Ah, summer. That warm-weather season where the shorts and sundresses come out, we let our hair down, and finally relax a little! In this season of backyard cookouts, trips to lake towns and beach boardwalks, and other fun outdoor games with the whole family, it’s imperative that each moment has the right soundtrack. And no summer playlist is complete without a wide variety of summer songs that everyone can sing along to, which is precisely why we’ve taken the liberty to round up 41 of our all-time favorites.
This list of upbeat summer songs may lean heavy on pop and country, but it truly has something for everyone. From classic summer songs such as “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams and Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” to newer hits like “Call Me Maybe” and Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer,” you’re sure to find something that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Then, of course, there’s country summer songs—particularly ’90s country. Here at Country Living, these tunes have a special place in our heart. Tim McGraw’s “Something Like That,” “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson … the list goes on and on! And these ditties never fail to bring a smile to our face.
So, whether you’re looking for the best summer songs of the 2000s or the best summer songs for kids, you’ve come to the right place. So go forth, select your favorites, and add them to the rotation for your next road trip or pool day. Happy summer, everyone!
"Alabama Nights" by Tiera Kennedy
This totally catchy country pop song is all about the simple pleasures of a country summer down South. (Specifically in Country Living's home city of Birmingham, Alabama!)
"Toes" by Zac Brown Band
If, for you, summer is synonymous with the beach, this is the song you'll want to have on repeat.
"Fancy Like" by Walker Hayes
Love it or hate it, there's no denying you'll be singing along when this song hits the speakers.
"Strawberry Wine" by Deana Carter
The ultimate country ballad dedicated to the sweet, yet sometimes fleeting, pleasures of summer love.
"You Go First" by Jessica Andrews
It's impossible not remember the butterflies of a first love or aimless summer evenings spent with a young crush while listening to this catchy country pop tune.
"Party in the U.S.A" by Miley Cyrus
No Fourth of July party is complete without this earworm courtesy of Miley Cyrus.
"Summer Girls" by LFO
You can't deny it's supremely catchy, even if the lyrics don't particularly make much sense.
"Ice Cream (with Selena Gomez)" by BLACKPINK
American and K-Pop superstars join forces for a fun metaphorical ode to summer's favorite frosty treat. Plus: How fun is the music video!?
"Something Like That" by Tim McGraw
You know you're in for a good time when the song opens with "It was Labor Day Weekend / I was seventeen."
"Summer of 69" by Bryan Adams
"Those were the best days of my life" pretty much sums up everything you need to know about this classic song.
"Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson
There's something about '90s country that always feels right for a summer shindig.
"The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley
There's a definite dark edge to this 1984 mega hit from the Eagles drummer, but then again how many summer loves end happily ever after? For an updated sound, check out The Ataris' frenetic, fun cover from 2003.
"Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles
Penned by George Harrison, this sweet confection from one of the biggest bands of all time is pure, sunny joy.
"Island In The Sun" by Weezer
Back in 2001, geek rock band Weezer scored one of their biggest successes with this laid back little tune about getting away from it all on an island holiday. Sounds like a plan.
"Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
Come on, how could we not include this bubblegum pop ear worm about a girl who fell at first sight on a "Hot night, wind was blowin'"?
"Under The Boardwalk" by The Drifters
You can almost smell the suntan lotion and hear the sound of waves crashing when you crank this classic, released back in 1964.
"Springsteen" by Eric Church
Church's first Top 20 Billboard Hot 100 hit, the twice Grammy-nominated "Springstreen" recalls a high school girlfriend who loved the Boss. Powerfully evocative and a little bittersweet, it makes a fine addition to any "soundtrack to a July Saturday night."
"Dancing In The Streets" by David Bowie and Mick Jagger
Originally performed by Martha and The Vandellas, "Dancing in the Streets,"—an irresistible ode to summertime booty shaking—was covered by two of the flashiest, most fun rock stars on the planet in 1985.
"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Back before he became a worldwide movie star, Will Smith was better known as the second half of hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. They snared a 1992 Grammy for this relaxed jam about hot weather happenings in their native Philly.
"California Gurls" by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
Almost criminally catchy, "California Gurls" will have you dreaming of taking the top down whether you have a convertible or not.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
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