One year after its release, Taylor Swift‘s song “Cruel Summer”is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, positioning it as a strong contender for this summer’s anthem. Over her illustrious career, Swift has delivered numerous chart-topping hits, but “Cruel Summer,”from the 2019 album “Lover,”has emerged as a quintessential summer track. Initially overlooked as a single, it was only officially recognized in 2023, allowing its true potential to finally unfurl.
The pandemic interrupted Swift’s “Lover”promotional cycle, as she swiftly transitioned into releasing her acclaimed albums “folklore”and “evermore.”Consequently, “Cruel Summer”did not receive the spotlight it deserved until the highly anticipated Eras Tour kicked off in 2023, where it ascended to number one, four years post-release. However, the Swiftie community is now advocating for another track to claim the title of this year’s summer song.
Fresh Out The Slammer Is Taking Social Media by Storm
A Viral Hit on TikTok
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“Fresh Out The Slammer,”the seventh track from the album The Tortured Poets Department, is currently gaining traction, despite not being an official single. This trend aligns with Swift’s practice of having certain tracks—deemed fan favorites—that don’t receive the recognition typically afforded to singles. TikTok has played a pivotal role in amplifying the song’s popularity, as numerous videos showcase fans passionately singing along, both new admirers discovering the track and longstanding fans reveling in its moment of acclaim.
The song’s appeal has been bolstered by viral fan edits featuring actors Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, who starred in the romantic comedy “Anyone But You.”Recent appearances of the pair at social events, following Sweeney’s reported engagement breakup, have made the song’s themes particularly resonant. TikTok users find it relates intimately to a narrative of moving on from past relationships, epitomized by the lyrics that suggest a departure from old love toward new adventures. The track’s prominence was further solidified when Swift’s collaborator, Jack Antonoff, praised its unexpected viral success, declaring it his favorite from the album.
What Makes This Song a Summer Anthem?
“Fresh Out The Slammer”Symbolizes New Beginnings
The track embodies the narrative of transition, particularly reflecting Taylor Swift’s evolving relationship landscape post her time with actor Joe Alwyn and into her rumored romance with Matty Healy of The 1975. The lyrics convey feelings of being trapped in an unfulfilling romance and the liberating sensation of breaking free. With metaphorical references to summer and winter, the song aligns perfectly with the themes of rejuvenation and personal rebirth, synonymous with the summer season.
This message of liberation encapsulated in “Fresh Out The Slammer”makes it a compelling summer anthem, perfectly suited to evoke feelings of joy and new experiences. If the enthusiasm surrounding this track among Swifties continues to grow, Taylor Swift could very well find herself with another summer classic akin to “Cruel Summer.”