The essential 2019 summer playlist

It’s been a busy summer for breakout artists, but Lizzo is truly having her time in the sun right now. “Truth Hurts” is the year’s finest breakup anthem, a song that’s perfect for singing at the top of your lungs to celebrate your newfound independence. 

The obvious song of the summer, “Old Town Road” has been completely inescapable over the past couple of months. Thanks to its catchy beat, a little controversy and that innately charming absurdity, “Old Town Road” has topped both the streaming and radio charts, and its momentum doesn’t show any real signs of slowing. 

With a smoldering melody and rumors swirling over a budding romance between collaborators Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, “Senorita” is the summer’s sexiest track. Fans have been waiting since at least 2018 for this collaboration between Mendes and Cabello, and those fans are equally eager for this hot duo to announce that they’re officially together. 

Seventeen-year-old dance pop prodigy Billie Eilish has been everywhere this summer, and her fan base is broader than just teens. Released in March on her debut full-length album, “Bad Guy” is a No. 1 hit for Eilish in a number of countries, and it just got an extra bump thanks to a recently released remix that features vocals from Justin Bieber. 

It’s been out since February, but “Talk” is perfect on any summer playlist thanks to its summery synth vibes and Khalid’s breezy vocals. Fans of the song, and everything else on Khalid’s smash hit 2019 album, can catch the artist out on the road all summer long on his Free Spirit World Tour. 

This southern-rock-inflected country ballad about betrayal of all kinds — from no-good politicians to unfaithful lovers to a broken-down truck — is also an ode to summer’s most perfect beverage: an ice-cold beer. 

She isn’t typically the type to get political, but Taylor Swift went direct with her support for the LGBTQ community on “You Need to Calm Down,” an anti-bullying anthem. The retro-inspired music video is equally compelling, featuring cameos from superstars like RuPaul and Katy Perry, with whom Swift ends her famous feud during the video. 

Bringing together two major pop powerhouses, “I Don’t Care” is one of many excellent collaborations on Sheeran’s recently released "No. 6 Collaborations Project." Sheeran and Bieber trade off verses on this upbeat duet, and the backing beat is ridiculously catchy. 

Arguably Katy Perry’s best song in recent years, “Never Really Over” is the summer’s most upbeat and positive breakup anthem. It’s all about moving forward in a healthy way, and that’s a message that pretty much all of us need to hear. 

This cross-genre collaboration between electronic DJ Marshmello and country singer Kane Brown just...works. Brown’s rich baritone is layered over a pulsing electro beat, and it’s the perfect voice to deliver the swoon-worthy lyrics of “One Thing Right.” 

After rising to fame as teen heartthrobs, the Jonas Brothers have reunited for “Sucker,” the band’s first recording together in six years. After debuting at No. 1 in March, the song has since been streamed more than 450 million times. 

Kids of all ages have been eagerly awaiting the 2019 release of Disney’s "The Lion King," which features performances from Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and, perhaps most importantly, Beyonce. Along with performing the classic “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” Beyonce’s brand-new addition to the film’s soundtrack is seriously stunning. 

Thanks to his “no shoes, no shirt, no problem” aesthetic, Kenny Chesney’s music is always great for summertime, and his newest track “Tip of My Tongue” is no exception. Its laid-back vocals and mellow vibe make it perfect for pool-day lounging or a romantic night under the stars. 

Pretty much everything on Chance The Rapper’s latest release "Acid Rap" is perfect for this summer, and that’s especially true for “Lost.” Featuring an appearance from wildly talented rapper Noname, the song’s dreamy feel makes it a must-add to any summer playlist. 

Even though it was released months ago, Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” is still dominating the charts this summer. That might have something to do with its endlessly catchy chorus and lyrics that exude sass and self-confidence.

On the heels of Lil Nas X’s viral success with “Old Town Road,” country rapper Blanco Brown has found his own success with “The Git Up.” The song’s inspired a viral video challenge on Tik Tok and even made its way to the top of the country charts, so don’t be surprised if you’re not learning how to do the “Git Up” at every party this summer. 

This feisty trio of country up-and-comers brings one of the summer’s best breakup tracks in “Buy My Own Drinks,” an anthem dedicated to the newfound freedom that comes with ending a relationship that’s gone south. 

Three of summer’s hottest artists teamed up for “South of the Border,” which features a scorching verse from Cardi B and gorgeous singing from Sheeran and Cabello, all up against a sultry, Latin-influenced backbeat. 

Rap juggernaut Cardi B continues to score massive hits, and “Press” is the latest. It’s a definitive statement of Cardi’s “take no prisoners” ethos, with a slightly violent (and extraordinarily well-done) music video to match. 

It’s been out since December, but there’s no stopping “Wow,” an infectious ode to braggadocio from rapper Post Malone. Be sure to check out the video, which features cameos from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and DJ Khaled. 

Superstar Taylor Swift tapped super vocalist Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco fame for “Me,” her first new single of 2019. It’s also the first single from Swift’s upcoming album "Lover," set for release on August 23. 

For Blake Shelton, “God’s Country” is an ode to his home state of Oklahoma, but it’s the kind of song that can make anyone appreciate where they’re from. It’s this universality that’s made “God’s Country” a massive hit on both radio and streaming services. 

Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion is responsible for “hot girl summer,” the phrase that’s come to define these steamy, self-assured summer months. Get a crash course in what it means to be a Hot Girl with “Realer,” the lead track from Megan Thee Stallion’s debut album "Fever," released on May 17. 

Even though Steve Winwood topped the charts with “Higher Love” decades ago, Norwegian DJ Kygo has given the song a 2019 revamp with ridiculously gorgeous vocals from Whitney Houston. It’s a stunning reminder of what the world lost when it lost Houston, one of the all-time great vocalists. 

Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny teamed up with reggaeton producer for Spanish-language superhit “Callaita,” a song about a shy girl who isn’t afraid to showcase her wild side. The song’s been such a massive global hit that its music video has already racked up nearly 150 million views on YouTube.