Every summer there are “songs of summer,” those songs that are the hits of the season. When we think or hear those songs, we can think of specific summers, it brings back memories.

But here a list of summer songs that really capture that sun, sand, and carefree vibe of the season. Whether it’s the heat, the fun, or the nostalgia, these songs dive straight into the spirit of summer – they are about summer.

1. “Summertime” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

• A timeless classic! It’s all about cruising through the hot streets and just enjoying the easy-going nature of summer in the city.

2. “Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams

• A nostalgic anthem for the summer of youth. The song’s all about remembering those carefree summer days.

3. “Summer” – CALVIN HARRIS

• The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Harris’s sixth UK number-one single. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his second top ten hit as a lead artist and third overall, and had sold over a million copies in the United States within 4 months of its release.

4. “Hot Fun in the Summertime” – Sly & The Family Stone

• A funk classic that celebrates the joy and warmth of summer. It’s perfect for sunny days and laid-back vibes.

5. “Kokomo” – The Beach Boys

• Another Beach Boys classic, this one is all about dreaming of tropical destinations and those perfect summer moments.

6. “Summertime Sadness” – Lana Del Rey

• A more melancholic take on summer, but the haunting beauty of the track still carries that feeling of longing for the season.

7. “Cruel Summer” – bananarama

• A modern pop anthem, “Cruel Summer” is all about the intensity of a hot, summer romance. It has that high-energy, sun-drenched feeling!

8. “California Girls” – david lee roth

• Featuring the first five solo releases recorded by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee and original Van Halen lead vocalist in one comprehensive collection for the very first time.

9. “Summer Nights” – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

• An iconic track from Grease, it perfectly encapsulates those flirtatious, carefree summer moments that come with youth.

10. “The Boys of Summer” – Don Henley

• A reflective, yet upbeat song about the end of a summer romance, but still with that warm, nostalgic feeling that makes it a summer anthem.

Each of these songs has its own take on summer—whether it’s fun, carefree, romantic, or a little bittersweet—but all have that essential summer vibe. Got any favorites from the list, or do you have your own ultimate summer jam?

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