Summer 2016. The air crackled with anticipation, the days stretched long and lazy, and the radio waves pulsed with unforgettable tunes. Relive the heat and the hazy sunsets with our definitive list of the best songs of 2016 summer. This wasn't just any summer; it was a soundtrack to a season of unforgettable moments, filled with carefree days and nights alive with music. Remember those road trips with the windows down, the beach parties under the stars, or simply chilling with friends? The perfect summer playlist is more than just a collection of songs – it's a time capsule, a journey back to specific feelings and memories. So, whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or just looking to rediscover the sounds of that iconic summer, get ready to crank up the volume and dive into our curated selection of the absolute best songs of 2016 summer. Prepare to be transported back to those sun-drenched days.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. We Don't Talk Anymore |
Charlie Puth Selena Gomez | Nine Track Mind (Special Edition) | 3B+ |
| 2. Closer |
The Chainsmokers Halsey | Changes | 3B+ |
| 3. This Is What You Came For |
Rihanna Calvin Harris | Peace Is The Mission (Extended) | 3B+ |
| 4. Starboy |
The Weeknd Daft Punk | 2B+ | |
| 5. Treat You Better | Shawn Mendes | Illuminate | 2B+ |
| 6. Heathens | Twenty One Pilots | Californication (Deluxe Edition) | 2B+ |
| 7. Don't Let Me Down |
The Chainsmokers Daya | DNCE | 2B+ |
1. We Don't Talk Anymore
Summer Anthem: "We Don't Talk Anymore" perfectly captured the bittersweet feeling of a summer romance ending, making it the ultimate soundtrack for those long, hazy days.
Nostalgic Vibes: The song's blend of pop and R&B, along with Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez's unforgettable vocals, created an irresistible sound that resonated deeply with listeners in 2016.
Radio Replay Value: Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics ensured it was a constant on summer playlists, making it a defining track of the season.
2. Closer (Changes)
Summer Anthem: The Chainsmokers and Halsey's "Closer" perfectly captured the carefree energy of summer 2016, its infectious beat and memorable hook making it a ubiquitous soundtrack to endless sunny days and warm nights.
Unforgettable Vocals: Halsey's sultry vocals blend seamlessly with The Chainsmokers' signature sound, creating a unique and captivating listening experience that resonated deeply with listeners.
Nostalgic Hit: To this day, "Closer" evokes a potent sense of nostalgia for that specific summer, instantly transporting listeners back to those carefree moments.
3. This Is What You Came For (Rihanna ft Calvin Harris - 2025)
Summer Anthem: This Is What You Came For perfectly captured the carefree energy of summer 2016, becoming an instant hit at pool parties and beach hangouts.
Unforgettable Collaboration: Rihanna's sultry vocals paired flawlessly with Calvin Harris's signature electronic sound, creating a track that's both catchy and sophisticated.
Enduring Legacy: Even years later, its infectious beat and memorable chorus make it a quintessential summer song that continues to evoke those warm weather vibes.
4. Starboy - 2025
Summer Anthem: Starboy's infectious beat and The Weeknd's signature vocals made it a perfect soundtrack for endless summer days in 2016.
Daft Punk's Influence: The collaboration with Daft Punk added a layer of futuristic, danceable energy that perfectly captured the vibe of the season.
Nostalgia Trip: Revisit this track to instantly transport yourself back to the carefree energy of summer 2016.
5. Treat You Better (2016)
Summer Anthem: Shawn Mendes' "Treat You Better" captured the carefree vibes of summer 2016 with its infectious pop melody and irresistible rhythm.
Unforgettable Vocals: Mendes' smooth vocals perfectly complemented the song's upbeat tempo, creating a sound that was both catchy and emotionally resonant.
Nostalgia Trip: Revisit this track to instantly transport yourself back to those warm summer days and recapture that feeling of youthful energy.
6. Heathens - Californication (Deluxe Edition)
Anthemic Summer Vibe: Heathens' driving beat and soaring chorus perfectly captured the energy of summer 2016, making it an unforgettable soundtrack for countless sunny days.
Unforgettable Vocals: Tyler Joseph's distinctive vocals, both vulnerable and powerful, are a key element in the song's enduring appeal.
Dark Pop Perfection: The song's dark undertones, juxtaposed with its catchy melody, created a unique and captivating sound that resonated with listeners all summer long.
7. Don't Let Me Down (The Chainsmokers ft Daya - 2025)
Summer Anthem: The Chainsmokers and Daya's "Don't Let Me Down" perfectly captured the carefree vibes of summer 2016 with its infectious melody and irresistible beat.
Vocal Synergy: Daya's vocals blend seamlessly with the electronic production, creating a captivating and unforgettable sonic landscape ideal for sunny days and warm nights.
Nostalgic Recall: Its ubiquitous presence on summer playlists cemented its status as a defining track of the season, instantly transporting listeners back to those long, hazy days.
8. Cheap Thrills - This Is Acting (Deluxe Version)
Summer Anthem: Sean Paul and Sia's "Cheap Thrills" was the perfect soundtrack for endless summer days in 2016, its infectious reggae-pop fusion effortlessly blending carefree vibes with undeniable charisma.
Unforgettable Hook: Sia's instantly recognizable vocals and the song's irresistible chorus cemented "Cheap Thrills" as a radio staple and a guaranteed mood-lifter.
Nostalgia Trip: Transport yourself back to those hazy, sun-drenched summer days of 2016 – this track is pure sonic nostalgia.
9. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!
Unforgettable Groove: Justin Timberlake's "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" is an infectious earworm with a relentlessly upbeat tempo and irresistible rhythm, making it the perfect soundtrack for long summer days.
Pure Summer Vibes: Its bright, feel-good energy and catchy chorus perfectly capture the carefree spirit of summer 2016, solidifying its place as a quintessential summer anthem.
Nostalgia Trip: Close your eyes and let the music transport you back to those hazy, sun-drenched summer days; it's a guaranteed mood booster.
10. Ride (Twenty One Pilots - 2025)
Anthemic Energy: Ride's driving beat and soaring vocals perfectly captured the carefree energy of summer 2016, making it ideal for long drives and sunny days.
Nostalgic Vibe: The song evokes a feeling of youthful adventure and freedom, resonating with listeners who experienced that summer.
Summer Soundtrack Staple: Its upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics cemented its place as a quintessential summer anthem, instantly transporting listeners back to those warm summer months.
11Let Me Love You
Justin Bieber,DJ Snake
2023
Encore
12Work
Drake,Rihanna
2016
ANTI (Deluxe)
13Into You
Ariana Grande
2024
14Cold Water
Justin Bieber,MØ
2016
15Send My Love
Adele
2016
25
16Lush Life
Zara Larsson
2015
So Good
17Me Too
Meghan Trainor
2016
Thank You (Deluxe Version)
18No Money
Galantis
2016
19Panda
Desiigner
2016
20Kill Em With Kindness
Selena Gomez
2016
Revival (Deluxe)
21All the Way Up
Fat Joe,Remy Ma,French Montana
2024
22Perfect Illusion
Lady Gaga
2016
23Final Song
MØ
2016
24Gold
Kiiara
2016
25One Dance
Drake,Wizkid,Kyla
2016
Views
26Make Me
Britney Spears,G-Eazy
2016
27Sit Still, Look Pretty
Daya
2016
28Good as Hell
Lizzo
2016
29Side To Side
Nicki Minaj,Ariana Grande
2016
Dangerous Woman