Summer Walker has undeniably carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary R&B landscape. Since her breakthrough with the album Over It in 2019, this Atlanta-based artist has captivated audiences with her raw vulnerability, introspective songwriting, and distinctive vocal style. Her sophomore album, Still Over It, further solidified her position, achieving No. 1 status and marking the biggest female R&B debut since Beyoncé’s Lemonade. Fans deeply connect with Walker’s honest portrayal of love and relationships, often drawing parallels to their own experiences. Beyond her solo work, Summer Walker’s collaborations with both R&B and hip-hop artists have showcased her versatility and broadened her appeal. As we eagerly anticipate her next musical chapter, let’s delve into 10 of her best songs that exemplify her artistry.
10. “Session 32” (‘Over It’, 2019)
“Session 32” stands out for its sheer simplicity and emotional resonance. This track, featured on her debut album Over It, is a raw and intimate expression of love and heartbreak. With just Summer Walker’s soulful voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar, the song creates a deeply personal atmosphere. She directly addresses a former lover, dismissing their flawed understanding of love while laying bare her own feelings. This stripped-down approach highlights her vocal talent and lyrical honesty, making it an instant favorite among her fanbase. Its gold certification by the RIAA is a testament to its lasting appeal and impact.
9. “Ex For A Reason” ft. JT (‘Still Over It’, 2021)
Initially met with mixed reactions as the lead single for Still Over It, “Ex For A Reason” quickly won over listeners once the full album was released. This track showcases a different side of Summer Walker, blending her signature R&B sound with a more assertive and playful energy. Featuring JT from City Girls, along with background vocals from Nija Charles and Sean Garrett, the song is a confident declaration about moving on from past relationships. Adding an ironic layer, the track was produced by London on da Track, Walker’s ex-boyfriend, who contributed significantly to the album. This song demonstrates Walker’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries within her music, while still delivering relatable and engaging content.
8. “I’ll Kill You” ft. Jhené Aiko (‘Over It’, 2019)
“I’ll Kill You,” a standout track from Over It, is a powerful collaboration with fellow R&B artist Jhené Aiko. Released in October 2019, the song delves into the intense emotions of jealousy and possessiveness in relationships. Walker and Aiko’s vocals intertwine seamlessly as they sing about the extreme lengths they would go to if their partners were unfaithful, famously declaring they’d “go to h— or jail.” This dark yet relatable theme resonated strongly with audiences, contributing to the song’s platinum certification. Notably, this wasn’t the first time Walker and Aiko collaborated, having previously worked together on the remix of Aiko’s “Triggered (freestyle),” further cementing their artistic synergy.
7. “Come Thru” ft. Usher (‘Over It’, 2019)
“Come Thru” is a sensual and nostalgic track that beautifully blends Summer Walker’s contemporary R&B style with a classic Usher sample. The song centers around the desire for intimacy and commitment, with Walker expressing her longing for her love interest to “come over” and rekindle their connection. Usher’s feature verse complements Walker’s vocals perfectly, creating a smooth and seductive duet. Producer London on da Track cleverly samples Usher’s iconic 1997 hit “You Make Me Wanna,” both musically and lyrically in the chorus (“You make me wanna come through/Quarter after two/Just to put it down on you”), adding a layer of 90s R&B nostalgia. “Come Thru” enjoyed significant chart success, spending 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and achieving platinum certification, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
6. “Insane” (‘Still Over It’, 2021)
Featured on her second album Still Over It, “Insane” showcases Summer Walker’s ability to articulate complex emotional states. Released in November 2021, the song explores feelings of frustration and confusion in a relationship where communication breaks down. Walker sings about feeling “insane” due to her partner’s delusional behavior, pleading for understanding and clarity. The track’s relatability, capturing the turmoil of miscommunication in relationships, helped it resonate with listeners. “Insane” charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart for four weeks, peaking at number 20, further demonstrating the album’s overall success and impact.
5. “Girls Need Love” (‘Over It’, 2019)
“Girls Need Love” was initially released in 2018, preceding her debut album Over It, and became a breakthrough moment for Summer Walker. The song directly addresses societal taboos surrounding female sexuality and desire. Walker boldly vocalizes women’s need for physical intimacy, challenging the double standards often present in discussions about love and relationships. The remix featuring Drake amplified the song’s reach, adding a male perspective to the conversation and further validating the central message. “Girls Need Love” resonated deeply, spending 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and achieving triple platinum status, making it one of Summer Walker’s most commercially successful and culturally significant songs.
4. Back Home – Trey Songz ft. Summer Walker (2020)
“Back Home,” a collaboration with Trey Songz, marked a different kind of success for Summer Walker, showcasing her versatility as a featured artist. Released in the summer of 2020 as the lead single from Songz’s album of the same name, the track became a hit on Adult R&B radio. The song explores the push and pull of relationships, where despite challenges, partners are inevitably drawn “back home” to each other. The hook cleverly interpolates New Edition’s 1988 classic “If It Isn’t Love,” adding a familiar and comforting element. “Back Home” gave Summer Walker her first No. 1 hit on the Adult R&B Songs airplay chart and became Songz’s third, highlighting the song’s broad appeal across different R&B demographics.
3. “Unloyal” ft. Ari Lennox (‘Still Over It’, 2021)
“Unloyal,” a collaboration with Ari Lennox from Still Over It, is a soulful and introspective track that delves into themes of self-prioritization in relationships. Both Walker and Lennox, known for their emotionally raw and honest music, create a powerful synergy on this song. They explore the idea that putting oneself first, though sometimes perceived as “unloyal” by others, is essential for personal well-being. The jazz-infused instrumentation complements their vocals, enhancing the song’s emotional depth and vulnerability. “Unloyal” charted for 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and peaked at No. 10. Their performance of the song at the 2021 BET Soul Train Awards further solidified its impact and resonated with audiences.
2. “Playing Games” ft. Bryson Tiller (‘Over It’, 2019)
“Playing Games,” the lead single from Over It, is a quintessential Summer Walker track that captures the frustration and disillusionment of feeling unappreciated in a relationship. The song is a powerful anthem of self-respect and setting boundaries, with Walker declaring she will no longer tolerate disrespect. The extended version featuring Bryson Tiller adds another layer to the narrative, providing a male perspective. The track cleverly interpolates Destiny’s Child’s 1999 hit “Say My Name,” creating a nostalgic yet contemporary R&B sound. “Playing Games” achieved significant chart success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and achieving triple platinum certification, becoming one of her signature songs.
1. “No Love” ft. SZA (‘Still Over It’, 2021)
“No Love,” featuring SZA, from Still Over It, tops the list as a definitive Summer Walker song that perfectly encapsulates her signature themes and musical style. The song is a bold and unapologetic declaration of emotional detachment in the face of unrequited love. Walker and SZA’s voices blend seamlessly as they express their desire to separate emotional connection from physical intimacy, seeking only the “physical benefits” from past relationships. SZA’s verse, with lines like, “I would give like ten percent/You deserve like half of that/I’ma need my money back,” and Walker’s chorus, “But if I had you back, all I wanna do is f— (F—)/ Get drunk (Get drunk)/take drugs (Take drugs)/(F— love),” are raw and strikingly honest. “No Love” debuted at No. 13 on the Hot 100, the highest entry among 18 tracks from Still Over It that charted. The release of an extended version featuring Cardi B further amplified the song’s popularity and cemented its status as a defining track in Summer Walker’s discography.
