An Ode To What Could Have Been (Summer 2020)

COVID-19 shut a lot down, but the music continued on. Obviously, we weren’t able to enjoy live shows, festivals, meet and greets, or other activities where humans can be within six feet of one another. However, we were at home tuned into Verzuz battles and still waiting up for midnight to tap into the new albums. Many artists delivered, despite the uncertain times and consumers adjusting how they receive the music. Environment matters.

That is why a major conversation every year centers around deciding on the song of the summer. You know, the song that stops time in the middle of a party, unifies crowds of people who are likely meeting for the first time and makes it to every single Snapchat story, Instagram story, now Tik-Toks, and of course popular playlists. Rarely do we universally agree on one song, but there is always a general crop of tracks that come up on the timeline, in group chats, or in person.

Today, #WeHere to list out some non-negotiables, a few dark horse candidates, and speculate on songs that may have been more successful if people could have had an actual summer. Summer 2020 was supposed to be the one. It still hurts.

“Go Crazy” — Chris Brown x Young Thug

Chris Brown going back-to-back? “No Guidance” featuring Drake was a clear standout in Summer 2019, but this time CB…