There are many reasons why so many people love summer; it's the time when students take a break from the demands of school and parents plan vacations or get-togethers for the family. Perhaps this is the reason why so many songs about summer have been written through the years. Many of these songs have become our favorites because it brings back memories and gets us in the mood for summer. Here are 20 of the best and well-loved songs for and about summer.
1. A Summer Song
A light summer tune by the British duo Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde. The song climbed to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. A refreshing song to listen to, especially while cruisin' with your special someone. Listen to the
song courtesy of YouTube.
2. Blue Bayou
This song was written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson and was first released in 1963 with Orbison as the singer. However, it is Linda Ronstadt's version which was released in 1977 that remains very popular. Listen to the
song courtesy of YouTube.
3. Cruel Summer
One of the hits of the 80s, this song was made popular by the British girl group Bananarama. The song was released in 1983 and attracted further attention when it was included in the film
The Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio. Watch a clip from
The Karate Kid featuring the song
"Cruel Summer" courtesy of YouTube.
4. I Can See Clearly Now
This timeless tune, which was written and recorded by Johnny Nash, was released in 1972. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 later that year. "I Can See Clearly Now" has been covered by many different artists and was included in the movie
The Break Up starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. Watch Johnny Nash perform this
song courtesy of YouTube.
5. In the Summertime
This upbeat summer song was written by Ray Dorset and recorded by the British band Mungo Jerry of which Dorset was a member. The song climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Listen to this
song courtesy of YouTube.
6. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
This playful song was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss and recorded by Brian Hyland. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 that same year. Listen to this
oldies fave from YouTube.
7. Kokomo
One of the Beach Boys' well-loved songs; it was written by Mike Love, Scott McKenzie, Terry Melcher and John Phillips. The song was recorded and released in 1988 and became a hit. The lyrics of the song mentions several vacation spots, most notably a place called Kokomo. Listen to this
summer tune from YouTube.
8. Rock the Boat
A hit song from the
disco years; "Rock the Boat" was written by Waldo Holmes and recorded by The Hues Corporation. It was released in 1974 and climbed to the top of the U.S. charts. Sway to this
disco song courtesy of YouTube.
9. Soak Up The Sun
A song written and recorded by Sheryl Crow, with Jeff Trott as co-writer. It was released in 2002 in her album titled
C'mon C'mon. The song topped both the Billboard Adult Top 40 and the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. Watch the
official music video of this song courtesy of YouTube.
10. Summer Breeze
One of my personal faves; the lyrics of this song was penned by James Seals with music by him and Dash Crofts. It was released in 1972 in an album of the same title and became a hit. It has been covered by many different artists including the Isley Brothers, Patti Austin and Johnny Mathis. Watch
Seals and Crofts perform their hit song courtesy of YouTube.
