The ‘Songs of Summer’ from Yesteryear [Videos]

By Jessica Wheeler, AliveTampaBay Columnist

As spring turns to summer, everyone’s thoughts turn to summertime fun—whether that’s going to the beach, cooking out, or just relaxing and enjoying the warmer weather. But, as everyone knows, summer would be nothing without the music. Each year, Billboard tracks the top songs of the summer. For more than 50 years, these songs have provided the soundtrack to countless stories of summer romance, heartbreak and just having a good time. Here, we take a look back at some of the songs that topped the charts in summers past.

1960: “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” by Brian Hyland

Sunshine? Check. Beach? Check. Tiny swimsuits of questionable coverage? Check.

 

1961: “Quarter to Three” by Gary U.S. Bonds

The ultimate party song, “Quarter to Three” details a night of dancing and partying.

 

 

1962: “Loco-Motion” by Little Eva

While we’re talking about dancing, here’s a song about a new dance craze! Every summer needs one of those.

 

 

1963: “Surf City” by Jan & Dean

Two girls for every boy? Jan & Dean were living the dream in ‘63.

 

 

1964: “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters

A true beach classic, “Under the Boardwalk” has stood the test of time.

 

 

1965: “Mr. Tambourine Man” by the Byrds

The Byrds’ cover of Bob Dylan’s classic evoked a new kind of Southern California dream.

https://youtu.be/kyM_SYecIIA

 

 

1966: “Summer in the City” by the Lovin’ Spoonful

The Lovin’ Spoonful perfectly evoke a hot, humid day in the big city—with redemption and a cool breeze up on the rooftop.

https://youtu.be/N9vbu8sfaBM

 

 

1967: “Little Bit O’ Soul” by the Music Explosion

This Ohio garage band urged everyone to reach for their favorite soul record when they were feeling down (or when their party needed a boost).

https://youtu.be/KWWBqManuF8

 

 

1968: “Stoned Soul Picnic” by 5th Dimension

The 5th Dimension provided a trippy soundtrack to the hazy summer of 1968.

https://youtu.be/0FEYN25TrPQ

 

 

1969: “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James and the Shondells

Tommy James chilled everyone out with the soothing “Crystal Blue Persuasion.”

 

 

1970: “Spill the Wine” by Eric Burdon and War

Flutes and congas provided the base for this classic psychedelic song.

https://youtu.be/3i0DMbCKnAg

 

 

1971: “It’s Too Late” by Carole King

Master songwriter Carole King stepped into the spotlight with a string of hits from her album Tapestry.

https://youtu.be/Msmnb676RxI

 

 

1972: “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass

The only hit for Looking Glass, this song about a seafaring man and his best girl was catchier than anything else on the radio in 1972.

 

 

1973: “Brother Louie” by Stories

The funky story of an interracial romance, “Brother Louie” was a number one smash.

https://youtu.be/HT-NrJKHwas

 

 

1974: “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus

Chaka Khan launched her career with this summertime feelgood hit.

 

 

1975: “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc

Soft and romantic as a summer love, this 10cc tune was dreamy enough to linger on all summer long.

https://youtu.be/noCvwP4dfQA

Jessica Wheeler is a columnist for AliveTampaBay.

 



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