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The Sunny Science of Summer Music: 10 Songs That Will Boost Your Mood
Summer is a time of warmth, sunshine, and long days spent outdoors. It’s a season that’s full of energy and excitement, and the music captures that feeling.
Did you know that there’s actually a scientific connection between music and the sun?
Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can increase the production of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. And when we listen to music, our brains release dopamine, another neurotransmitter that’s linked to pleasure and reward.
So when you combine the two, you get a powerful combination that can enhance your summer experience in ways you never imagined.
In this list of the Best Songs for the Summer, we’ve curated a collection of tracks that are sure to get you in the mood for sunshine, good vibes, and plenty of fun in the sun.
So sit back, relax, and let the science of music and sun work their magic!
Summertime
Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince is a classic hip-hop track that has become synonymous with the laid-back, carefree vibe of summer. Released on May 20, 1991, as the lead single from their fourth studio album, “Homebase,” the song is celebrated for its smooth beats and catchy lyrics, making it the perfect tune to blast while cruising down the highway with the windows down (Wikipedia).
Background and Composition
The song was produced by Chicago-based producers Hula and K. Fingers and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1992 Grammy Awards. It spent a week at number #1 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as their highest-charting single. The song also entered the top ten of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #8. The song samples “Summer Madness” by Kool & the Gang, particularly the rising F# octaves played on an ARP 2600 synthesizer.
Critical Reception
- Steve Huey from AllMusic described “Summertime” as “a warm, breezy reminiscence about growing up in Philadelphia and attending barbecues where the whole community showed up to see and be seen.”
- Larry Flick from Billboard magazine noted the song as a “steamy hip-hop jam” that would heat up radio airwaves thanks to its catchy chorus and clever wordplay.
- Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number nine in its 2013 “Best Summer Songs of All Time,” praising it as hip-hop’s finest summer celebration and highlighting its good vibes and mature effort.
Lyrics Snippet
The chorus of the song goes like this: “Summer, summer, summertime Time to sit back and unwind” You can explore the full lyrics on Genius.
Music Video
You can watch the official music video of “Summertime” on YouTube.
Additional Information
- Track Length: 4:30 (album version), 3:57 (single edit)
- Label: Jive/RCA
- Songwriters: Will Smith, Jeffrey A. Townes, Robert Bell, Ronald Bell, George “Funky” Brown, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Lamar Hula Mahone, Craig Simpkins, Charles Smith, Alton Taylor, Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Richard Westfield
- Producers: K. Fingers (Craig Simpkins), Hula (Lamar Hula Mahone), Roland Edison
Summertime has endured as a timeless summer anthem, continuing to be played and enjoyed by generations since its release.
Whether it’s the nostalgic reminiscence of summer barbecues or the smooth, catchy beats, the track encapsulates the essence of summer in a way that is both universal and deeply personal.
California Gurls
Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
This pop anthem celebrates the sunny beaches and beautiful people of California. With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, it’s impossible not to dance along.
Hot in Herre
Nelly
This 2002 hit is a summer party staple. With its infectious beat and playful lyrics, it’s guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing.
All Summer Long
Kid Rock
This nostalgic track combines elements of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” to create a perfect summer anthem.
I’m Yours
Jason Mraz
This feel-good acoustic track is perfect for lazy summer afternoons. With its upbeat tempo and positive lyrics, it’s impossible not to feel happy while listening.
Summer of ’69
Bryan Adams
This classic rock song celebrates the carefree days of youth and the memories of a summer romance. With its catchy guitar riffs and sing-along chorus, it’s a timeless summer anthem.
Cruel Summer
Bananarama
This ’80s classic captures the bittersweet feeling of a summer romance that’s doomed to end. With its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics, it’s the perfect song for those hot summer nights when you’re feeling a little blue.
Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
This modern pop hit captures the feeling of endless summer nights with its pulsing beats and catchy chorus. It’s the perfect song to blast while driving around with friends or dancing at a summer party.
Rockaway Beach
The Ramones
This punk classic celebrates the joys of a day at the beach with its fast-paced tempo and catchy chorus. It’s the perfect song to blast while packing up your cooler and heading to the shore.
Walking on Sunshine
Katrina and the Waves
This upbeat pop song is the ultimate feel-good summer anthem. With its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, it’s impossible not to feel happy while listening.
