40 Best Summer Songs to Make Every Day Feel Like a Vacation
"Summer lovin', had me a blast..." ☀️ 🎵
The countdown for the first day of summer is on! It's the season of opportunity, and you can bet those opportunities will be taken—fun beach trips, eventful 4th of July cookouts, refreshing summer cocktail parties, and all. The only thing missing from such an experience is a summer playlist. Music makes everything better, and yes, that includes all those seasonal summer parties. So while you're planning your next three months of sun and bliss, you might want to make sure you've got a list of songs ready to carry you through. You can get a little help from this list of best summer songs.
So many of these summer songs truly romanticize the beauty of being outside. "Soak Up The Sun" by Sheryl Crow is just one example! Other songs on this list are beach songs, summer country songs, or songs about summer love. It doesn't get more magical than Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta's "Summer Nights" from Grease. Whether you're looking for songs from the '70s, '80s, or today's top hits, just one listen to these summer tunes, and you'll be ready to surf, tan, and take *all* your vacation days. Now, read on and make that sizzling summer playlist!
Check out more fun summer content:
"Summertime" by Kenny Chesney
Nothing captures the carefree spirit of the season quite like this tune! With its laid-back energy and nostalgic lyrics, the country anthem is the perfect soundtrack for sunny days, warm nights, and making unforgettable summer memories.
"Heat Waves" by Glass Animals
Blending dreamy beats with heartfelt lyrics, the infectious rhythm and wistful vibe of this bop make it one you'll want to have on repeat during all those "late nights in the middle of June" and beyond!
"(Sittin' On) The Dock Of the Bay" by Otis Redding
The ultimate summer classic! Its soulful melody and tranquil lyrics perfectly evoke the feeling of lazy summer days spent by the water, making it an essential addition to any summer playlist.
"Summertime Blues" by Alan Jackson
Feeling the summertime blues? Hit the beach for the ultimate cure—doctor’s orders! Alan Jackson’s country spin on this classic hit is what summer is all about.
"Dancing in the Streets" by Martha & The Vandellas
Dancing in the streets might just be the ultimate summer activity. It's pure freedom at its finest! Just ask Martha & The Vandellas—they couldn’t agree more!
"I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas
"I gotta feeling..." that this summer is going to be a good one. The upbeat tempo and encouraging lyrics to this 2000s anthem is just what everyone needs going into the season.
"Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
Ah, there's nothing like basking in the California sun during the warm months. Listening to this one will give you good vibrations all summer.
"Sunroof" by Nicky Youre, dazy
"I got my head out the sunroof, I’m blasting our favorite tunes." That line alone single handedly described all of suburban America during summertime—how can you not want to blast it after that?
"Island In The Sun" by Weezer
Even if the only words you know to this song are "hip-hip," there's no denying the chill vibes this one exudes. It's perfect for when you just want to relax in the breezy air.
"Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown Band
Don't know about you, but sweet tea, pecan pie, and homemade wine (all mentioned in the song) is the epitome of summer. Oh, and chicken fried, of course.
"Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters
Ah, to be barefoot along the boardwalk on a cool summer evening. The Drifters know how to embody the summer experience for those who love a little adventure.
"Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra
Blue skies and sunlit terrains, that's summer for you. Honestly, playing this one in the background of your everyday life might be just what you need to be successful in the summer. Can someone conduct a study on this?
"Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles
Watermelon is arguably the fruit of summer, so of course Harry Styles' 2019 hit song had to make this list. Listening to this while drinking any sort of watermelon concoction seems like a great way to spend those lazy summer days.
"Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter practically created an endless summer hit. The music video alone will convince you to call up your friends right now for a road trip to the nearest coastline. The lyrics and the groovy melody basically seal the deal.
"A Summer Song" by Chad & Jeremy
It's titled "A Summer Song" for a reason. Add this to your playlist of best summer songs, or add it to your playlist of songs you want to listen to when you're missing summer.
"Perfect Places" by Lorde
Like Lorde, you can discover some perfect places in the summer. Whether that be sunflower fields, your local ice cream joint, or a hidden spot that no one needs to know about—this song channels that sentiment.
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves
Cue the first 10 seconds of this song, and you, too, will be walking on sunshine! There's just something so giddy about this song by Katrina & The Waves that you can't help but move a little every time it plays!
"Summer Breeze" by Seals & Crofts
Seals & Crofts created an ever-nostalgic tune with "Summer Breeze." Put it on, and you'll instantly be transported back to the '70s, whether you were around then or not.
"Summer Nights" by Olivia-Newton John and John Travolta
Does it get any more summery than this? Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta sing one of the most memorable duets from the movie Grease, and it's been a summer anthem since it came out.
"Saturday in the Park" by Chicago
Mentions of the Fourth of July, strolls in the park, and a general smile on people's face—you'll be feeling like it's summer just after one listen to this song by Chicago!
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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