Four years after "Cruel Summer" was released as the second track of "Lover" in 2019, the track has seen monumental success, especially on social media, and now, during "The Eras" tour, the singing of the track's iconic bridge has become part of every Swifties' bucket list on the concert.
In the past week, it has been announced that "Cruel Summer" will finally be released as a single because of its virality and chart resurgence.
'Cruel Summer' as 'Lover' Lead Single
On Swift's pit stop in Pittsburgh last Saturday, Jun. 17, 2023, Swift talked about the well-loved song, taking a few moments before performing "champagne problems."
Per Swift, the "weirdest, most magical thing" is happening, referring to the upcoming release of "Cruel Summer" as a single. It has been announced that Republic Records will be releasing the song to US contemporary hit radio, making it the fifth single from "Lover" after "Me," "You Need To Calm Down," "Lover," and "The Man."
"You have conversations before the album comes out. Everybody around weighs in on what they think should be singles. I was finally, finally, about to have my favorite song become the single - off of Lover," she recalled.
Taylor talking about how Cruel Summer was her favorite and it’s finally becoming a single!!! 🥹#TSTheErasTour #PittsburghTSTheErasTour #CruelSummer@taylornation13 pic.twitter.com/ceK4Zxc6D1
— Holly Caitlin (@holly_caitlin) June 18, 2023
Apparently, "Cruel Summer" was supposed to be released in the summer of 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic hit, making it really a cruel summer for everyone around the globe.
"I'm not trying to blame the global pandemic that we had, but that is something that happened that stopped 'Cruel Summer' from ever being a single," she admitted.
According to a Billboard report, Republic Records has confirmed that "Cruel Summer" will be promoted starting Jun. 20, 2023, along with the recent "Midnights" single, "Karma."
READ ALSO: Taylor Swift's 'Cruel Summer' Music Video Coming Soon: 4-Year-Old Song Finally Becomes Single
'Cruel Summer' on Billboard Charts, Reviews
Peaking at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, "Cruel Summer" was named one of the best songs of 2019 by Rolling Stone and Billboard in their year-end lists.
The song was also reviewed several times since the album's release. The Los Angeles Times described the song to be "the best song" of "Lover," saying that the bridge where Swift "shrieks about the devil might be the punkest thing you'll hear all year."
Notably, the song has already accumulated 383.1 million streams and sold 37,000 units in the United States right before it would be released as a single.
READ ALSO: Taylor Swift Having Another 'Cruel Summer' After Two Break Ups?
