As the summer of 2025 fades into memory, one thing remains clear for Atlanta’s music lovers: the city’s soundtrack was defined by deeply personal and emotionally resonant songs rather than high-energy dance anthems. According to exclusive Spotify data shared with Axios Atlanta, summer 2025 marked the least danceable and lowest-energy listening season in recent years, with audiences gravitating towards heartfelt lyrics and mellow vibes. Here’s a closer look at the top five songs that dominated Spotify streams in Atlanta and captured the spirit of the season.
- Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Topping the charts in Atlanta was Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” a tender ballad that doubles as a heartfelt love letter to his wife. The song resonated with listeners through its intimate lyricism and warm delivery, making it the most-streamed track in the city. Interestingly, “Ordinary” peaked on June 12, right after Warren teased his following single, “On My Mind,” showcasing a wave of growing fan anticipation. The song’s popularity reflects a broader shift this summer towards authentic, vulnerable storytelling in music.
- sombr – “back to friends”
Indie rock artist sombr made a massive leap this year, with “back to friends” propelling his monthly listeners from 8 million at the start of 2025 to over 53 million by summer’s end. The track’s introspective yet melodic nature struck a chord worldwide, earning it two spots in the Global Top 10. August 8 marked the song’s highest streaming day ever, a testament to its enduring appeal. sombr’s rise illustrates how indie artists continue to shape mainstream playlists with nuanced soundscapes.
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
Continuing her streak from last summer’s hit “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” delivered another chart-topper this season. The single, which introduces her album “Man’s Best Friend,” dominated Spotify’s U.S. Daily Top Songs chart for 25 consecutive days, underscoring Carpenter’s strong connection with listeners through introspective pop songwriting. “Manchild” blends catchy melodies with reflective themes, perfectly capturing the emotional tone that defined summer 2025. 4. Ravyn Lenae – “Love Me Not”
From the soulful depths of Ravyn Lenae’s 2024 album “Bird’s Eye” emerged “Love Me Not,” a track that Spotify describes as evoking “a hazy summer evening.” The song hit its streaming peak on July 18, coinciding with Lenae’s first Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 breakthrough. Its smooth, atmospheric sound and intimate lyrics made it a favorite for those seeking a more contemplative summer vibe. Lenae’s success highlights the growing influence of genre-blending R&B and neo-soul in today’s playlists.
- MOLIY, Shenseea, Silent Addy, Skillibeng – “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix”
Rounding out Atlanta’s top five is a vibrant dancehall anthem that brought global energy to the city’s ears. The remix of “Shake It To The Max (FLY),” featuring MOLIY alongside Shenseea, Silent Addy, and Skillibeng, found international success in over 45 countries, topping charts in Trinidad and Tobago. While Atlanta’s summer leaned toward mellower sounds, this infectious track brought bursts of high-energy dancehall rhythm, adding diversity and international flair to the local mix.
Looking Back on Summer 2025 in Atlanta
This year’s playlist reveals a shift in musical tastes — a summer soundtrack less about carefree party vibes and more about emotional connection and lyrical depth. Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” perfectly encapsulates this mood, leading the way for a season defined by vulnerability and heartfelt expression.
For those who missed out or want to relive the season’s sounds, these five tracks offer a glimpse into the soul of Atlanta’s summer 2025. Whether you were captivated by the indie ascent of sombr, Sabrina Carpenter’s pop reflections, Ravyn Lenae’s sultry ambiance, or the dancehall energy brought by MOLIY and collaborators, Atlanta’s ears were anything but bored.
As fall approaches, music fans can look forward to seeing how these artists evolve and what new sounds will define the next season in this ever-vibrant city’s tapestry.
Sources: Spotify data exclusive to Axios Atlanta, streaming statistics, and cultural trends from summer 2025.
