Long warm evenings, freedom, the beach, outdoor festivals… So many great things are associated with summer.
And songs that remind you of summer can instantly bring you those sun and fun vibes.
We’ve picked the 50 best songs about summer.
We’ll remind you of all-time classics, but also show you some amazing hidden gems.
Either way, these versatile summer jams will immediately put you in a summer state of mind!
50 Songs About Summer
1. Mungo Jerry – “In the Summertime”
Let’s begin with one of the most iconic summer songs.
Released in 1970, “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry is truly a timeless classic.
Who would have thought that a song without a chorus would become so popular?
Well, it seems like this summer anthem has a winning combination: a simple melody and an easy-going yet authentic atmosphere.
2. Jack Johnson – “You And Your Heart”
“You And Your Heart” maybe isn’t one of the summer anthem songs, but it will undoubtedly put you in a summer mood.
In fact, almost all of Jack Johnson’s music feels like summer.
Even if you’re not relaxing on the beach under a palm tree, Jack’s simple yet meaningful songs will take you there.
After all, he grew up in Hawaii.
3. Nancy Sinatra – “Summer Wine”
“Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things.”
This popular hit from the ’60s is one of the most unique summer nights songs.
It’s dreamy, romantic, and catchy: everything you need for a warm summer evening.
4. Buena Vista Social Club – “Chan Chan”
There is something very intriguing and summery in traditional Cuban music.
And Buena Vista Social Club gathered some of the best Cuban musicians.
“Chan Chan” is a song from the ensemble’s iconic debut album released in 1997. And it’s an absolute delight.
5. Crystal Fighters – “Plage”
Crystal Fighters are known for creating summer vibe songs.
And “Plage” is one of those happy summer songs that will make you feel motivated, even if it’s not the right season to go to the beach.
But you can always dream about it!
6. Harry Styles – “Watermelon Sugar”
The summer of 2020 was marked by this earworm.
“Watermelon Sugar” is a summer hit song that is still one of the radio favorites.
It was released on Harry’s acclaimed album “Fine Line.” And we agree that he’s finally heading in the right direction.
7. Zara Larsson – “Lush Life”
If you’re searching for pop songs about summer, this one is for you.
“Lush Life” was released in 2015, but it feels like it was yesterday.
“I’ma dance my heart out ’til the dawn
But I won’t be done when morning comes
Doin’ it all night, all summer
Gonna spend it like no other.”
8. Lorde – “Solar Power”
Lorde released “Solar Power” on her latest studio album of the same name.
It sounds like an ode to summer, nature, and simple living.
But the song and the whole album are also imbued with thoughts about relevant environmental issues.
9. The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
Music for summertime is often uplifting and positive; filled with nothing but good vibrations.
Just like this universal hit by The Beach Boys.
“Good Vibrations” shot to the top of the charts after it was released in 1966.
And as it’s still one of the most beloved summer vibe songs, it definitely passed a test of time.
10. Joe Cocker – “Summer in the City”
“And baby, don’t you know it’s a pity
The days can’t be like the nights
In the summer in the city.”
This is perhaps one of the best summer songs of all time.
It was originally released by Lovin’ Spoonful in the summer of 1966. The song quickly climbed the chart and stayed there for three weeks.
11. Sly and the Family Stone – “Hot Fun in the Summertime”
When it comes to older summer hits, Sly and the Family Stone created this soulful, feel-good tune.
They released it in 1969, at the peak of their career, after their performance at Woodstock earlier that summer.
“End of the spring
And here she comes back
Hi, hi, hi, hi there
Them summer days.”
12. The Drums – “Let’s Go Surfing”
Well, the name of this tune says it all.
“Let’s Go Surfing” is an upbeat indie song ideal for a walk towards the beach.
“Wake up
Would you like to go with me?
Honey, take a run down to the beach.”
13. Lana del Rey – “Summertime Sadness”
Lana del Rey often adds a touch of melancholy to her music, even to her songs about summer.
But she does it very well; “Summertime Sadness” is still one of the favorite summer tunes.
It was released in 2012, on the reissue of her iconic album “Born to Die.”
14. Childish Gambino – “Feels Like Summer”
You probably wouldn’t associate Childish Gambino with classic beach songs, but in “Feels Like Summer”, he managed to capture that laid-back summer atmosphere.
But “Feels Like Summer” is not one of the superficial summer jams; if you look at the lyrics, it talks about the need for change in the world.
“Every day gets hotter than the one before
Running out of water, it’s about to go down.”
15. All Saints – “Pure Shores”
When you hear “Pure Shores”, you’ll immediately feel as if you’re toes are immersed in warm white sand.
Or like you’re on the set of “The Beach” movie.
Either way, “Pure Shores” is one of those songs that feel like summer and freedom.
16. Janis Joplin – “Summertime”
Summertime and the living’s easy.
At least if you ask Janis Joplin. Or George Gershwin who composed the song back in 1935.
But the first singer to have a hit with “Summertime” was Billie Holiday in 1936.
And Janis Joplin added her own authentic charm to it.
17. The Ramones – “Rockaway Beach”
The Ramones wrote one of the most authentic beach songs.
“Rockaway Beach” is inspired by the real place of the same name.
In fact, it’s where Dee Dee Ramone liked to go when he was young.
And “Rockaway Beach” became one of the band’s signature songs.
18. Kid Rock – “All Summer Long”
When it comes to best songs about summer, “All Summer Long” is maybe a cliché. But it’s a good one.
It’s a song about summertime and that awkward age when you are considered neither a child nor an adult.
Nevertheless, it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular summer songs.
19. Miley Cyrus – “Malibu”
Miley Cyrus released “Malibu” in 2017. And it’s perhaps one of her best works so far.
The song is simple but not too cheerful, and it makes you feel as if you’re watching the waves with your special someone.
20. The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – “I Feel It Coming”
You know that feeling when the spring is almost over and you can feel the summer breeze for the first time?
The Weeknd and Daft Punk probably didn’t think about that while writing the song “I Feel It Coming”, but the atmosphere of the song fits the idea perfectly.
21. Justin Timberlake – “Summer Love”
Well, we can’t skip this iconic summer hit.
“Summer Love” by Justin Timberlake is definitely a sweet reminder of all the carefree summers (and Justin’s music era.)
22. Rupert Holmes – “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”
When you hear this song, there’s nothing left to do but head to the beach bar and order a piña colada.
After that, you won’t even mind “gettin’ caught in the rain.”
23. The Knocks feat. Sofi Tukker – “Brazilian Soul”
This version of “Brazilian Soul” is perfect for a summertime playlist.
It’s catchy, easy-going, and rather captivating.
24. Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto – “The Girl From Ipanema”
“The Girl From Ipanema” is another summer classic. At least this version of the song.
Well, Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto’s music, in general, is a perfect soundtrack for warm summer evenings.
25. Kings Of Convenience – “Cayman Islands”
Kings Of Convenience are also inspired by summer.
Besides “Cayman Islands”, many of their songs will transport you to a serene state of mind.
26. Mayra Andrade – “Manga”
If you haven’t heard of Mayra Andrade, you have some listening to do.
She is a Cape Verdean singer who lives and records in Portugal.
And “Manga” is one of her tender summery songs that will inspire you to dance on the beach.
27. Bob Marley – “Jammin”
We don’t have to say a lot about this one, right?
Bob Marley created numerous summer anthem songs.
And this one is arguably one of the best summer jams ever made.
28. Empire of the Sun – “Alive”
The title of this track gives you a hint of how it will make you feel.
“Alive” is uplifting, catchy, and positive. It’s ideal for dancing your heart out in the summer.
“Freedom is within you
Giving makes us feel good
Hello to our people
Say hello to the future.”
29. Jungle – “The Heat”
This is another summery song that will make you move.
Without a doubt, the group Jungle is a pro in making catchy, funky tunes. You should definitely include their music on your summer party songs playlist.
30. Morcheeba – “The Sea”
When thinking about relaxing music for summertime, Morcheeba immediately comes to mind.
And her signature song “The Sea” is arguably one of the best vacation songs.
“I left my soul there
Down by the sea
I lost control here
Living free.”
31. The Drifters – “Under the Boardwalk”
“Under the Boardwalk” is a rather simple song, but it certainly evokes summer feelings.
It’s like an ode to summertime and easy living.
“Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be.”
32. Otis Redding – “(Sittin’on the) Dock of the Bay”
“Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” is a heartwarming summer classic.
What makes this song even more sentimental is the fact that Redding allegedly recorded it just a couple of days before his death in a plane crash.
He wrote it while staying in the boathouse in California.
33. Frank Sinatra – “Summer Wind”
Frank Sinatra’s music isn’t only for the winter holidays.
Although you probably don’t associate Sinatra’s soothing voice with sunbathing on the beach, you should include “Summer Wind” on your summer song list.
“The summer wind came blowin’ in
From across the sea
It lingered there so warm and fair
To walk with me.”
34. ABBA – “Mamma Mia”
Although ABBA has a song called “Summer Night City”, we feel like “Mamma Mia” evokes summer vibes even more.
It’s probably because of the film “Mamma Mia” and all of those mesmerizing scenes filmed in Greece.
35. Katy Perry – “California Girls”
“California Girls” by Katy Perry is one of the memorable summer hits.
It’s cheerful, catchy, and full of pure summer vibes.
In a nutshell, it’s an ideal tune for “sippin’ gin and juice and laying underneath the palm trees.”
36. MIKA – “Relax, Take It Easy”
MIKA knows what you should do in the summertime: to relax and take it easy.
And this memorable 2007 hit will help you do just that.
“Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can do.”
37. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Cabron”
“Cabron” is probably one of the most summery Red Hot Chili Peppers songs.
It was released on the band’s popular album “By the Way.”
And although it’s one of the lesser-known tracks, it certainly deserves a special spot on this list.
38. Paco de Lucia – “Entre Dos Aguas”
Nothing evokes calm summer vibes quite like the sound of the Flamenco guitar.
And Paco de Lucia was one of the bests.
His song “Entre Dos Aguas” was also featured in Woody Allen’s movie “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”
39. Gipsy Kings – “Bamboleo”
Gipsy Kings are masters of Spanish music too but in a slightly different way.
Their universal hit “Bamboleo” will immediately get you on your feet.
After all, “Bamboleo” means “wobble” “swing” or “dangle” in Spanish.
40. Seals & Crofts – “Summer Breeze”
“Sweet days of summer
The jasmine’s in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune.”
“Summer Breeze” was one of the most popular songs of summer in the ’70s.
It was a big commercial breakthrough for the group.
And now it’s a sweet summer tune that is always nice to hear.
41. The Surfaris – “Wipe Out”
In case you’ve always known this song but couldn’t Google the lyrics: you’re welcome.
“Wipe Out” definitely has the most recognizable surf-rock guitar riff.
And it’s one of the most iconic summer beach songs.
42. Chad & Jeremy – “A Summer Song”
Chad & Jeremy didn’t brainstorm on the title of their 1964 track.
But they wrote a sweet song about summer nights and romances.
“Soft kisses on a summer’s day
Laughing all our cares away
Just you and I
Sweet sleepy warmth of summer nights
Gazing at the distant lights.”
43. The Black Eyed Peas – “Don’t Lie”
We haven’t forgotten about this 2005 hit.
It was definitely one of those cool summer songs back in the day. And it’s still one of the group’s favorites.
After all, it was released at the height of the BEP’s popularity.
44. DNCE – “Cake By The Ocean”
“Cake By The Ocean” can also be categorized as a classic summer hit. As far as newer hits are concerned.
On the other hand, it’s already been more than five years since the song was released. Yes, time flies when you’re having summer fun!
45. Jamiroquai – “Seven Days In Sunny June”
We didn’t forget about the masters of feel-good dance music.
And “Seven Days In Sunny June” is an upbeat summer song full of dreamy energy and groovy sounds.
Jamiroquai should definitely be a part of every summer party song’s playlist.
“Drinkin’ wine and killin’ time, sitting in the summer sun
You know I’ve wanted you so long.”
46. Jubël – “On The Beach”
“On The Beach” by the Swedish duo, Jubël quickly became a universal hit.
The song has a recognizable beat that evokes summer memories.
“The secrets of the summer, I will keep
The sands of time will blow, a mystery
No one but you and I, underneath that moonlit sky
Takes me back to the place that I know.”
47. Kid Cudi ft. Pharrell Williams – “Surfin'”
This is one of the underrated summer jams released in 2016.
Catchy beat and dance music video; “Surfin'” is a perfect tune for summer nights.
“Now I ain’t riding no waves
Too busy making my own waves, baby.”
48. Moby – “Porcelain”
We’re not sure if “Porcelain” reminds us of summer because of the movie “The Beach”, but there’s surely a pure summer vibe to it.
You can easily imagine yourself on some tropical beach while listening to this track.
And it’s honestly one of the best Moby’s tunes in general.
49. Led Zeppelin – “Down by the Seaside”
You probably won’t find this song on a typical list of summer vacations songs.
But there’s something very dreamy and summery in “Down by the Seaside” by Led Zeppelin. Shimmery sound of the guitar and Robert Plant’s soothing vocals…
And then, of course, the lyrics:
“Down by the seaside
See the boats go sailin’
Can the people hear
What the little fish are sayin’.”
50. The Doors – “Indian Summer”
This fantastic track is a perfect ending to our list.
According to Robby Krieger, “Indian Summer” was the very first song The Doors ever recorded.
Either way, it’s a simple and calming but very captivating song. It will inspire you to slow down and take it easy.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 50 best songs about summer.
This kind of music can easily transport you to a summer state of mind.
So, even you’re not currently dipping your toes in the ocean, you can feel calm and relaxed by listening to this playlist. This is especially important if you feel stressed or overworked.
And that’s the magic of music; it can take you somewhere far away. It can relax you. And it can help you take a deep breath and see the world from a different perspective.
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