7 Gay Anthems to Listen to This Summer

By Caitlynn McDaniel

Posted on July 21, 2023

Get ready to add some vibrant and empowering tunes to your summer playlist with this collection of gay songs! From Troye Sivan’s infectious pop anthems to Demi Lovato’s powerful vocals, and Sam Smith’s soul-stirring ballads, this list has something for everyone. These artists have fearlessly shared their authentic experiences and emotions through their music, celebrating love, self-acceptance, and pride. So, whether you’re dancing poolside or soaking up the sun at the beach, let these gay artists and their captivating songs be the soundtrack to your unforgettable summer adventures.

1. Troye Sivan – Rush

Troye Sivan has edged us long enough. The “Angel Baby” singer has finally released his new single and music video for his highly anticipated track, “Rush.” Fans have already named it the gay bop anthem of the summer. We second that.

Along with the video and single release, Sivan announced the title and release date of his new album, Something to Give Each Other. It will be available to purchase and stream on Friday, October 13. This is the 28-year-olds third studio album, following Blue Neighborhood and Bloom.

2. Renee Rapp – Talk Too Much

You may know Renee Rapp as Leighton Murray on The Sex Lives of College Girls or as Regina George in the Broadway production of Mean Girls. Rapp recently announced her departure from the Max drama series to focus on her music and is now gearing up to release her debut album, Snow Angel. The singer also released the second single from the album, “Talk Too Much.”

While speaking to Apple Music, Rapp gushed about the opportunity to create her own sound. “God, I love it so much. It’s like, I don’t even care,” she said. “And I don’t know if that’s because I’ve had different experiences on the other side because I’ve also had amazing experiences on the other side, but it just doesn’t f–king matter to me in music.”

3. Idman – Beach

Rising R&B sensation Idman has unveiled their highly anticipated debut EP, Risk, under the esteemed label Arista Records. The seven-track masterpiece, executive produced by the renowned Khris Riddick-Tynes from The Rascals production duo, delves into themes of heartbreak and self-discovery.

The flirtatious vibes of “Beach” explore lust and temptation, with Idman acknowledging the complexities of attraction, even when it’s not entirely appropriate.

4. Greta Van Fleet – Starscratcher

Greta Van Fleet, the rock band made up of brothers Jake, Josh and Sam Kiszka along with Danny Wagner, released its third studio album on July 21. Speaking to Billboard, Jake said the album Starscratcher is about reverting” back to rock ‘n’ roll, and what does this [genre] truly mean for our generation.”

5. Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry (Rock Version)

Get ready for a whole new Demi Lovato album, the rock version. The “Still Alive” singer has recently been recording and releasing a new version of their top tracks with a more rockin’ sound. Now, the artist has announced an entire album filled with remixes titled, Revamped.

So far, Lovato has released “Cool for the Summer,” “Heart Attack,” and a killer version of “Sorry Not Sorry” featuring a guitar solo from Slash.

6. MUNA – One That Got Away

MUNA is an electrifying band delivering powerful and thought-provoking dark pop and synth-driven anthems. With deeply introspective lyrics and captivating melodies, this trio resonates with listeners worldwide, inspiring and uplifting others through their music.

Earlier this year, the band performed a new danceable, disco-pop track during their Coachella performance. Band member Katie Gavin said the song, “One That Got Away,” is about “rubbing your hot ass in the face of someone who messed up their chance of being with you.”

7. Sam Smith – Man I Am

Along with the release of the highly anticipated Barbie movie to theaters, director Greta Gerwig also helped coordinate what could be the summer album, Barbie the Album. The album contains 16 tracks all created by talented pop music icons like Charlie XCX, Dominic Fike and Lizzo.

Sam Smith’s contribution to the album is a song called “Man I Am,” which appears to be a song from the Kens perspective. In it, the doll sings about being a, “super sleazy, sexy and freaky Ken.”