Summer: A season of happiness, undeniable beauty, and creating cherished memories. The only time of year when the weather is perfect and dopamine is at an all-time high. What defines summer more than its perfect ambience? The ideal music, of course! Not surprisingly, we all have our theories of what the best summer songs are. However, some vastly exuberate summer each time that we hear them. As a result, here are seven classic summer songs that are still blazing hot.
Dancing in the Street – Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
We have heard it everywhere in movies, television shows, and television commercials. Therefore, it’s no surprise that “Dancing in the Street” remains a summer block party anthem and one of Motown’s signature songs. It also remains a staple for its songstresses, Martha and the Vandellas. Written by Ivy Jo Hunter, William Stevenson, and Marvin Gaye, the upbeat, iconic hit was initially recorded by Gaye, but was never released. His version was also presented in the form of a love song.
Once lead singer Martha Reeves took the song in a more fun direction, a true classic was born. Eventually, “Dancing in the Street” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks and also peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart following its rerelease in 1969. The hit was covered by a multitude of artists, including the Mamas & the Papas in 1966 and Van Halen in 1982. Additionally, a 1985 cover by rock icons David Bowie and Mick Jagger charted at No. 1 in the UK and reached No. 7 in the US.
“Under the Boardwalk” – The Drifters (1964)
There is nothing more romantic than a private meeting in a secluded location with that special someone. In the 1960s, no one seemed to understand this feeling better than The Drifters. With its delightful description of a romantic meeting between two people “under the boardwalk “, this classic hit still has the power to ignite countless summer romances. In all of its mid-tempo pop glory, “Under the Boardwalk” was written by Arthur Resnick and Kenny Young. Charting at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the romantic summer tune has since been covered by a multitude of other artists, including Sam & Dave, Bette Midler, and The Rolling Stones.
“Summer In the City” – The Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)
No one seemed to know nightlife in the summertime like the folk-rock band, The Lovin’ Spoonful. Therefore, each year they evoke memories with their song, “Summer in the City”. Written by Steve Boone, Mark Sebastian, and John Sebastian, the song remains a summer staple. Featured on their album, Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful (1966), the lively rock tune provided a pleasant contrast to most summer songs, which often focused on warmth and sunshine. Instead, it describes the anticipation of summer nightlife with a cooler temperature and an even cooler atmosphere.
The band’s sole number one single, “Summer in the City,” was also the band’s fifth song to enter the top ten in the US. Many artists, including the legendary Quincy Jones, have covered the song. His 1973 version eventually won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement.
“Summer Madness” – Kool and the Gang (1974)
With so many summer songs that feature endearing lyrics, there were very few with a sultry instrumental. Enter “Summer Madness” by none other than pioneering funk band, Kool and the Gang. With its seductive, mellow groove, the iconic hit was featured on the band’s 1974 album, Light of Worlds. To date, the “Summer Madness has been featured in a plethora of movies and television shows. Additionally, it has been sampled by a multitude of artists from almost every genre, including DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.
The hip-hop duo brilliantly used the R&B classic to create their Grammy-winning classic, “Summertime” in 1991. Reaching number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 36 on the Hot Soul Singles charts, “Summer Madness” has become one of the most sampled R&B compositions of all time.
“Summer Breeze” – Seals and Crofts (1972)
Propelled by an infectious hook that blows as freely as its title, “Summer Breeze” will eternally be known as a summer masterpiece. Written and performed by James Seals and Dash Crofts, known by their first names, the massive hit was produced by Lou Adler. The title track to their fourth album, released in 1972, “Summer Breeze,” reached number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1974, “Summer Breeze” became a hit all over again with Cincinnati-born siblings, the Isley Brothers. Presented in a rock-edged, soulful style, this cover became so iconic that many assumed that it was the original.
Ronald Isley’s smooth vocals, paired with the guitar prowess of Ernie Isley, have always been a lethal melodic combination. Featured on their album, 3+3 (1973), the song reached number ten on the R&B chart, number sixteen on the UK Singles Chart, and number sixty on the pop chart.
“Summertime” – DJ Jazzy Jazz and the Fresh Prince (1991)
Nothing says summertime like the Philadelphia-born and bred hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Led by its brilliant sample of Kool and the Gang’s massive hit, “Summer Madness”, “Summertime” is an eternal summertime staple. From Will Smith’s creative lyricism to its vibrant accompanying video, this classic is totally unforgettable. Released as the lead single from their fourth album, Homebase (1991), the hip hop classic was produced by Chicago-based producers K. Fingers and Hula. As a song that dominates the airwaves every summer, it’s no surprise that “Summertime” eventually achieved much acclaim.
In 1992, the song went on to win the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards. Ultimately, “Summertime” spent a week at number one on the US Hot R&B Singles chart, as well as reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became their first single to enter the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number eight.
“Hot in Herre” – Nelly (2002)
The summer of 2002 most definitely belonged to Nelly. As the temperatures rose, so did everyone’s excitement, as this song was heard everywhere from clubs to cars to backyard barbeques. With its catchy hook, infectious beat, and memorable cameo by Dani Stevenson, Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” is another song that defines the season.
Written by the St. Louis native, along with Charles Brown, the massive hit was produced by the hit-making duo, The Neptunes. One of Nelly’s signature songs, the hip-hop hit, won the Grammy for Best Male Rap Solo Performance at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards. No matter how old they are, certain summer songs will eternally remain ageless. Ultimately, these songs will always prompt us to anticipate summer before it arrives, cherish it when it’s here, and miss it when it’s gone.
