Top 10 Classic Summer Songs

This song wasn’t popular upon its initial release but that all changed when it was featured in the film, “The Karate Kid.” After reaching the top ten in the UK, “Cruel Summer” became Bananarama’s first American top 10 hit. The 3-and-a-half minute tune may talk about loneliness and burning pavements, but thanks to its pop and new wave vibes, we can’t help but want to dance and sing along. The fact that the band has re-recorded it several times and that covers by other artists have found success prove its enduring appeal.

Except for the intro in which a man laughs and shouts “wipe out!” and a sound effect meant to represent a cracking surfboard, this track is purely instrumental. Written within minutes as a B-side to The Surfaris’ “Surfer Joe” single, this 2-minute surf rocker surpassed its A-side in both popularity and on the charts, hitting Billboard at number two. Thanks to an unforgettable drum solo and the song’s frequent usage in multimedia, “Wipe Out” is considered an essential piece of any summer soundtrack.

This harmonious soft rock number makes us “feel fine.” After all, with its gentle lyrics and a melody as gentle as its namesake, “Summer Breeze” is perfect for easy listening for a day at the beach. Finding a top ten spot within the U.S. pop charts and featuring backing from a toy piano, the Seals and Crofts composition has also made its way into many movies and TV shows. Many other artists have decided to put their spin on it too.

There’s just something about this tune that makes us want to “sit back and unwind.” With monster success on the big and small screen ahead of him, Will Smith and his musical partner-in-crime Jazzy Jeff created this classic song for the warmer months. The lead single of their fourth album, this was the duo’s first single to crack the UK charts and a top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. With its smooth R&B and hip-hop sound, it also won the pair a Grammy.

In this pop rock track, the Canadian artist tells us about buying his first real six-string at the five and dime, forming a band with his high school pals and falling in love with the girl of his dreams. In short, they were the best days of his life. Listeners related to the “Summer of ‘69” so well that the Bryan Adams tune peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and continues to enjoy popularity around the world.

What are the sounds of summer in the city? According to this upbeat chart topper, it’s a series of car horns and a jackhammer – but also electric piano, guitar and some rock and pop flavors. The result is a 2-and-half minute track from The Lovin’ Spoonful that topped the Hot 100 for 3 weeks and that’s found a home in a number of films, commercials and TV shows. “Summer in the City” has also been covered and sampled multiple times throughout the decades.

Ask anyone under the age of 18 what their favorite part of summer is and the answer is usually the three months they get off from school. Simply put, Alice Cooper’s “School Out” is the anthem for summer vacation. Thanks to its hard rock and heavy metal sound, combined with its chant-able and catchy lyrics, the single reached #7 on the Hot 100 and continues to be used as a call to arms to students to drop their books and start partying.

Although the band’s “California Girls” and “Surfin’ Safari” could’ve also made the list, it’s this all-American tune about guys, gals and their boards from 1963 that lands here. Brian Wilson wrote his own lyrics to go along with Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and the product was a 2-and-a-half minute surf rocker that hit the Billboard pop charts’ third spot. Name-dropping over a dozen popular surfing spots, it’s hard not to yearn for sun, beach and summertime when you hear “Surfin’ U.S.A.”

Written by the Eagles’ Don Henley during the band’s separation, “The Boys ofSummer” is a Pat Benatar-inspired number with an uptempo beat as well as soft rock and electronic rock stylings. With its romantic imagery and nostalgic tone, the songearned top five chart success and won the musician a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. It was also accompanied by an award-winning music video.

Before we ask our top pick to pass the sunblock, here are some honorable mentions.
- “Summertime Blues” (1958)
Eddie Cochran
- “Under the Boardwalk” (1964)
The Drifters
- “Summer Song” (1992)
Joe Satriani
- “Summer Love” (2007)
Justin Timberlake
- “Summer Girls” (1999)
LFO
- “Walking on Sunshine” (1985)
Katrina and the Waves

Even if you’ve never heard of Mungo Jerry, odds are good you’ve heard their first single, “In the Summertime.” With its folk, blues and skiffle sound, the 3-and-a-half minute track was a top 5 American smash and one of the best-selling singles ever. With its fun-loving but laidback atmosphere, sing-able pace and recognizable tune, it’s the perfect pick to ensure a full dance floor at your next summer party.

Do you agree with our list? Which summer song is your favorite? For more musical top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.