Ah, summer 2016. The air was thick with sunshine, road trips, and, of course, the songs that defined those carefree months. If you were streaming music back then, chances are you had Drake and Rihanna on repeat. Spotify's data from June 1st to August 31st of that year painted a clear picture: these two were the undisputed kings and queens of summer airwaves.
Drake absolutely owned the global charts with "One Dance." It wasn't just a hit; it was the hit, racking up more streams than anything else. And the love didn't stop there. Domestically, in the U.S., "One Dance" also snagged the top spot, with his other collaboration, "Too Good" featuring Rihanna, coming in a strong second. It really felt like a Drake and Rihanna summer, didn't it?
But Rihanna wasn't just a feature on Drake's tracks. Her own powerhouse collaboration with Calvin Harris, "This Is What You Came For," earned a stellar second place on the global charts. Meanwhile, Sia's infectious "Cheap Thrills" rounded out the top three globally, a track that was impossible to escape. In the U.S., Rihanna's solo effort "Needed Me" also landed in the top three, solidifying her presence across the board.
Beyond the absolute titans, the summer of 2016 saw a vibrant mix of artists making waves. Globally, Justin Timberlake's feel-good anthem "Can't Stop the Feeling!" was a major player, as was Desiigner's unique "Panda." Fifth Harmony also made their mark. The U.S. charts were particularly diverse, with Twenty One Pilots scoring not one, but two spots, showcasing their broad appeal.
It's fascinating to look back and see how these tracks became the soundtrack to so many memories. Whether it was the smooth rhythms of "One Dance," the undeniable catchiness of "Cheap Thrills," or the summery vibes of "Can't Stop the Feeling!," these songs captured the essence of summer 2016, proving that some musical moments just stick with us.
