Summer Music

Summer is about good music and good friends. The ideals of summer love and building friendships. It is synonymous with the beach and sun. Often times, a song can take you back to the exact moment you first heard it, or a time in which it served as background music. Summer tunes have always been the strongest for me - the most assertive in taking me back to those special times.

Summer always makes me think of good music. Whether it's checking out whatever band is in town, or cranking up the tunes for that summer party or barbeque, music is a vital part of summer. There are songs that I listen to year-round that never fail to make me dream of warm summer days. Here are ten favorites of my own summer soundtrack.

I'm Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves - How can you not think of summer with this one? It's a song of summer love; it's upbeat, catchy, and downright sunny. It never fails to put a spring in my own step. I'm walking on sunshine, whoa. I'm walking on sunshine, whoa. And don't it feel good? Yes, it does feel good.

School's Out by Alice Cooper - Even as far back as elementary school, I remember this one being sung on the last day of school. It's a classic summer anticipation song. The official kick-off to summer vacation. No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks.

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Bryan Hyland - This is one of my personal favorites. If you watch television and have seen the Yoplait Light yogurt commercials, you've heard this one. It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini that she wore today. Afraid to pull that bikini out of hiding? Maybe you can relate with this song.

Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochran - Who hasn't heard this summer song? This one is so great that a number of musicians have covered it including Alan Jackson, The Who, and James Taylor. This one will have you bobbing your head and tapping your feet as it talks about the woes of summer. I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations. Well I called my congressman and he said, quote, "I'd like to help you, son, but you're too young to vote."

Surfin' USA by The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys are synonymous with summer. No summer song list is complete without them. This is definitely one of my favorite Beach Boys songs. We're waxin' down our surfboards, we can't wait for June. We'll all be gone for the summer, we're on safari to stay. Tell the teacher we're surfin', surfin' USA. It is impossible to listen to this song and not think of summer - the beach, the sun, music and friends. Try it, I dare you.

Low Rider by War - Ever spent warm summer nights driving around with a car full of people? I can't imagine this song not reminding you of those times. Low rider knows every street, yeah. Low rider is the one to meet, yeah. The tune is infectious and consistent throughout the song. If you've never heard the full song, you may have at least heard the tune being played on ABC's George Lopez.

Penny & Me by Hanson - In my opinion, this is one of the most fun driving songs ever written. Penny and me like to roll the windows down, turn the music up, push the pedal to the ground. When listening to this song while driving, it's easy to catch yourself doing just that! The imagery brings out all of the things that might bring out past summer memories - laying under the stars, driving with the windows down, and late night conversations.

We Got The Beat by The Go-Go's - This song is incredible to dance to with a group of people. I always picture this song playing in the background at a summer party - perhaps dancing around the pool. They got the beat, they got the beat, they got the beat. Yeah, they got the beat. Summer sun and music. It can't get much better than that.

Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker - This song will leave you feeling alright. It's upbeat and a definite classic to add to your own summer soundtrack. It's a great driving song for all the hours spent in the car on your family vacation, or that big summer barbeque you're throwing. I don't have to feel alright, I'm feeling good myself.

I Want To Hold Your Hand by The Beatles - Looking back at summers past, do you remember a certain summer love? I always relate this song to summer love - sweet, innocent, summer love. I wanna hold your hand, I wanna hold your hand. Oh please, say to me, and let me be your man. And please, say to me you'll let me hold your hand.