Summer time is a time for outdoor patios, beach visits, tan lines, love and so many other invigorating experiences spent by the bonfire, dancing and having fun. There’s no doubt that along with those experiences comes a playlist that ranges from the 50’s right up to present day. Summer tunes are essential to any road trip or backpacking adventure and we have compiled a list that will keep your ears happy and your body wanting to move. Classics that have persuaded the evolution of music to keep them on the radio despite the new music of our time.
Whatever genre of music you might like, there’s no doubt you won’t find an appreciation for these past Summer songs of summer – and maybe even download a few for your travels too!
Eddie Cochran – Summertime Blues (1958)
If you have to work all summer this song will get you moving an shakin and wanting to perhaps quit – our advice, don’t quit just keep doing what your doing ‘because there ain’t no cure for the Summer Time Blues.’
Chubby Checker – Let’s Twist Again (1961)
This song not only invented the notorious twist dance moves, but its inspired an entire generation to move and shake like no one’s watching. We dare you not to dance to this Summer fave.
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – Heat Wave (1963)
Nothing like young love in the Summer heat, if you ever want to be transported to a time when your summers were filled with love or you simply want to celebrate new love – this one’s for you!
The Drifters – Under The Boardwalk (1964)
If you can’t vacation this Summer why not take a trip ‘Under the Boardwalk’ we promise you will have some fun. Something about this song screams summer heat!
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – Dancing In The Street (1964)
‘All you need is music, sweet music’ and we couldn’t agree more. Go ahead and dance your way through Summer with this tune!
Little Eva – Locomotion (1965)
Some songs just tend to stick, and this one’s mastered that title for the test of time – even if you have no clue what the Locomotion is, you’ll be singing along in no time.
Beach Boys – California Girls (1965)
Sun kissed, blonde beauty is where it’s at in the Summer months and everyone who’s everyone secretly wants to be a California girl. The Beach Boys hit the nail on the head with this hit song that has them wishing all women were from California.
Four Tops – I can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (1965)
Sweet, sweet love – this classic screams love, and all things happy. Summer love with a twist of breakup and commitment.
Dan & Dean – Surf City (1965)
If you are headed to the beach or ready to catch a wave, there is no better music that Dan & Deans song Surf City. Even if you haven’t surfed a day in your life, you will wish you had.
Want more sweet tunes to add to your playlist?
- The Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1965)
- Aretha Franklin – Respect (1967)
- The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun (1969)
- Olivia Newton John & John Travolta – Summer Nights (1978)
- Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine (1985)
- Guns & Roses – Paradise City (1987)
- Beach Boys – Kokomo (1988)
- The Surfaris – Wipe Out (1988)
- Sir Mix A Lot – Baby Got Back (1992)
- UB40 – Can’t Help Falling In Love (1993)
- TLC – Waterfalls (1995)
- Los Del Rio – Macarena (1996)
- Nelly – Hot In Here (2002)
