CNN Hits The Streets: New Yorkers Reveal Their Favorite Summer Songs

Michael

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Post on Sep 02, 2025

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CNN Hits the Streets: New Yorkers Reveal Their Favorite Summer Songs

Summer in the Big Apple is a vibrant tapestry of heatwaves, rooftop parties, and the infectious energy of the city that never sleeps. But what's the soundtrack to this urban summer symphony? To find out, CNN hit the streets of New York City, asking residents to share their ultimate summer anthems. The results? A diverse and surprisingly eclectic mix reflecting the city's own multifaceted character.

From the bustling streets of Times Square to the tranquil shores of Coney Island, we encountered a wave of musical preferences, spanning decades and genres. While some classics held their ground, many surprising choices emerged, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of popular music and the unique tastes of New Yorkers.

<h3>Classic Summer Anthems Reign Supreme</h3>

Unsurprisingly, several timeless summer hits made frequent appearances in our survey. These songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and effortless summer vibes, proving their enduring appeal across generations. Among the most popular were:

• "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong: This jazz standard remains a quintessential summer song, its breezy melody perfectly capturing the laid-back atmosphere of a warm afternoon.
• "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves: An undeniable feel-good anthem, this upbeat track is guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you moving, no matter the weather.
• "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond: A stadium staple and a karaoke favorite, "Sweet Caroline" is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that often punctuates summer nights with a wave of communal joy.

These classics highlight the enduring power of music to transport us to a specific time and place, conjuring up memories of past summers and the anticipation of those to come.

<h3>Beyond the Classics: Unexpected Summer Sounds</h3>

While the classics held their own, many New Yorkers surprised us with their more contemporary and genre-bending choices. We heard everything from reggaeton beats echoing through the city parks to indie-pop anthems blasting from open windows. This diversity underscores the city’s vibrant musical landscape and the individual expression it fosters.

Some unexpected highlights included:

• Several tracks from Bad Bunny's latest album: Reflecting the rising popularity of Latin music in New York City, several respondents mentioned the Puerto Rican superstar's infectious rhythms as their go-to summer sounds. This underscores the city's increasingly diverse and inclusive musical tastes.
• Indie-pop hits from emerging artists: New York is a breeding ground for musical talent, and many residents championed lesser-known artists, showing a preference for discovering new sounds and supporting the local music scene. This highlights the importance of supporting independent musicians and the ongoing evolution of popular music.
• Classic hip-hop tracks: The influence of hip-hop on New York City's cultural identity is undeniable. Several respondents cited classic hip-hop tracks as their summer anthems, demonstrating the genre's ongoing relevance and its place in the city's musical heritage.

<h3>The Soundtrack of a City: A Reflection of New York's Spirit</h3>

Our street survey revealed more than just a list of songs; it offered a glimpse into the heart and soul of New York City. The diverse range of musical preferences reflects the city's vibrant and eclectic culture, showcasing its dynamism and its embrace of both tradition and innovation. The common thread? The power of music to unite, uplift, and create lasting memories during the summer months.

Want to share your favorite summer song? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other articles exploring the diverse musical landscape of New York City. [Link to relevant article on CNN website]