Songs to Get You Into that Summer Swing

This summer will bring with it a host of new catchy songs by music’s hottest new acts but the songs from years gone by are often the ones that stick in our minds, the ones that remind us of summer romance, sandy beaches and sunny days that seemed to last forever.

Here at Her.ie HQ, there has been much debate about what songs ought to be included in our top ten list. With many changes and brief appearances from Peter Andre’s 'Mysterious Girl' as well as the irritatingly catchy 'Ketchup Song' (for which we know you know the dance moves), we have finally compiled a list of ten summer songs which we cannot wait to revisit this year.

1. 'Summertime' by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Remember when Will Smith was a fresh young thing who showcased his acting skills on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air? Well this summer hit with its reggae beats and catchy tune proved that Will was in fact a man of many talents.

2. 'Hot, Hot, Hot' by Arrow

You are guaranteed to hear this song at least once every summer and each time, without fail, it gets you dancing. Everybody now! “Feeling hot hot hot (do do do doo do do)…”

3. 'Surfing USA' by the Beach Boys

Putting surfing on the map, the Beach Boys are one of those bands whose songs ooze coolness and are perfect for a sunny day by the sea. Aah, what a lovely thought. For us this release just pipped 'Good Vibrations' and 'All Summer Long' to the post.

4. 'Boys of Summer' by Don Henley

The boys of summer may be gone but this Don Henley classic is most certainly not. Summer romance or not, this is definitely worth at least one play on the iPod this year.

5. 'Summer of 69' by Bryan Adams

After listening to this catchy summer rock song you will definitely want a six string guitar, a porch as well as two band mates called Jimmy and Joni. However without these, the song still rocks.

6. 'Holiday' by Madonna

Forget Vogue and 'Like a Prayer', Madonna’s standout tune has to be Holiday. Get ready to celebrate good times with this Eighties classic.

7. Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks

If ever there was a summer song perfect for kicking back and taking it easy, this is it. Stick it on and enjoy the hypnotic beat. Be warned, you will not want to move for the rest of the day having listened to it, but who’s really going to complain about that?

8. 'Beautiful Day' by U2

We just had to include this U2 hit. It is the perfect accompaniment for a summers’ evening drive or a sunbathing stint on the beach. Either will do but we know which option we prefer.

9. 'Escape (Pina Colada Song)' by Rupert Holmes

Get out the cocktail shakers, glasses and little pink umbrellas. Invite your friends around and go dancing in the rain. Actually don’t, just in case you catch pneumonia. But do dance and sing along to this summer classic… inside, where it’s warm.  

10. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

If any summer song is going to encourage you to get up and go, this Katrina and the Waves classic is it. Give in to your subconscious toe-tapping and dance for goodness sake!

As we said, there were lots of other great summer songs that could have made it onto our list so if you’ve got any suggestions for the Her.ie iPod, do let us know. In the meantime, we’re off to pray to the Sun Gods for a little bit of summer weather. Fingers crossed.