Summer is approaching, and the time to sunbathe at the beach and knock back a few beers is now. Aside from hanging out with friends at the mall, or taking an exotic vacation, one of the things that epitomizes summer is music. School is overrated, and here's to the songs that make memories with friends and make you want to boogie on the dance floor. Here are the top ten songs to listen to during summer.
10. "Get Right" - Jennifer Lopez, Rebirth:
This is easily my favorite J-Lo song, as well as being one of my favorite songs to dance to. Just going out to the club, knock back a drink or two, this song is great. Probably Jennifer Lopez' most genuine song in her catalog, it has a fantastic hook, catchy beat, and you just can't help to dance to it. The one thing that makes this song so successful, is that Jennifer Lopez is at her best in this song, and she knows how physically attractive she is, and she rocks it.
9. "California Love" - Tupac Shakur, All Eyez on Me
The rock-and-roll bad boy of the West Coast, the loverboy who was hardcore and down to earth, Tupac never but his tongue in this song. Featuring Dr. Dre, this song had hooks on top of hooks, with the almost haunting piano-sounding beat. And the music video is great, it's like an L.A. version of Mad Max.
8. "The Boys of Summer" - Don Henley, Building the Perfect Beast:
One of the greatest voices in music, Don Henley crafts a wonderful song during his stellar solo career. Although it might sound the exact opposite of a summer song, its fast pace tone and lyrical content are reason enough to listen to it. Instead of the usual upbeat, happy sounds of a typical summer song, Don Henley makes a great song in his catalog, right next to Dirty Laundry.
7. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" - Tears for Fears, Songs from the Big Chair:
Tears for Fears did not look like rock stars, but they had great songs. Just one after another, and they were all hits. It is definitely a unique song, barely repeating lyrics or chorus lines. It's soft, lofty and great. Instead of partying hard with EDM, this is the song to rest and relax to.
6. "Fantasy" - Mariah Carey, Daydream:
This is probably Mariah Carey's best songs, and it amazing. It's great, cute, wonderful and lovely. This song truly does epitomize the idea of summer, being just one sweet, big fantasy. Her dainty voice carries the massive melody, making it one of the best R&B songs of the 90s. The fact that she sampled "Genius of Love" by the Tom Tom Club is genius.
5. "Gin and Juice" - Snoop Dog, Doggstyle:
Snoop Dog had a smooth sound, so chill and laid back. It was funky, daunting and incredible, this song is a common highlight at college kickbacks and parties. Really, this song wants you to sip on gin and juice. This is a seminal 90s song, defining a generation of individuals.
4. "California Girls" - Beach Boys, Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!):
The Beach Boys made some of the best rock and pop songs of all time, and has always had a rich, pleasant and melodic sound to their persona. So much lyrical mastery and great vocals, this song not only makes you want to appreciate the lady, but have fun on the beach enjoying an ice-cold soda. Their accurate description of what California sounds like is what made their music so relatable.
3. "Teenage Dream" - Katy Perry, Teenage Dream:
The thing that makes Katy Perry such an amazing pop star is that she has fun and creativity with her music. When she started in the music industry, she discovered that she can have fun with music videos, incorporating everything from cupcakes to tigers in her songs. Her formula is sexy and great. This song is the epitome of teenagers enjoying life, and making every moment last while it can.
2. "Crazy In Love" - Beyonce, Dangerously in Love:
This was a hard contender for the top spot, but needless to say, this song is amazing. It's an incredibly genius song, and it's infectious. This was not only one of the biggest songs of the new millennium, but it defined Beyonce's career, and signaled her solo career was here to say. And this song was everywhere. Whether you were at the airport, the grocery store, the dentist office, you heard it, and loved it. The tremendous hook and melody, it was a recipe for success.
1. "Summer in the City" - Lovin' Spoonful, Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful:
This song is the definition of summer, it really is. It has a bit of everything, from rock to pop, and incorporates a bunch of different songs to make such a masterpiece. This entire song is a hook, and hooks in music are great and amazing. Those raspy vocals and hard piano sounds make this song, the best summer song of all time.
