These Vintage Summer Songs Will Bring Back Memories
Add some nostalgia to your playlist with these unforgettable summer favorites.
Some songs just feel like summer. Whether you're building the perfect road trip playlist or want a fun soundtrack for your backyard BBQ, you can't go wrong with these classic summer songs. These songs, including 1960s surf-rock tunes, 1980s pop songs, and 1990s dance-floor hits, will instantly transport you to summers past.
What exactly makes a song a summer anthem? It can be summer-themed lyrics, like "summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind" or "I'm gonna soak up the sun; I'm gonna tell everyone to lighten up." Other songs become summertime favorites simply because they have an upbeat, cheerful melody that makes you want to hit the dance floor. And some songs are summer songs because they remind you of a specific summer in your life. You might hear the first few notes and instantly be transported back in time to the long days laying out by the pool with your friends or driving around town.
Keep reading to see the classic summer songs that (still) deserve a spot on your playlist. If you're looking for other songs that are perfect for the season, check out our roundup of the best graduation songs. As Alice Cooper famously said, "school's out for summer!"
"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Dropping in 1991, this classic by the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith) is a surefire hit to get the vibes flowing. After all, the chorus truly indicates what we all want to do: “Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind.”
Whitney Houston – "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)"
When you think about a song that makes you want to run to the dance floor, it's this one. The beat, the vocals, the lyrics...this song screams summer (and every season). And, it's been a hit since its release in 1987!
Alice Cooper – "School's Out"
It's 1987. It's the last day of school before summer break, and suddenly, everyone is bumping this new anthem to celebrate a few weeks free of alarms, late-night cram sessions, homework, and after-school activities.
NSYNC – "Bye Bye Bye"
Do we even need to discuss why this song is a summer smash? "Bye Bye Bye" brings a charm and nostalgia to summer breaks, and we're here for it.
Montell Jordan – "This Is How We Do It"
It's clear that we love the bops, and on the cusp of summer 1995, Montell gave us a true anthem. His song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and held that spot for 7 weeks.
"Lose Control"- Missy Elliott Featuring Ciara, & Fat Man Scoop
Millennials, brace yourselves. Some of our beloved tracks from our youth are now officially in vintage status (twenty years or older). But that’s okay, because Missy Elliot’s "Lose Control" featuring Ciara and the late Fat Man Scoop is still one of the best hype songs of all time.
Sheryl Crow – "Soak Up The Sun"
While the lyrical meaning behind Sheryl Crow's 2002 hit has been widely discussed and debated by critics, "Soak Up The Sun" reminds us that, despite what's happening in our lives (or the world), we should enjoy it where we can. Can we say, summer mood?
Ricky Martin – "Livin' La Vida Loca"
In the summer of 1999, Ricky Martin was dominating the radios and dance floors around the world. "Livin' La Vida Loca" was a chart-topper, reaching number 1 in 20 countries!
"Walking On Sunshine" - Katrina And The Waves
We've heard many versions of this song since its 1985 release, but each one puts us in a summer mood. There's something kind of poetic rediscovering how much of a bad ass you are — Katrina is here to remind us all summer long!
The Beach Boys – "Surfin' Safari / Surfin' USA"
Often credited for surfin' and beach culture due to its catchy lyrics, no list of summer jams is complete without The Beach Boys' 1963 hit. Trust me, everyone listening to your playlist will be grateful for this throwback bop!
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