There is nothing better than a good ol’ summer bop! Standing the test of time, the songs of summer have defined generations and continue to bring back memories of special moments, stolen kisses, and dancing around the beach with your besties even decades after.
These are some of the songs that have defined summertime over the last 20 years. Put on your sunglasses, grab yourself a drink, and enjoy!
Genie in a Bottle
Artist: Christina Aguleria
Song of the Summer: 1999
Remember when this music video dropped on Zoom Disney and then we all wanted parachute pants? Yeah, me too. Then remember when Disney tried to push the song to a whole new audience by having Dove Cameron sing it for the promotion of Descendents 2? Nope, me neither. There is a reason why XTina’s version stands the test of time, don’t mess with a summer classic!
IF YOU WANNA BE WITH ME, BABY THERES A PRICE TO PAY. IM A GENIE IN A BOTTLE, YOU GOTTA RUB ME THE RIGHT WAYYY😽😽
— Corporate_Queen❤️🦒 (@CorporateQueen_) July 1, 2018
I Want It That Way
Artist: Backstreet Boys
Song of the Summer: 1999
Because they want you to want it that way! It’s just too hard to choose between BSB and XTina, so I decided to just not. I Want It That Way winds down the party-hard summer night and is the actual best refrain from kissing on the dance floor.
I wonder if the Backstreet Boys ever get tired of fans requesting them to sing I Want It That Way.
Like did they ever go “dammit we have so many great songs but our fans only want it THAT way.”
— GRACE- (@GOSHHHH_) July 2, 2018
Party in the USA
Artist: Miley Cyrus
Song of the Summer: 2009
Immediately upon release, this song became everyone’s go-to theme song for the Fourth of July fireworks. I mean really, what better song to celebrate Independence day with your best friends, a great party, and the perfect music to close out the night?
i remember this time many years ago when we were like 15 and trying to create a fourth of july playlist and @brennanmorgann created a spotify playlist of just party in the usa on repeat for 24 hours
— ken (@xkendallelise) June 30, 2018
I Know You Want Me
Artist: Pitbull
Song of the Summer: 2009
Unabashed, unadulterated lust comes oozing out of this song, and you are definitely feeling yourself. You worked hard to get your body at the beach for that “beach body realness” and you’re set and ready to meet your summertime match. You’ve got all summer to enjoy. There’s nothing but time.
“I Know You Want Me” – @pitbull is so straightforward. Great job Pit.
— EG (@EmilyGabriele) February 2, 2017
California Gurls
Artist: Katy Perry
Song of the Summer: 2010
It wouldn’t be a summer song list without at least ONE from Katy Perry, and what better song than the one that made us all literally wish we were from California. If you haven’t rolled around on a candy cotton cloud with a cone bra, you’re doing it all wrong.
Honestly California Gurls is a timeless bop that can’t be topped
— hannah (@hannahaodell) June 30, 2018
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Artist: Taylor Swift
Song of the Summer: 2012
As great as summer romances are in the moment, more often than not we’re left with a heartbreak and dozens of saved Snapchat stories as a reminder. If they break your heart, they’re not worth your time. Blast this in the car with the windows down as you head to the beach to get your groove back.
LMAO MY EX WITH THE WEIRD DICK LITERALLY MESSAGE ME TODAY WTF HAHAHAHAHAHAHA IMMA JUST SEND HIM A LINK TO WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER pic.twitter.com/e6AVQR6WLC
— Dangerous Man (@ArianaDelSwift) June 29, 2018
Happy
Artist: Pharrell Williams
Song of the Summer: 2014
IT IS IN THE NAME. You can not NOT be happy when you listen to this song. It’s like the musical manifestation of all your cares in the world washing away on a perfect summer day and you’re left bopping to the catchy refrain with the most adorable Minions milling about your feet.
ⓒ ☺️✨ Busy day at work listening to TUNES! #tunes #happy #pharrell #minions #DespicableMe pic.twitter.com/1Ut9LNy4xr
— MINIONS (@MINlONS) May 22, 2014
Shut Up and Dance
Artist: Walk the Moon
Song of the Summer: 2015
If T-Swift’s, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together is the song for the end of your summer fling, Shut Up and Dance is your romance’s origin story. Or not, you don’t need anyone to define your self-worth, you are pretty spectacular on your own. Own your power and dance out there on the beach like no one is watching!
Had the fire Shut Up and Dance snap ready for y’all last night but lost it cuz we were raging
— Jason Gant (@JasonRGant) June 24, 2018
Can’t Stop the Feeling
Artist: Justin Timberlake
Song of the Summer: 2016
This song is the epitome of what summer feels like. The weather is perfect, responsibilities don’t seem so daunting, and you can break out the trendiest and skimpiest pieces in your wardrobe. Bask in the summer sun and make sure you’re enjoying life because you deserve it!
My 3 year old: “Mom I loved running through the fountains because I was actually feeling it!”
Me: “wow, what do you mean by that?”
She then busts into “Can’t Stop the Feeling” 😂😂😂— Krissie Inserra (@KrissieInserra) April 28, 2018
Do you think we missed a MUST listen to summer song on our list? What do you think this summer’s song will be? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Feature image credit: Yana Emets
