No matter what point in time you choose to begin your summer festivities, there’s always that one element that pulls you right into the spirit of the season. Maybe if you’re the designated grill master, it’s the first whiff of burning charcoal or flame-grilled steak. If you prefer to spend your vacation days on sandy shores, maybe the feeling of warm sand between your toes is your sign that summer has arrived.
My summer season kicked off last week when I heard this song for the first time this year:
Something about the record crackle and the guitar twang in the first few seconds takes me back to carefree summers in upstate New York. Sure, I may not have been old enough at the time this song was released to harbor any memories of having a crush on someone who only stopped by for the summer. But I loved Fun Dip and Cherry Coke, and liked the way my summer friends laughed when I told a joke. (I was also a huge Home Alone fan, if you’re following along with the lyrics at home.) And as I’ve explained in many past posts, I only saw most of my Ukrainian-American friends during the summers, when we were reunited at camps or festivals. So by throwing away the actual context of the song and attaching my own memories to the lyrics, this grew into my quintessential summertime track. It’s on every barbecue, boat day, and bonfire playlist I’ve curated for the season.
A lightbulb switched on while I was listening to this song last week: what other “summertime essential” songs trigger those same feelings, or similar memories, for other people?
There’s only one way to find out.
I scoured the Cascade Radio Group building for those near-and-dear hot summer throwbacks. I got 18 total tracks. But I didn’t want to just slap together a playlist and call this a post. I haven’t heard a lot of these before. Some of these I would have never personally classified as summer bangers. I decided to give each of these songs a dedicated listen, and rank them on a scale of how eagerly I’d be willing to add these to my summer playlists. At the end of this blog, I’ve attached a playlist of all the songs mentioned so you can decide for yourself whether these are Certified Summertime Classic Hits.
#18: Sunroof – Nicky Youre, dazy (submitted by: Scotty VanDryver)
You’d think this would rank higher. It has all the elements of what a summer smash single should look like in this decade- a catchy hook, mellow beats, and some lyrics that are fairly easy to remember. I’ve definitely heard the hook a handful of times as a background sound on social media videos, so I know it’s gotten its traction. Ultimately… it’s had its 15 seconds of fame online. It’s a little too pop-sweet for my liking, and the hook got irritating by the end. I can hear this on Gen-Z summer playlists, but not mine.
Is it going on my playlist?: I’m a millennial, so I’ll pass
#17: Robes – Freddie Gibbs, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt (submitted by: Maddie G.)
Every DJ knows this: you can have a playlist of non-stop up-tempo hits for hours, and it’ll sound great. But in order to enjoy all of them, you need a palate cleanser in between. This is definitely a cooldown, “come up off the dance floor and get yourself a bite to eat” addition to our summer hits list. It doesn’t kill the vibe, it’s still got people in a good mood. There’s a dip in the middle of this track that caught me by surprise. There’s a light beat behind a mostly-spoken outro in the second half of this song, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I don’t know if I’d put on this whole jam on the summer playlist, but it’s definitely getting spins on the “afterparty at my house” playlist, that’s for sure.
Is it going on my playlist?: If I could have the first half only, yes
#16: One Dance – Drake (submitted by: Charon V.B.)
Drake’s Views album had an intense grip on the kids I went to college with. I remember we played a lot of “Hotline Bling” at our house parties my senior year. Hell, I’d even classify that one as a summer slapper. Here’s the thing about “One Dance”: for the younger millennials and older Gen-Z crowd, this is a classic hit. I think it’s alright. But to me, I like to think this song is playing way more often in a college-town club at about 11:45 at night. It would still fit right in on a summer jams playlist, maybe towards the back half of the party.
Is it going on my playlist?: On the back half, yes
#15: Summer Nights – Van Halen (submitted by Brad and John)
If you’re more of a guitar buff, you might rank this a bit higher. It’s got everything you want in a classic rock hit: screeching tenor melodies, a driving 80’s rhythm, and a guitar that just won’t quit. It’s not bad, but how much of that repeating guitar riff can I take in a five-minute span? Guess this might not be the jam for me, but hey! It’s about summer! That counts for something, right?
Is it going on my playlist?: Unless a dude with a boat who’s super into classic rock shows up to the function, probably not
#14: Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty (submitted by Wendy S.)
This song rocks. I can’t get enough of that first sax riff (and every single sax riff that follows). I may also classify this as a cooldown track for the playlist, considering other major parts of the song run a bit on the quieter side. Wendy said that this song would always come on when her family took trips to the beach in California, so the average person might not classify this immediately as a “summer hit.” But if it encapsulates your memories of fun summers on the sandy shores, that’s enough of an argument for me to consider this as a summer slapper.
Is it going on my playlist?: You can’t say no to more saxophone
#13: Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson (submitted by Dave)
This song also played on heavy rotation on my college house party playlists. In a period of more melodramatic hits, having something that made you want to get up and move was like a breath of fresh air. It’s proven itself to be awesome at weddings, festivals, and any other event that wants to inspire people to dance. And a summer function is no exception. It doesn’t come to top of mind when I think of “summer hits”- even though it dominated the summer of 2015’s charts!- but you know it’s earned its rightful position on the playlist.
Is it going on my playlist?: Yes – right next to Funkytown
#12: Walking On Sunshine – Katrina And The Waves (submitted by: Kim S.)
You’ve got to appreciate a good 80’s pop hit in the mix of summertime jams. Kim was initially hesitant about her choice, but I explained that this is anthemic to summer lovers all across the PNW. We land ourselves a few good sun-filled days every year, so you might as well live like you’re walking on some sunshine every now and then.
Is it going on my playlist?: Yes, and I’ll even two-step to this on the dance floor
#11: Summer In The City – The Lovin’ Spoonful (submitted by Brad and John & Bill)
This track came up several times in conversation throughout the CRG building. I almost ranked this lower, even though the title suggests I should’ve put it higher. For all you music nerds out there, this song starts off in minor with a descending bass line. That’s almost indicative of a hit-the-road blues anthem before I give it a “summer hit” designation. Even the lyrics make it seem a bit dark. The city’s empty and full of shadows… who the heck wants to hear that? Oh wait, we’re in the summer nightlife scene. Now I can see why this was such a memorable track for many.
Is it going on my playlist?: Cautiously… yes, somewhere
#10: Summertime Girls – Y&T (submitted by Scott & Mark)
Welcome to the Top Ten of this list, folks. Kicking things off with a driving 80’s pop/rock riff that smells like hairspray from a distance. This sounds like it could be the closing credits for an epic summer comedy where they’re either all friends again in the end or the guy gets the girl. You know the tropes. I’d probably kick things off with this jam at the summer function to get people in a groove.
Is it going on my playlist?: It’s a great party-starter, absolutely
#9: Magic – Cars (submitted by Brad and John)
Another pick from the brains of Brad and John. Out of all their picks, this one is probably my favorite. I’ve definitely heard my mom jam out to this on a road trip or two. I like that the beat isn’t on overdrive, but it’s still up tempo enough to get the vibes juuuust right. There’s a little bit of summer magic sprinkled into this track, and it certainly deserves some air time at your next BBQ.
Is it going on my playlist?: Doesn’t everyone want a little summer magic? (Yes)
#8: Open The Gate – Zach Bryan (submitted by Brian H.)
I didn’t expect this to rank as high as it did, but hear me out. After years of rejecting modern country as “listening to the same chords, accents, and lyrics over and over again,” I’m slowly being introduced to some incredible lyricists who don’t need a full Americana orchestra backing them up to make their point. This is one of them. Definitely lands on the cooldown side of the energy spectrum, but like I said earlier: you need the slower stuff to appreciate the constant hits. It’s all about balance. Plus, the lyrics kick you in the face right at the get-go. I’ll give bonus points for that.
Is it going on my playlist?: Yes, towards the front half
#7: Panama – Van Halen (submitted by Scott)
If you saw the earlier Van Halen track further down this list and wondered “what in the hell is wrong with her?”… how’s this for a top ten pick? It’s a classic rock staple. Way more people are familiar with this track. I love the infectious energy, the lyrics, and you don’t quite know what direction this crazy ride is going to take you. Definitely a heat-of-the-party song, for sure.
Is it going on my playlist?: It’s not a real summer party without Panama
#6: All Summer Long – The Beach Boys (submitted by Bill)
Would it be a true summer party without a Beach Boys hit? Who knows. Personally, I would’ve chosen one of their other classics: “I Get Around,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” to name just a few. But this isn’t my list, folks! This was curated with multiple minds at work- whom I disturbed from their actual work duties to think on a completely sideways tangent about summer jams. I digress. This could fit in a lot of spots within the elusive playlist, but I’m inclined to keep it towards the back end. Things are winding down, “it won’t be long until the summer is through.” It’s a good sign to start clearing off some of the trash from the tables while still enjoying The Beach Boys in their prime.
Is it going on my playlist?: In the back half, as a potential closer, even.
#5: Hot Fun In The Summertime – Sly And The Family Stone (submitted by Guy)
Something about a good brass section gets me in the summer spirit. It could be that with nicer weather, spontaneous outdoor concerts are back on the menu. It reminds me of summers strolling through New York City, stopping to hear performers in Washington Square Park or in some secret basement club. I’d put this on the front half of the playlist, maybe towards the beginning of the party. I want people to know that the skies are back open for the sun to do its business. That’s what this song feels like.
Is it going on my playlist?: Oh yeah, front and center at the function
#4: Summertime – Kenny Chesney (submitted by Allan)
Maybe I’ll make one “modern country” exception for this list. Even though I might not be a personal fan, other people certainly are. And in every good playlist, you need crowd pleasers or else you won’t have a crowd. It’s an older Chesney hit, with all the talk of a perfect country summer night. The guitars are twanging, the lyrics are all about relaxing and loving in the sweltering heat. What more could you want? It’s not a true summer without a scooch of country, right?
Is it going on my playlist?: Not my personal playlist, but I’ll have it on for the party
#3: Sun Is Shining – Bob Marley & The Wailers (submitted by Adam)
I gave this song a listen, and wondered if I needed to rethink my own pick. If you’re enjoying life, you might as well savor it in the slower lane so that you can soak up as much time in it as you can. A little Marley goes a long way, and this track- running over the 5 minute mark- lets you take a breather. It’s a sonic reminder to chill out, have another bite off the fruit platter, and be present. The sun is shining. Go shine with it.
Is it going on my playlist?: You know it is.
#2: Soak Up The Sun – Sheryl Crow (submitted by Mark)
What did I just say about soaking up the sun? Oh wait… nope, that’s this song. That guitar lick just feels like it was recorded on the sun. And though the song itself might not have the most summery theme, the moral still sticks: appreciate what you have. Enjoy the harmonies as you go back for another wine cooler and get the courage to talk to someone new at the party.
Is it going on my playlist?: Rounding out the first half of the playlist, for sure.
And #1: Doin’ Time – Sublime (submitted by Joe and Renee M.)
What I’ve learned about this track is that most people know this song, but no one can figure out what it’s called or who it’s by. Regardless of your Sublime knowledge, it was agreed that this is a can’t-miss hit for any summer hang. It’s a chill jam. There’s excitement within the way these guys sing the lyrics. It’s funky enough to slow your roll and give this a good listen. Nothing beats this playing in the background with somebody splashing in a pool to your left and a grill sizzling on your right. Picture yourself at that BBQ. You’re itching to be there.
Is it going on my playlist?: You know it’s already there.
The post Beyond The Morning News – Sounds Of Summer first appeared on My Bellingham Now.