A shift in musical tastes has defined the summer of 2025. Instead of the usual high-energy anthems, a heartfelt ballad has captured the nation’s attention, signaling a season of reflective introspection. Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” a romantic ballad, has topped Billboard’s Song of the Summer chart for 14 consecutive weeks, marking a departure from previous years dominated by upbeat “bangers.” This phenomenon has prompted music experts to examine what this change reveals about collective listener sentiment and broader societal trends.
A Summer of Ballads
The dominance of “Ordinary” as the Song of the Summer represents a significant deviation from the norm. According to the Associated Press, the Billboard Song of the Summer chart tracks streaming, airplay, and sales between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In previous years, energetic tracks like Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” (2010) or Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” (2024) typically held the top spot. The sustained popularity of a ballad suggests a deeper societal shift in musical preference.
Seeking Solace in Sound
Music psychologist Ray Leone offers insight into why “Ordinary” has resonated so strongly with listeners. He suggests the song acts as “a beacon amid dark times,” encouraging “inward listening” with its slower tempo and emotional focus. Leone posits that this inclination towards personal and reflective music is a response to the perceived “chaos every day” in the world, prompting individuals to seek something personal to connect to rather than a collective anthem. The song, written by Warren about his wife, provides a sense of comfort and intimacy in an increasingly turbulent world.
The Data Behind the Shift
Several factors have contributed to the ballad’s unexpected reign. A mid-year report from Luminate, the company providing data for the Billboard charts, reveals a decline in streaming for new tracks, down 3.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. This decline suggests a broader disinterest in the latest pop offerings.
Nostalgia and “Recession Pop”
Listeners are increasingly “clinging to older tunes” and favoring nostalgia, leading to a resurgence of what Luminate’s vice president of music insights, Jaime Marconette, terms “recession pop”—music from the era surrounding the 2008 financial crisis. This trend highlights themes of escapism and a desire to reconnect with simpler times, reflecting a sense of unease and uncertainty about the present and future.
Lack of Upbeat Competition
Another contributing factor to the success of “Ordinary” is the scarcity of strong, upbeat competition from new releases this summer. Ethan Hein, an adjunct professor of music at New York University and The New School, observes a “contempt for both the present and the future” among young people. He notes a lack of enthusiasm for typical pop “bangers” in his songwriting classes, with students instead gravitating towards more somber tracks. This suggests a generational shift in musical tastes, with younger listeners seeking authenticity and emotional depth over superficial energy.
Impact and Implications
The impact of a ballad-led summer is a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. While musicologist Paula Harper notes that a song like “Ordinary” may not “enliven barbecues or pool parties,” it offers solace to listeners. This trend, though uncommon, is not entirely unprecedented, as seen with Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License” previously topping the charts. However, the sustained dominance of a ballad throughout the entire summer of 2025 suggests a deeper societal introspection and a turning away from the usual high-energy summer soundtrack.
Reflective Introspection in Music
The summer of 2025 serves as a reminder that music preferences are often a reflection of broader societal trends and emotional states. The shift from upbeat anthems to heartfelt ballads suggests a collective desire for comfort, connection, and introspection in an increasingly complex world. As listeners seek solace in sound, the reign of “Ordinary” highlights the power of music to provide emotional support and a sense of shared experience during challenging times. The Associated Press source material was published on September 5-6, 2025.
