Which Year Had The Best 'Song Of The Summer'?

Melissa Sartore
Updated May 9, 2024 65 items
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5.5K votes
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Voting Rules

Vote up the songs of the summer you love from each year since 1959.

It's not an official title, but it might as well be - it's the “Song of the Summer.” 

The “Song of the Summer” is generally the biggest hit during the summer months. It's a song everyone knows, can likely sing by heart, and enjoys rolling down the window to play as they drive around on a sunny day. They're usually upbeat and just plain fun, but there's a lot to be said for a sentimental ballad or song from a blockbuster movie. Either way, the so-called “Song of the Summer” is one that practically becomes synonymous with the season by the time Labor Day rolls around. 

Once predominantly a tune heard on the radio, the “Song of the Summer” has taken into account charts, sales, covers, streams, and online voting over the years. Billboard has an especially helpful list of what they consider “Songs of the Summer," but the magazine isn't the only voice out there. In fact, the disagreements over such a designation add another fun element to conversations over summer tunes.

You're probably able to think of at least one “Song of the Summer” from your lifetime. Maybe several. But, what are the best “Songs of the Summer”? What ditties enjoyed by the masses during the dog days of summer are at the top of your list?