About Cruel Summer

"Cruel Summer" is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, from her seventh studio album Lover (2019). Swift wrote the song with St. Vincent and its producer Jack Antonoff. It is the second track on Lover, and was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. "Cruel Summer" combines synth-pop, industrial pop and electropop styles, and incorporates synthesizers and distorted vocals manipulated by robotic voice effects in its production. Lyrically, it describes Swift's intense and painful experience when she falls for a summer romance.

"Cruel Summer" was acclaimed by critics, who lauded the production as catchy and ethereal. Several critics deemed it an album highlight and one of Swift's best songs. Upon its release, "Cruel Summer" debuted and peaked at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It peaked inside the top 20 on singles charts of Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The song was included in 2019 year-end lists by Billboard and Rolling Stone.