Summer has ended and we are heading into Fall. As we start packing away our bathing suits and sandles and pulling out our coats and boots, don’t be so quick to pack away those albums!
I asked our contributors to submit their top two favorite “Summer Songs” and what they mean to them, which I might add was a difficult task – we all have so many favorites and the list could on and on!
Below are Guitar Girl Magazine’s writers’ choice for their top summer songs — which are great any time of the year!
“Summertime Blues” originally by Eddie Cochran in 1958, re-done by Joan Jett as well as the Beach Boys, the Who, T. Rex and even the Flaming Lips covered this song, just to name a few. Reminds me of college during the summer and having to work instead if hanging with friends.
“Summertime” by Janis Joplin. Her voice in this song is hot just like summer!
“Dancing in the Streets” by Van Halen and a tie between”Over the Hills and Far Away” and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. Reminds me of that rush of freedom when you are a kid and it is the last day of school and how I would spend my time practicing these songs all summer long. Whenever I hear these songs brings me back and reminds me of Summer even when it is 40 below zero….
Don Henley – “Boys of Summer” – I can feel where I was when it came out and was popular on the radio. More so, it’s the oncoming bittersweet ending of all good things must come to an end.
Doobie Brothers – “Black Water” – Spending a summer at a cabin in Lake Wabigama, there was a record player and a bunch of records I wasn’t familiar with. This was my favorite so I played it a lot. When I hear it, it takes me back to that awesome summer.
2 All-Time favorite summer songs:
#1 Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” – Even though this song has been around for a while, I always crank it up when it comes on during the summer. I always remember the video vividly. The way Don Henley’s hair blows in wind as he’s cruising down some street in a convertible. Also, the scenes of people frolicking at the beach make me want to find the nearest body of water ASAP.
#2 Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” – This epic anthem always gave me the hard rocking feeling of independence. Although I have been out of school for several years, I can still relate to the feeling of summer liberation. The opening riff is one of my favorites of all time.
Lasith Fernando
Alice Cooper’s “Schools Out” and Joe Satriani’s “Always With Me Always With You” – and maybe the guilty pleasure of Richard Marx’s “Endless Summer Nights.”
Well, I’ve heard so many over the last doue decades that I just can’t pick out any two as personal favorites.
But there are a couple of summer songs from the last few years that impress me with their fun, yet catchy approaches:
Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” from earlier this summer, and Katy Perry’s big summer 2010 hit “California Gurls.”
Tiffini Taylor
Here are two songs with brief explanations (although my list is way longer ,lol):
“Under Pressure” — Queen with David Bowie : I have always loved Freddy Mercury and David Bowie; and let’s face facts, Brian May is an awesome guitarists. Under Pressure reminds me of the hot, humid days of summer and it is a great song for road trips!
“Come Pick Me Up” – Ryan Adams : I have been a fan of his music for about 14 years now. The blues-inspired way of his guitar playing, the rock ‘n roll side of his guitar playing and lyrics; he is a unique singer/songwriter artist who I think has defined a wonderful world of music. This song for summer is great to listen to while sipping ice tea on a front porch swing and watching the world go by. It is another that is great for road trips as well.
“All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow – I lived in Orange County, CA for many years and when I moved away, I missed it so much (and still do!). Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of the beautiful, sunny days in Southern Caifornia.
“Elderberry Wine” by Elton John – Back in the early ’70s way before I was old enough to drink, I have to admit that my best friend at the time was several years older than me (old enough to drink), and we would make our own version of “Elderberry Wine” by the jugful and hang out at Daytona Beach and just have a blast. And…my kids aren’t allowed to read this!
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What was one of your all time favorite songs that remind you of summer?