Ten greatest summertime songs from the world of rock and pop

Washington D.C. reached 80 degrees today, signaling the arrival of summer. The cherry blossoms have finished blooming, and people are already enjoying the warm weather – my neighbor was even driving with the top down on his Mustang! Though it’s still officially spring, summer feels like it’s finally here, and that means summer music is on its way.

Let me be upfront: some people like their summer music to be relaxed and smooth – the kind of songs you’d listen to while lounging by the beach or pool with a drink. But that’s not my style, as Bob Dylan would say.

I like my summer music to be cheerful and energetic, with a catchy rhythm. It doesn’t have to be full-on dance music, but something that makes you want to move a little later, once you’ve cooled off from the heat.

Ten Summertime classics from the world of rock

This song feels similar to Bob Dylan’s “Summer Days” from 2001, which is a great summer tune. However, it didn’t quite make our top ten list because the competition was fierce! Don’t worry though – we’ve still got ten fantastic songs for you, plus an extra ten more that are also considered summer classics.

I’ll start by adding the extra tracks. While I was choosing songs for my playlist, I noticed a strange pattern: for every two cheerful summer songs I found, I also came across one that felt sad or gloomy.

It wasn’t really a shock, considering summer often brings its own set of difficulties. Many songwriters have explored this, and I’ve put together a list of what I call ‘bummer summer songs.’ I’m sharing them here simply because they’re excellent – just as enjoyable as happy summer tunes, but with a more melancholic vibe.

In chronological order…

Here’s a list of classic songs evoking summer vibes: Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” (1958), The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin'” (1965), The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City” (1966), The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon” (1966), Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” (also 1966), Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” (1967), Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” (1977), Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer” (1983), Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” (1984), and Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” (1993).

While not all of these songs are specifically about summer, they definitely feel like it. Even though Otis Redding could be imagining this scene any time of year – it’s the Bay Area, after all – the mood feels summery, especially with those late evening sunsets. And even though The Mamas and the Papas are singing about the start of winter, their song is filled with summer dreams, so I’ve included it.

So, that introduces our list of the best summer songs. While many of them mention summer directly, it’s not the most important thing. It’s really about the feeling they evoke. They often highlight things like sunshine, holidays, or the beach. Actually, a summer song is a bit like trying to define certain things – it’s hard to put into words, but you definitely recognize it when you hear it.

Let’s skip the usual timeline approach. It’s too simple. Instead, I’m going to rank these items from ten down to one, starting with…

10: “Magic” by the Cars (1984)

The song starts with a rush of electronic sounds, combining fast-paced keyboard notes and strong guitar chords, then Ric Ocasek’s voice cuts through with a clear introduction.

“Summer, it turns me upside down”

And if you didn’t get the message the first time, he repeats it…

“Summer, summer, summer, it’s like a merry-go-‘round”

The song hit number 12 in the USA and helped the band’s Heartbeat City make it to number three.

9: “Holiday Road” by Lindsay Buckingham (1983)

Man, whenever I think of road trips, that Buckingham song just has to come on! It’s basically the theme song for the Vacation movies, and for good reason. That driving beat just makes you feel like you’re cruising down the highway in the family car, and it’s awesome that Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac is actually in the movie singing along! It really adds to the vibe.

Later in the movie, a couple of dogs playfully join in. While I’m happy “What a Feeling” won the Best Song Oscar that year, “Holiday Road” was so good it really should have been nominated. It’s practically the ideal movie soundtrack song.

8: “Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow (2002)

Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up the Sun” is more than just a cheerful song. Released in early 2002, Crow explained it was meant to be a hopeful message following the 9/11 attacks, reminding people to find joy and beauty in everyday life. The song, which features backing vocals from Liz Phair, reached number 17 on the Billboard charts.

7: “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers (1977)

Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” isn’t necessarily a song about summer, but it definitely feels like summer. It’s a mellow, easygoing tune – not one that makes you want to dance, but perfect for relaxing on the beach and enjoying a peaceful, optimistic mood, even if things aren’t perfect.

When Withers smoothly sustains the long, high note at the end of the song, it’s hard not to feel a sense of peaceful warmth, like a beautiful summer day.

6: “Summer’s Not Hot” by Selena Gomez & the Scene (2010)

Want a fun way to show your friends who only know Selena Gomez from Only Murders in the Building a different side of her? Here’s an idea!

Put on this really energetic song from Selena Gomez’s album, A Year Without Rain. It’s a reminder that she started as a Disney star making the move to pop music – songs that were full of dance beats and polished production. Critics weren’t always impressed, but her fans loved them. Whether you enjoy her earlier work or not, especially when she rhymes…

“The temperature if 99 and it can get much higha
So come on over Romeo and vamos a la playa”

… this is unadulterated summer fun.

5. “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry (1971)

This song is a classic for a reason – it perfectly captures the feeling of the season and has a memorable piano melody by Colin Earl, backed by banjo, cabasa, and jug. Written and sung with a relaxed style by Ray Dorset, it’s one of the most upbeat songs from its time. It was a number one hit around the world, but surprisingly only reached number 3 in the United States.

4: “Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys (1963)

I could easily fill this whole list with Beach Boys tracks. I might even add Jan & Dean’s “Surf City,” which Brian Wilson helped write. And just to ruffle some feathers, I’ll include “Kokomo” – a song people either love or hate.

Let “Surfin’ USA” represent all surf music. While surf music existed before Brian Wilson, his work, alongside songs like “Surfin’ Safari,” truly defined the sound. They took the foundation laid by artists like Chuck Berry and transformed it into the quintessential soundtrack of summer in America.

3: “Heat Wave” by Matha and the Vandellas (1963)

Motown’s signature sound was born when talented songwriters Lamont Dozier and the Holland brothers teamed up with the incredible Funk Brothers band. The result was a classic, powerfully delivered by Martha Reeves, full of energy and heat.

Linda Ronstadt is a versatile singer, but her version of this song doesn’t compare to the original. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a number one hit on the R&B charts.

2. “Brighter Than the Sun” by Colbie Caillat (2012)

This song almost topped my list of favorites. It’s impossible to listen to without being reminded of a cherished summer memory. Colbie Caillat was raised in Malibu, and her father famously produced several classic Fleetwood Mac albums in the 1970s.

Colbie might have chosen a conventional life – a job in Minneapolis, maybe hitting up punk shows now and then. But it felt like she was meant to create something truly special, a song that captured the feeling of summer.

1 “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves (1983)

Among many upbeat songs, Kimberly Rew’s track really stands out for its sheer joyfulness. While Rew was a guitarist for Katrina and the Waves in the 80s and 90s, his guitar work isn’t particularly noticeable in this song – it’s the overall happy feeling that shines through.

The energetic ska sound that makes you want to dance immediately comes from Alex Cooper’s lively drumming and the added horn section. Doesn’t it just feel great?

2026-04-06 14:01