued hit: Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” became the No. 1 global song of summer 2025.
• Multiple sources react: AP News, The Ringer, Billboard, and more note the unusual dominance of a ballad.
• Lack of monoculture: Critics highlight a broad spectrum of music tastes rather than one defining sound.
• TikTok’s influence: TikTok Newsroom data reflects a pivot away from typical high-energy summer pop.
• Broader cultural moment: This shift may signal changing listening habits worldwide.

The Surprising Ballad That Led Summer 2025

Summer hits typically conjure images of upbeat tempos blaring from car radios and beach parties. Yet, 2025 defied expectations. As AP News highlighted, “This year’s song of the summer is a ballad, not a banger.” The gentle track in question—“Ordinary” by Alex Warren—soared to the top of global charts, catching casual listeners and industry analysts off-guard.

A Chorus of Different Voices

Outlets across the media spectrum took note. TikTok Newsroom released data on the “Songs of the Summer 2025,” with “Ordinary” leading the charge. Meanwhile, The Tribune-Democrat echoed the sentiment, stating, “This year’s song of summer is a ballad.” Billboard further confirmed the track’s success, reporting that Alex Warren’s ballad reached No. 1 worldwide.

TikTok’s Role and Beyond

The rise of “Ordinary” was influenced in part by user-generated content on TikTok, with fans crafting videos around the song’s mellow refrain. This high level of engagement demonstrated that an emotive tune—even in the peak of summer—can capture widespread attention when amplified by a global platform.

No Monoculture?

While previous summers often had a single blockbuster track dominating the airwaves, coverage from The Ringer suggested a broader range of listening habits this year. In the words of one headline, “It Wasn’t Just Pop Music. This Was a Summer Without Monoculture.” Audiences sampled everything from dance to indie to ballads, reducing the traditional dominance of one ubiquitous pop anthem.

The Global Impact of “Ordinary”

Despite fierce competition for a summer crown, Alex Warren’s ballad caught fire both online and offline. Streaming numbers rose steadily, aided by viral challenges, while international radio play cemented its place as the season’s most-played track. With commentary from a diverse array of media outlets, 2025’s surprising summer hit may be remembered as a moment in which music lovers embraced introspection over adrenaline.