Official Songs of Summer
Each year you won’t be hard pressed to find a song that is considered the official song of Summer. You know it, a song that at first you are not sure if you like it or not, but as the weather begins to heat up the tune sticks in your head. First you will find yourself humming it in line at the ATM, next you are searching the FM dial to get your fix. Chances are you don’t really own the song, otherwise you could just dial it up on your iPod for instant gratification.
The good news is that these kinds of songs have crossover appeal, and you’re likely to find it on a variety of stations that play some from of pop, top 40, alternative or dance. In San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, we have plenty of those station — which is good, because this year I’ve identifies several songs that seem to make the “Official Song of Summer” cut.
California Gurls by Katy Perry
I already know what you are thinking, but hold on a minute. Despite the fact that Katy (or at least her fashion stylist) seems to have no idea what Daisy Duke’s really are, and her video destroys any hope of playing Candy Land in the future, this track has all the makings of the Summer hit. With just the right mix of pop and dance, and a little Snoop Dogg sell-out action, and you have a tune that just doesn’t quit. I was also a little let down that all points referenced were southern California – Venice Beach, Palm Springs, and LA — leaving about two-thirds of the Golden Coast untouched. However, the truth is that I can’t help but crank this tune when it comes on in my car, and it bumps even better on a crowded wedding dancefloor.
Lay Me Down by The Dirty Heads
Officially, this track boasts the vocals of Rome Ramirez (of Sublime with Rome), which is only fitting since it has that classic sound made famous by the likes of Sublime in their heyday. When it first came out, I admit that I was not a fan. Then my wife pointed out how she expected it to be a Summertime hit. Billboard‘s Connor McKnight agreed when he wrote in April 2010 that the song is a “solid contender” for song of the summer. Over time, the track has grown on me and the masses when it hit #1 on the Alternative charts in May. A different feel than California Gurls, but certainly has the appeal to keep Summer chill.
Honorable Mentions
These songs had a good chance since, again, they managed to crossover all the charts. Unfortunately, I think they were released just a little to early to stick around as the summer hits. It also doesn’t help that B.o.B. and Ke$ha have new powerhouse hits out ever other week.
- Airplanes by B.o.B. featuring Haley Williams of Paramore
- Tik Tok by Ke$ha
- Hey, Soul Sister by Train
