Successful summer songs typically follow specific elements including tempo, marketing strategies, and lyrical themes. The analysis of popular summer tracks reveals two categories based on BPM: swagger tracks under 112 BPM and shimmer songs above 125 BPM. Songs falling between these ranges struggle to gain traction. Marketing is also crucial; platforms like TikTok serve as modern-day radio, essential for reaching audiences. Elements beyond musicality such as strategic timing and seasonal lyrics contribute to crafting a summer anthem.
When I crunched the numbers from the biggest summer tracks of the past five years, tempo was one of the common denominators.
There are two lanes. Swagger tracks generally groove below 112 BPM...Shimmer songs punch in at 125 BPM or higher...songs that are between 112 BPM and 124 BPM are on tempo no man's land.
Whether we like it or not, TikTok is the new radio. If you're not soundtracking a transition video, a get ready with me, or releasing sound bites, you're missing out.
It's also math (yes, really), great marketing, strategic timing, a lyric with a seasonal tinge, and most elusive of all-bottled lightning.
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