What would the summer be without summer hits? For this Spotify list, we collected the hottest summer-themed songs from the 1950s up to today. Sit back, unwind and let these melodies carry you away to a holiday feeling at the airport or on the plane. Full list can be heard here.
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald – “Summertime” (1958)
This ever-green composed by George Gershwin in 1935 is one of the most memorable depictions of summer in music history. Interpreted by jazz legends Armstrong and Fitzgerald, you can almost feel the lazy heat of the Deep South seep through this recording.
The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Summer in the City” (1966)
Scorching-hot city streets and soft warm nights will be familiar for travelers hitting city destinations this summer. This hit record from 1966 captures the summer city atmosphere, with noises like a Volkswagen Beetle horn and a jackhammer sound bringing a touch of authentic cityscapes.
Sly and the Family Stone – “Hot Fun in the Summertime” (1969)
This track by the pioneers of the psychedelic soul, Sly and the Family Stone, will be a perfect starter for festival-goers in need of a bit of nostalgia. The song was released on the heels of the band’s high-profile performance at legendary rock festival Woodstock in 1969.
Mungo Jerry – “In the Summertime” (1970)
British rock group Mungo Jerry managed to deliver a true summertime classic on their debut single. An ode to carefree summer days, “In the Summertime” is also one of the top selling singles of all time with an estimated 30 million copies sold.
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John – “Summer nights” (1972)
Dreaming of a hot summer romance? This lovey duet by the stars of Grease will be right up your alley.
Don Henley – ”Boys of Summer” (1984)
A convertible, sunglasses, a golden tan – and Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer”. These elements make up the pastel-colored charm of a 1980s summer.
Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff – ”Summertime” (1991)
These beats take you back to a smooth 1990s summer mojo. Laid-back grooves and a young Will Smith make the winter seem like a distant memory.
Alexia – ”Summer is Crazy” (1994)
What would a summer hit list be without eurodance! Alexia’s track combines all the necessary ingredients of a hot dance hit: endlessly pounding beat, a catchy melody and lyrics celebrating the madness of summer. Undoubtedly this track is still played for nostalgia points across discos in European beach destinations.
Justin Timberlake – ”Summer Love” (2007)
The soundtrack to the summers of love in the 2000s was no doubt Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds. Though this track was not the number one hit from the album, it does a good job capturing the feel of heated holiday fling.
Calvin Harris – ”Summer” (2014)
A beat monster for the party kids! A few summers ago this track made fists bump on dancefloors around the world.
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