Sabrina Carpenter and Alex Warren Lead Spotify’s Softer Summer Soundtrack

The close of summer 2025 sees Spotify unveiling its annual “Songs of Summer” playlist, highlighting tracks that not only topped streaming numbers but also reflected the season’s evolving emotional landscape. This year’s roundup is defined by a notable shift, with listeners gravitating toward introspective, less danceable tracks—a departure from the high-energy hits of previous years. Among the chart-toppers, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” have emerged as global anthems, resonating widely across LGBTQ+ communities and beyond .

Spotify’s editorial team, drawing from streaming data, cultural impact, and user engagement, described 2025 as the “least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music in the past decade.” This trend is substantiated by a comprehensive analysis of the platform’s Global Top 50 from May to August, focusing on metrics such as tempo, rhythm stability, and beat strength .

After the breakout success of last year’s “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter returned to the top of the charts with “Manchild,” a track praised for its wit and emotional honesty. Released on June 5, “Manchild” spent an astonishing 25 consecutive days at No. 1 on Spotify’s U.S. Daily Top Songs, earning Carpenter her second consecutive summer anthem .

The song’s lyrics, which balance playful critique with genuine vulnerability, have been celebrated for their relatability, particularly within LGBTQ+ circles. Carpenter’s nuanced storytelling invites listeners to embrace complexity in relationships and self-image—a theme that resonates strongly with LGBTQ+ youth navigating identity and acceptance in a rapidly changing world .

Social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, have seen a surge in fan-created content connecting “Manchild” to queer experiences. Many LGBTQ+ listeners have cited the song’s exploration of emotional labor, boundaries, and self-worth as affirming, sparking conversations about healthy relationships and self-advocacy (Instagram: @sabrinacarpenter, TikTok: #ManchildChallenge).

Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” written as a love ballad to his wife, topped Spotify’s global streaming charts and was lauded for its heartfelt simplicity. The song’s gentle melody and earnest lyrics have made it a favorite for wedding playlists, pride celebrations, and personal reflection alike .

For LGBTQ+ audiences, “Ordinary” serves as a reminder of the universality of love, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Pride organizers in several cities incorporated the song into their events, underscoring its message of authenticity and acceptance. In interviews, Warren has expressed support for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing his belief in music’s ability to unite diverse communities .

The “Songs of Summer 2025” playlist extends beyond Carpenter and Warren, featuring tracks like “back to friends” by sombr—a stripped-back indie anthem that sent the band’s monthly listeners soaring from 8 million to 54 million worldwide. The emotional rawness of “back to friends” struck a chord with fans experiencing transitions in friendship and belonging, echoing themes familiar to many LGBTQ+ individuals .

Other notable entries include Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not,” described by critics as evoking the feeling of “a hazy summer evening,” and the international remix hit “Shake It To The Max (FLY)- Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea, which appeared in the platform’s Top 50 Chart across more than 45 countries .

The prominence of emotionally honest, inclusive tracks on Spotify’s summer playlist speaks to a broader trend in pop music: the embrace of vulnerability, authenticity, and diversity. Sabrina Carpenter’s continued visibility as a queer ally, coupled with Alex Warren’s outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights, affirms the importance of representation in mainstream music .

LGBTQ+ media organizations have highlighted these artists’ roles in fostering dialogue around identity and acceptance. Pride Media, for example, commended Carpenter and Warren for elevating themes of self-worth and love without boundaries in their work (Pride Media, https://pridemedia.com/2025/08/27/spotifys-songs-of-summer-lgbtq-representation, August 27, 2025) . Fans and advocacy groups continue to call for greater visibility of LGBTQ+ artists, songwriters, and producers in future playlists and music events.

As the summer playlist gained traction, LGBTQ+ influencers and community leaders took to Twitter and TikTok to discuss the significance of softer, emotionally resonant music in queer spaces. Many cited the importance of songs that validate complex feelings and provide comfort during times of uncertainty, particularly for younger listeners navigating identity exploration and coming out (Twitter: @lgbtqmusic, TikTok: #SongsOfSummerLGBTQ).

Spotify’s curation process, which incorporates both data and editorial insight, has been praised for its commitment to reflecting the diverse tastes and experiences of its global user base. The platform’s annual playlist serves not only as a soundtrack to the season but as a mirror to cultural shifts—highlighting the role of music in shaping collective identity .

As autumn approaches, artists and listeners alike reflect on a summer defined by softness, introspection, and inclusivity. The success of Carpenter, Warren, and their peers suggests that audiences are hungry for music that affirms diverse identities and emotional realities. LGBTQ+ organizations urge streaming platforms to continue prioritizing representation, ensuring that future playlists remain a space where every listener can find their story reflected in song.

Spotify’s “Songs of Summer 2025” demonstrates the power of pop culture to foster empathy, spark dialogue, and celebrate authenticity across communities. For LGBTQ+ fans, the playlist is more than a collection of hits—it’s a soundtrack to self-discovery, pride, and belonging.