Every year there is a song that is unofficially named “the song of the summer.” It is the song that gets blasted at every barbeque, on every radio station, and at the beach. That one song defines every memory you have from Memorial Day to Labor Day for that specific year. In 2012 it was Carly Rae Jepsen’s infectious “Call Me Maybe.” In 2014 it was Iggy Azalea’s breakout hit “Fancy.” Two years ago you could not get Omi’s “Cheerleader” out of your head. And last year it was impossible to get away from Drake’s “One Dance.” Yes, you may have sighed every time you heard the words “Baby, I like your style,” but within seconds you were belting out the lyrics.

Almost every year the song that gets the “song of the summer” nod gets released way before the summer begins, so it is highly likely that the song is out there right now. There are many candidates this year who are capable of getting the nod for the highly prestigious title.

There is Dj Khaled’s “I’m The One,” which has a star-studded cast featuring Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne and Migos’ Quavo. In its first eligible week, the week ending May 12th, it debuted at number one on the billboard hot 100. Could this be hinting that this is the summer jam? Well, last year would certainly suggest it. That exact week last year saw “One Dance,” 2016’s song of the summer, debut at number one.  Is this just a coincidence, or is it fate? Nobody knows just yet, but we do know that “I’m The One” definitely has the potential.

Another song featuring popstar Justin Bieber has a shot at taking the crown. It is a Spanish song called “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and the aforementioned Bieber. It is extremely catchy, and even though you may not know what they are saying, you probably won’t be able to stop dancing to it.

One more contender is a man named Calvin Harris. He has a huge star-studded album coming out on June 23rd; however, we may not have to wait until then to hear our summer tune. He put out three songs already in preparation for the album, and you may be hearing two of them for the next three months. The first one is “Slide,” featuring Frank Ocean and the Migos. One being one of the best vocalists in today’s pop world, and the other being an energetic Hip Hop group who blew up on their smash single “Bad and Boujee.” It seemed like an odd couple, but Calvin Harris was able to blend them perfectly. He did the same with his other song “Rollin” featuring Khalid and Future. It is a smooth groovy song that will be blasted throughout barbecues all summer long.

There are plenty of candidates this year for song of the summer. Many catchy and dancey songs that will make for perfect beach days and window down car rides. You’ll hear each of these songs a plenty from May to September, but you will remember your summer by whichever song gets the nod for “the song of the summer.”

* photo via Google Images under the Creative Commons license