This was previously published in our September 2025 issue.
A simple song can unlock thousands of memories. The summer of 2025 will now live on in scrapbooks and playlists until a certain song unlocks it all again. This summer featured major album releases ranging from artists such as Tyler the Creator to Sabrina Carpenter. After new content from all genres of music, Emmaus High School students voted for this summer’s musical time capsules.
The windows are down, and the summer breeze fills the car as the stoplight illuminates your face. But what song fills your ears? According to EHS students, “Back to Friends” by Sombr does. Sombr has been thriving on social media in recent months with his first viral release, “Back to Friends,” on Dec. 9, 2024. Sombr appeals to hopeless romantics with this song especially, discussing heartbreak in beautiful harmony. Peaking at #30 on Billboard Hot 100 during its 19th week, Sombr’s “Back to Friends” has captivated an audience, earning the title of preferred song for late night drives.
This summer, artists raced neck and neck for the top of the charts. The immense number of singles and albums released kept the world on their feet dancing which was just what Tyler the Creator’s new album, “DON’T TAP THE GLASS,” was crafted for. Tyler released this album on July 21 during his famous “CHROMOKOPIA” tour. The album consists of 10 tracks that Tyler described as “made for body movement.” With the album peaking at 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the featured song “Sugar On My Tongue” was voted as the best song released during this summer.
“Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae earned the EHS title for the official song of the summer. Lenae, an American R&B singer, released her new album “Bird’s Eye” on Aug 9. “Love Me Not” reached its peak position at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 this summer. Discussing themes of conflicting emotions within a push-and-pull relationship, this song made a significant impression on social media, ultimately becoming EHS students’ choice for The Stinger’s top song of the summer.
Whether played on a speaker by the pool or through headphones on a plane, music has always been a huge part of summer enjoyment. As the new school year begins, the songs of the summer will always hold the nostalgia to be unpacked later.
