Since the beginning of time or, at least, pop music, only a few have earned the designation of “song of the summer.”

These are the earworms that lodge deep into the brain, pushing past genre preferences and reminding listeners: A hit is a hit. With so much variety, though, it’s getting harder to crown a single song of the summer. Here are some 2024 predictions across categories — with past winners for reference.

Song of the summer for the caffeinated: “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter

We’re a few decades removed from the Y2K era of off-kilter pop songs with nonsensical lyrics atop sunny productions. But no one told Carpenter, whose hit is a shot of wake-up juice, equal parts clever and totally unserious.

Past champion: “Wide Awake,” Katy Perry (2012)

Country crossover song of the summer: “I Had Some Help,” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

The song introduced Malone’s foray into country and, with some help from Wallen, was an instant success. There’s no denying that honkytonk hook, Malone’s autotuned vibrato or the sing-along chorus.

Past champion: “You’re Still the One,” Shania Twain (1998)Diss song of the summer: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar

Drake and Lamar reignited a feud this year, launching diss track after diss track. None hit quite like Lamar’s ferocious “Not Like Us.” The messaging — all West Coast fire in an “us versus them” anthem — really works.

Past champion: “Obsessed,” Mariah Carey (2009)

Viral hit of the summer: “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey

With its interpolation of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy,” the song has all the makings of a modern classic, with an easy-to-rally-around narrative following a hardworking protagonist easing his troubles on a barstool.

Past champion: “Trap Queen,” Fetty Wap (2015)

Song of the summer for the yearners: “Lunch,” Billie Eilish

The song is a PG-13 ode to same-sex infatuation. Eilish has come a long way from the macabre humor, off-kilter beats and Invisalign slurps that made her a star. Instead, “Lunch” is a delicious, Sapphic anthem.

Past champion: “Nineteen,” Tegan and Sara (2007)

Club song of the summer: “Get It Sexyy,” Sexyy Red

Sexyy Red, with her distinctive flow and quotable bars not exactly safe for work, has taken over. “Get It Sexyy” is a theme song for her dominance and a confident mantra for everyone planning to hit the dance floor.

Past champion: “Lose Control,” Missy Elliott feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop (2005)

Song for singles ready to mingle this summer: “Bellakeo,” Peso Pluma feat. Anitta

Take one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, Pluma, bring in one of the biggest Brazilian pop-funk stars, Anitta, and you’ve got yourself a sweaty reggaetón banger. “Bellakeo” is a song for both the club and corner store, oozing with flirtation.

Past champion: “Where the Party at,” Jagged Edge and Nelly (2001)

Song of the summer from your favorite artist’s favorite artist: “Good Luck, Babe!,” Chappell Roan

This song is a kiss-off-and-a-half — perfect for screaming along to while driving down an empty street in Roan’s native Midwest or getting ready with the girls for the drag club.

Past champion: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” Stevie Wonder (1970)

Song of the summer for people seriously considering buying a harmonica: “Pink Skies,” Zach Bryan

Within the first few seconds of this song, the acoustic guitar, harmonica and raspy narrative will have you breaking out the tissues. “The kids are in town for a funeral,” Bryan sings. “So pack the car and dry your eyes.” He’s an expert at writing a novel in few words, and the song is so good it charts without traditional support.

Past champion: “Run- Around,” Blues Traveler (1995)

Song of the summer that shares a title with a film: “Million Dollar Baby,” Tommy Richman

The song feels like it came out of nowhere, but its continued endurance since April is notable.

Past champion: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Deep Blue Something (1995)

Song of the summer that inexplicably came out in January: “Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone

If “Pink Skies” is a little too raw for you, Boone’s song offers a glossy alternative. There isn’t a hint of edge in his soft pop-rock, but there is a lot of love.

Past champion: “Boy’s a Liar PT. 2,” PinkPantheress, Ice Spice (2023)

Swifties’ song of the summer: “Fortnight,” Taylor Swift and Post Malone

Every summer, Swift’s fans anoint their own pick. This time around, it has to be “Fortnight.” Enter “I love you/ It’s ruining my life,” into the pantheon of Swiftisms that would make for an amazing AOL away message (R.I.P.).

Past champion: “Karma,” Taylor Swift (2023)

Song of the summer revolutionizing genre: “Texas Hold ’Em,” Beyoncé

Beyoncé released “Act II: Cowboy Carter” with the declaration: “This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.” But she certainly wove the genre in, reclaiming country music as a Black woman. “Texas Hold ’Em” is ideal listening, whether you’re headed to the beach or rodeo.

Past champion: “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” Tina Turner (1984)

The post-ironic, TikTok-heavy, too online, micro-hit song of the summer: “The Spark,” Kabin Crew & Lisdoonvarna Crew

There’s always one song that’s part joke, full hit. Enter this Irish collaboration between some remarkably talented kids from Cork and Lisdoonvarna, written for Cruinniú na nÓg, a day meant to celebrate children’s creativity. These kids have produced an empowering electro-club banger for all ages.

Past champion: “The Margarita Song,” That Chick Angel, Casa Di & Steve Terrell (2023)

Song of the summer for Swedish pop lovers: “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” Ariana Grande

The song explodes into a string crescendo, electronic sounds effortlessly blending into organic ones, lyrically highlighting a relationship on the outs. It’s a gorgeous and devastating listen.

Past champion: “Call Your Girlfriend,” Robyn (2010)

Song of the summer for ‘it’ girls: “360,” Charli XCX

Charli XCX’s latest album, “Brat,” oscillates between hedonism and anxiety. “360” is a hot girl club classic squarely in the first category — all sexy showboating and futuristic production.

Past champion: “Stars Are Blind,” Paris Hilton (2006)