Summer Songs to Listen To when the Temperatures Rise

Ah, summer. You've got to love it. The sun comes out, the temperatures go up, and everyone heads outside to enjoy their favorite warm weather activities, often with a refreshing drink in their hand. There's a reason so many great summer songs have been written—it's the year's best season, and with all the backyard BBQing, pretty picnics and camping trips, we need a playlist to crank during the fun. Especially this summer, when it looks like we just be might taking our first tentative steps out of quarantine. That's why we've searched high and low, across genres from rock to hip hop, going back decades, and just last year, to put together a summer soundtrack for the ages.

Yep, we've collected 30 of the greatest songs about summer ever written. Whether you love going old school, with hits from bands like The Drifters and Mungo Jerry, or prefer newbie tunes from the likes of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, we have cuts you're going to love. Some are upbeat rockers ("School's Out For Summer," anyone?), some are on their way to becoming country classics (Eric Church's indisputably great "Springsteen"), but all are worthy of addition to your summertime soundtrack. And if you're still looking for summer ideas, check out our Delicious Homemade Ice Cream Recipes.