Musical time travel - the best summer hits of recent years

It's hard to put the best summer hits of the last few years on a list. After all, the question of which songs are "best" will always be a subjective one. But why are summer hits so popular? Above all, it's their ability to convey and spread joie de vivre. They are the perfect music for any party and for the joyful moments of summer, whether on the beach, partying or traveling. You can't experience summer without having heard one of these songs somewhere. Even today some of the classics make it into the charts. Below we show you the 15 best summer songs of all time, from 1966 to 2023.

1. The Beach Boys - "Good Vibrations" (1966)

No summer playlist is complete without this all-time classic. "Good Vibrations" embodies the Californian surfer spirit and immediately puts you in the summer mood. The Beach Boys have conquered the hearts of millions of fans with this hit.

2. Bryan Adams – "Summer of '69" (1984)

This hit recalls the carefree summers of youth and has become a true classic since its release. Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69" is one of the most successful rock songs of all time.

3. Will Smith – "Miami" (1997)

With its catchy beat and cool rap parts, "Miami" is the perfect soundtrack for hot party nights. The song has thrilled fans in the U.S. and around the world.

4. Ricky Martin – "Livin' la Vida Loca" (1999)

"Livin' la Vida Loca" is arguably one of the most famous Latin pop songs of all time and will get you dancing immediately with its hot rhythms. Ricky Martin's mega-hit is a must-have for every summer playlist.

5. Santana feat. Rob Thomas – "Smooth" (1999)

This Grammy award-winning hit combines rock, Latin and pop into an irresistible earworm. "Smooth" is one of Santana's most beloved songs and should not be missing from any summer playlist.

6. Nelly – "Hot in Herre" (2002)

The title says it all: Nelly's "Hot in Herre" is the perfect song for hot summer days. The track is an international success and has brought dance floors to the boil.

7. Sean Paul – "Temperature" (2006)

Reggae and dancehall meet hip-hop: "Temperature" by Sean Paul is the ideal summer hit for dancing and partying. The song is one of the Jamaican artist's most successful hits.

8. Katy Perry – "California Gurls" (2010)

"California Gurls" is the epitome of summer, sun and beach. The song has made Katy Perry an international star and has been loved by fans for years.

9. Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell Williams & T.I. – "Blurred Lines" (2013)

"Blurred Lines" caused discussions, but also exuberant dancing mood all over the world. The hit is further proof that summer hits simply spread good mood.

10. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee - "Despacito" (2017)

This hit is without a doubt one of the biggest summer hits of recent years. "Despacito" has taken the world by storm and is one of the most famous Latin pop songs of all time. The song reached the top of the charts in numerous countries and is an absolute highlight for every summer.

11. Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – "One Kiss" (2018)

With "One Kiss" Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa created an irresistible dance hit that will immediately put you in the summer mood.

12. Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus – "Old Town Road" (2019)

This unexpected hit combines country and hip-hop and became the most played song of 2019. "Old Town Road" is absolutely catchy and will instantly put you in the vacation mood.

13. Harry Styles – "Watermelon Sugar" (2020)

"Watermelon Sugar" is the perfect summer hit to relax and enjoy. Harry Styles' hit enjoys great popularity and has thrilled fans all over the world. The song is the ideal soundtrack for balmy summer evenings.

14. The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – "Save Your Tears" (Remix) (2021)

This remix of the hit "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande gives the original a summery touch and puts you in a good mood. The song is one of the most famous tracks of the two artists and exudes pure summer mood.

15. Olivia Rodrigo – "good 4 u" (2021)

"good 4 u" is the perfect summer hit that will bring out your inner rockstar. Olivia Rodrigo stormed the charts with this banger and captivated music lovers all over the world.

16. Doja Cat feat. SZA – "Kiss Me More" (2021)

I had a hard time deciding on 2021, so here's a third one. This catchy pop hit by Doja Cat and SZA will get you dancing and partying right away. "Kiss Me More" is one of the most successful songs of the two artists and a real summer hit.

17. Harry Styles – "As It Was" (2022)

The unequivocal summer hit of 2022 is Harry Styles' "As It Was." With its catchy chorus, danceable melodies and laid-back vibe, this song has captured the hearts of music lovers all over the world. Harry Styles once again proves his talent as a songwriter and performer by creating an earworm that perfectly captured the summer of 2022.

These were the top 17 summer hits of the last 50 years and a little time travel through music history. Many of the songs remind us of the beautiful moments of summer or perhaps connect a very special moment in your life. Summer hits are an important part of our culture and an essential part of our music history.

But what will actually be the summer hit in 2023?

Summertime starts right now and we are more than curious which song will top the charts this year. Of course we will update this post for you as soon as the trends are visible. Do you already have a favorite? (:

For the songwriters among you: What makes a summer hit?

Songwriters and music producers like to ask themselves this question. A summer hit has certain characteristics that make it the perfect music for the warm season. Here are some factors that apply to summer hits.

1. Catchy melodies: A good summer hit often has a catchy melody that is easily remembered and can be sung along quickly. Earworms are an important part of a successful hit.
2. Danceable rhythm: Summer songs make people dance, whether at the beach, at a party or simply at home. A danceable rhythm that invites you to bob or clap along is therefore essential.
3. Positive mood: Summer hits usually convey a positive, carefree mood that goes well with the cheerful atmosphere of the warmer months. They can create a sense of freedom, adventure or romance.
4. Easy-to-understand lyrics: The lyrics of a summer song are often kept simple and easy to understand, so that many people—regardless of language skills—can sing along with them.
5. Universal themes: Summer hits usually deal with universal themes that appeal to many people, such as love, friendship, partying or traveling. These themes connect people and fit well with the carefree mood of summer.
6. Recognizability: A successful hit song is often characterized by a certain recognizability, be it a concise melody, a striking chorus or a distinctive sound. This helps the song quickly become popular and get stuck in listeners' heads.
7. Strong promotion: Summer hits are often produced by major record labels and artists, and therefore have strong promotion that helps them quickly become known and end up in the charts.

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Bringing people together, spreading good mood and creating an unforgettable atmosphere, that's what makes a summer hit special and fits perfectly to the warm season. If you are looking for suitable musicians or producers for your next summer song and want to get started yourself, we have the perfect music portal for you here.