In the world of music, Taylor Swift has been rewriting the rules of summer longevity, proving that a song’s season can extend far beyond its release. A prime example is “Cruel Summer,” initially dropped in 2019 but not experiencing its breakout moment until 2023 when it became an unofficial anthem for the season. Its unexpected resurgence wasn’t the sole noteworthy event in the realm of Swift singles during 2023. “Anti-Hero,” launched in the colder months, served as the winter’s sensation and solidified Swift’s radio prominence. Her swift radio revival before the release of the “Eras” tour seemed to have hit a sweet spot in listeners’ hearts.
Sean Ross, author of the industry newsletter “Ross on Radio,” explained the paradoxical link between Swift’s folksy albums of 2020 and the subsequent success of her 2022-23 radio hits. Although her earlier tracks like “Cardigan” and “Willow” were not conventional radio material, their unexpected Top 20 success reset her rapport with pop radio. This paved the way for her more radio-friendly tracks from “Midnights,” which seamlessly blended her signature pop style with newfound songwriting depth.
“Anti-Hero,” the lead single from “Midnights,” marked a perfect fusion of familiarity and quirky lyricism. Despite Swift and Jack Antonoff’s initial nonchalance about its chart performance, their strategic radio approach with Republic Records and Swift’s personal involvement in station specials ensured its radio debut was a success.
The unexpected resurrection of “Cruel Summer” from the “Lover” album proved to be a testament to fan persistence and the song’s resonant portrayal of layered emotions in summer romances. Swift’s stadium tour kickoff in March signaled the song’s renaissance, strategically placed at the start of her setlist. Even as “Karma” from “Midnights” gained momentum on radio, the re-release of “Cruel Summer” saw a gradual ascent to the top, eventually reaching No. 1 with a boost from the “Eras Tour” movie.
The resurgence of “Cruel Summer” can be attributed partly to fan enthusiasm and perhaps Swift’s strategic recognition of its viral potential. Its unexpected success, alongside “Karma,” showcased Swift’s prowess in capturing the essence of a season with her music, proving that sometimes, it’s just about good karma.
