“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Dropping in 1991, this classic by the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith) is a surefire hit to get the vibes flowing. After all, the chorus truly indicates what we all want to do: “Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind.”
Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
When you think about a song that makes you want to run to the dance floor, it’s this one. The beat, the vocals, the lyrics — this song screams summer (and every season). And it’s been a hit since its release in 1987!
Alice Cooper – “School’s Out”
It’s the last day of school before summer break, and suddenly, everyone is bumping this anthem to celebrate a few weeks free of alarms, late-night cram sessions, homework, and after-school activities. Released in 1972, “School’s Out” has remained the definitive end-of-year anthem ever since.
NSYNC – “Bye Bye Bye”
Do we even need to discuss why this song is a summer smash? “Bye Bye Bye” brings a charm and nostalgia to summer breaks, and we’re here for it.
Montell Jordan – “This Is How We Do It”
It’s clear that we love the bops, and on the cusp of summer 1995, Montell Jordan gave us a true anthem. His song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and held that spot for 7 weeks.
”Lose Control” – Missy Elliott Featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop
Millennials, brace yourselves. Some of our beloved tracks from our youth are now officially in vintage status (twenty years or older). But that’s okay, because Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” featuring Ciara and the late Fat Man Scoop is still one of the best hype songs of all time.
Sheryl Crow – “Soak Up the Sun”
This laid-back 2002 hit perfectly captures the carefree spirit of summer, making it a perennial warm-weather staple that belongs on every seasonal playlist.
Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to the beach, or just soaking in a long summer evening, these timeless tracks have the power to set the mood and bring back memories of summers past.
