The Ultimate Summer Soundtrack: CNN Asks New Yorkers For Their Top Picks

Shawn

3 min read

Post on Sep 03, 2025

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The Ultimate Summer Soundtrack: CNN Asks New Yorkers for Their Top Picks

Summer in the city that never sleeps? It's a symphony of sirens, street performers, and sizzling hot pavement. But the true soundtrack of a New York summer? That's a much more personal affair. CNN recently hit the streets of the Big Apple to uncover the ultimate summer playlist, asking New Yorkers to share their top song picks for the season. The results are surprisingly diverse, reflecting the city's vibrant and eclectic culture.

This year's selections offer a compelling mix of classic anthems, contemporary hits, and unexpected gems, proving that the perfect summer tune is as individual as the city itself. From the sun-drenched beaches of Coney Island to the bustling energy of Times Square, these songs capture the spirit of a New York summer.

<h3>A Mix of Genres and Generations</h3>

The survey revealed a fascinating blend of musical tastes, spanning generations and genres. While some respondents opted for timeless classics like "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald or "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves – songs that evoke a sense of nostalgic joy – others leaned towards contemporary artists.

• Reggaeton's Reign: Several New Yorkers highlighted the infectious rhythms of Reggaeton, citing artists like Bad Bunny and J Balvin as their go-to summer jams. This reflects the growing popularity of Latin music within the city's diverse musical landscape.
• Hip-Hop's Heartbeat: Unsurprisingly, hip-hop maintained its strong presence, with mentions of both classic tracks and newer releases from artists dominating the charts. The energy of these songs perfectly complements the frenetic pace of New York City life.
• Indie's Influence: A surprising number of respondents championed indie artists, showcasing the city's embrace of alternative and underground music scenes. These picks often reflected a more laid-back, introspective side to the summer vibe.

<h3>Beyond the Billboard Charts</h3>

What's truly remarkable about CNN's survey is its ability to highlight songs beyond the mainstream Billboard charts. Many respondents shared personal favorites, songs that hold special significance for them and contribute to their individual summer experience. These hidden gems often tell a unique story about the listener and their connection to New York City.

This underscores the fact that the "perfect" summer soundtrack isn't about commercial success, but rather a reflection of personal memories and emotions. It's about the feeling a song evokes, the memories it brings back, and how it connects you to a specific time and place.

<h3>Creating Your Own NYC Summer Playlist</h3>

Inspired by the diverse selections from New Yorkers? Why not create your own personalized summer playlist? Think about the moments you want to capture: the lazy afternoons in Central Park, the vibrant nightlife, the spontaneous adventures. Let your music reflect your unique summer experience in the city that never sleeps.

Feeling adventurous? Explore some of the lesser-known artists mentioned in the CNN survey. You might discover your new favorite summer anthem! Share your own summer playlist on social media using #NYCSummerSounds – we'd love to hear your picks!

Further Reading:

• [Link to CNN article (if available)]
• [Link to a relevant article about New York City music scene]
• [Link to a music streaming service]

By exploring the diverse musical tastes highlighted in this survey, we can truly appreciate the rich tapestry of sounds that define a New York summer. The ultimate soundtrack? It's the one you create yourself.