With hot and humid weather expected in the UAE, we have the perfect playlist for your summer. The top 10 timeless summer songs chosen were not necessarily released during the months of June to August, but are filled with happy vibes to beat the heat and keep you upbeat. These cheerful songs range from 1960’s rock and roll to 2010’s electro pop.
Which one is your favourite? Leave a comment below!
1. Surfin’ U.S.A by Beach Boys (1963)
This chill song about surfing around beaches in the US is an iconic summer hit. It is perfect to listen to while you sit back and unwind from the heatwave. Listen to the original version here.
2. Summer Nights by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (1978)
This typical boy meets girl song from the classic musical Grease is still adored by fans all over the world today. The sweet story of a summer love is sure to melt hearts of listeners all summer long.
3. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves (1985)
There’s no better song than this to put you in high spirits for the summer. Walking on Sunshine has been so popular that it even has a film under the same name and was featured on numerous advertisements, movies and TV shows over the past three decades. Watch the original video song here.
4. Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin (1988)
With holidays and trips filling up, when better than the summer to leave your woes behind and look into the bright future? Don’t Worry Be Happy was entirely sung a cappella and peaked at number one on the Billboard 100 chart. Also, its title was quoted from Indian spiritual master Meher Baba. Watch the original video song here
5. Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (1991)
The ’90s was a time when being a “rebel” was considered cool, so hip hop and rock filled the music scenes. In Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, now better known as actor Will Smith, explain that summer is a “time to sit back and rewind”. Watch the original video song here
6. Soak up the Sun by Sheryl Crow (2002)
The tunes to this song give off a beachy vibe that complements a suitably relaxing summer. The lyrics aren’t nearly as luminous as other songs on the list, but Soak up the Sun delivers a hopeful message that “I’m gonna soak up the sun, gonna tell everyone to lighten up” – perhaps just what we need to beat 40+ degrees of heat in the UAE.
7. Hey Ya! by Outkast (2003)
Although not necessarily associated with the sun or heat, this song made the list because of its vibrant energy that reflects the radiance of summer. According to polling website FiveThirtyEight, Hey Ya! also tops the ultimate wedding playlist – friends and family members are bound to dance along to the sunny beat! Watch the original video song here.
8. California Gurls by Katy Perry (2010)
California Gurls was an immediate hit when it was released. Having been the top Billboard summer song of 2010, it still puts listeners into the summer spirit six years later. The song was also included in Katy Perry’s acclaimed Superbowl 2015 Halftime Show. Watch the original video song.
9. Summer by Calvin Harris (2014)
Spotify labelled Summer as its summer song of the year in 2014. As long as electronic dance music is cherished, we anticipate that this song just can’t be missed each summer. Despite its lack of lyrics, Calvin Harris’s iconic sleek beats have captivated audiences. Watch the original video song here.
10. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake (2016)
Currently ranked number 2 on Billboard, this is our pick for summer tune of the year. The energetic lyrics and tunes just can’t stop listeners from feeling happy. This hit song will be featured on Trolls, a DreamWorks animation voiced by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, James Corden, Gwen Stefani and more. Watch the original video song here
