This weekend is set to be a scorcher, so if you’re having friends over, taking a road trip to the beach, or lighting the BBQ, we’ve got your playlist covered.
Summer Madness, Kool and The Gang
You may well know it from the 1976 film, Rocky, but we couldn’t not include this tune on our Summer playlist. Released in 1974 on their album, Light of the Worlds, it reach 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has subsequently been the most sampled RnB compositions of all time.
All Summer Long, The Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for The Beach Boys, this Summer tune was released on their 1964 album, All Summer Long. The lyrics narrate a teen fantasy Summer romance.
(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding
A relaxing masterpiece perfect for the Summer weather. Listen to the waves and Otis’ whistling and you could be on the beach anywhere in the world – enjoy!
Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
A Will Smith classic, this tune sounds exactly like Summer in the city. The chilled out beat is actually sampled from Summer Madness by Kool and The Gang.
Lovely Day, Bill Withers
Whether the sun is shining or not, Bill Withers hits the spot with this classic song. We think it’s a perfect sing-a-long tune – who can hold that note as long as Bill?
Dancing in the Street, Martha and The Vandellas
Cowritten by legendary Marvin Gaye, who also plays the drums on this recording, this song is a real party tune. Described as an occasion for people “across the nation” and “around the world” to join in celebration – we can’t disagree!
Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and The Waves
A track of pure joy; try your hardest not to sing along! Released in 1985, this hit plays on the words of feeling like you are walking on sunshine. So, although it’s not directly linked to Summertime, the feel-good energy of it certainly does.
Watermelon Sugar, Harry Styles
Could we create a Summer playlist without including a Harry Styles banger? Super chill and a Summery beat, what’s not to love about this popular track?
Sun is Shining, Bob Marley and The Wailers
Marley starts the song, “Sun is shining, the weather is sweet. Make you want to move your dancing feet.” It’s got more of a chilled out vibe, perfect for lazy sunny afternoons in the park or late Summer evenings in the garden.
Easy, The Commodores
Written by Lionel Richie, this song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. The ballad is all about a man ending his relationship and instead of feeling depressed, he instead is “easy like a Sunday morning”. The electric guitar solo is our favourite section of the song.
Hot in Herre, Nelly
Is it a Summer playlist, if this song doesn’t appear on it? The St Louis rapper really made a banger here, and let’s be honest whether you’re listening to this song in a sweaty club or in the garden, it probably really is “hot in herre”.
California Girls, Katy Perry
You can’t help but sing along and dance to this catchy Katy Perry hit. Quite literally singing about California and the Summer, this song is perfect for long Summer drives and visits to the beach – although we know Bournemouth is no California, but we can all dream…
About Damn Time, Lizzo
Lizzo is the definition of Summer for us. She’s bubbly, happy and full of joy and that’s exactly what we get from her tracks. Her latest song About Damn Time is no different. And don’t pretend you haven’t tried to learn the dance routine…
2Step, Ed Sheeran (feat. Lil Baby)
Ed Sheeran just knows how to create a catchy track that we all want to dance to. Perfect for Summer house parties or if you’re out with your friends on a night out, this song has a great Summery vibe – plus we reckon you can do more than just a 2step to it!
Summer of Love, Shawn Mendes & Tainy
Last on the Summer playlist is this Summer tune from Shawn Mendes. Quite literally about Summer, the music video for this song sees Mendes experiencing a care-free Summer, driving around in convertibles, partying at a coastal nightclub and sunbathing topless on a boat.
