A list of great summer songs could be as extensive as the day is long. For starters, here are some that celebrate simple pleasures, favorite places and memories of summers past.

“Dancing in the Street”- Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Block parties, outdoor concerts. Music is such a powerful force to get everybody together for a good time.

“Hot Fun in the Summertime”- Sly and the Family Stone
The song lasts about as long as summer does in Chicago and leaves you wishing for more.

“Hot in the City”- Billy Idol
Opposite of “in the cool of the evening when everything is getting kind of groovy.” Gotta be the version with the shout-out to Chicago.

“Spirit in the Night”- Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s images are so sharp you feel like one of the gang down at Greasy Lake.

“Summertime Thing”- Chuck Prophet
Another great summer excursion. “Keys to the Honda,” “don’t your sister wanna,” “help me Rhonda;” it’s all good.

“Cool, Cool Water”- Beach Boys
It’s such a gas, and pretty psychedelic. But any Beach Boys track would fit the bill.

“Up on the Roof” and “Under the Boardwalk”- The Drifters
A two-fer. Their versions of these songs make you feel the cool evening breeze and the sand in your swimsuit.

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