Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ Takes Radio Airwaves by Storm

Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” Gains Momentum on Pop Radio

Introduction

Taylor Swift’s fan-favorite song “Cruel Summer,” originally released on her 2019 album “Lover,” is now being promoted to U.S. pop radio. This move comes as Republic Records officially begins promoting the song to pop radio stations. The song’s resurgence can be attributed to Swift’s current Eras Tour, which allows her to showcase songs from “Lover” that were released just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Journey of “Cruel Summer”

“Cruel Summer,” a song written by Swift, Jack Antonoff, and produced with Antonoff and St. Vincent, has been steadily gaining momentum in recent weeks. It returned to the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated June 3, 2023, reaching No. 29 after spending two weeks on the chart in September 2019. As of the June 17 Hot 100 chart, the song ranks at No. 47, with 9.6 million official streams, 2.6 million radio airplay audience impressions (a significant increase of 71%), and 1,500 downloads sold in the United States from June 2-8, according to data from Luminate.

Rekindling the Lover Era

The Eras Tour allows Swift to perform songs from each of her albums, including “Lover.” The concert is divided into ten acts, encompassing nine of her LPs. The Lover era kicks off the show with a setlist that includes “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince,” “Cruel Summer,” “The Man,” “You Need to Calm Down,” “Lover,” and “The Archer.” This focus on the Lover era has led to a resurgence in the album’s popularity, with the album consistently ranking in the top 20 of the Billboard 200 since April, coinciding with the start of the Eras Tour on March 17, 2023. Prior to the tour, Lover had not placed in the top 20 since August 2020.

The Significance of “Cruel Summer”

Since its release, “Cruel Summer” has amassed an impressive 383.1 million official on-demand streams and garnered 17.8 million in airplay audience. Additionally, it has sold 37,000 copies in the U.S. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of the song and Swift’s ability to captivate audiences with her musical storytelling.

The Success of “Karma” from “Midnights”

While “Cruel Summer” gains momentum on pop radio, Swift’s current single, “Karma,” from her 2022 album “Midnights,” remains the primary focus of Republic Records’ promotional efforts. “Karma” recently jumped 8-6 on the Pop Airplay chart, with a 17% increase in plays. It became Swift’s 21st top 10 hit on the Pop Airplay chart and the third single from “Midnights” to achieve this feat, following “Lavender Haze” (No. 5, April) and “Anti-Hero,” which claimed the top spot for three weeks in December-January. The song also reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart dated June 10, thanks in part to the new remix featuring Ice Spice. This accomplishment marked Swift’s milestone 25th top-five hit, solidifying her position as one of the most successful artists in the history of the chart.

Conclusion

With “Cruel Summer” gaining momentum on pop radio and “Karma” achieving notable success, Taylor Swift continues to dominate the music industry. Her ability to connect with fans and consistently produce chart-topping hits showcases her versatility as an artist. As the Eras Tour continues and Swift’s musical journey unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate her future releases and the impact she will undoubtedly make on the industry.

Sources:

• Billboard: Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ Becomes Officially Promoted Single at Pop Radio
• Luminate