Match These Legendary Classic Summer Songs To The Artist
- by Lucas Wesley
- – on
- in Entertainment
With 100° weather spreading across the country, it’s pretty clear we’re in the middle of a seriously hot summer. Tempting as it is to respond to the recent heat wave by eating ice cream under blaring air conditioners, pop music has long provided an alternative suggestion. Since the dawn of radio, some of the most popular songs around have focused on the fact warm weather means hitting the beach for some fun in the sun, hopefully after the proper amounts of sunscreen have been applied.
Such is the power of a really good song that even people who hate the overbearing “Warmth of the Sun” can dance along to the music at a comfortable distance away from its harmful rays. There are also plenty of people listening to them from car radios, blasting the AC at the same time they sing along to songs about “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” Of course, no matter where we listen to music, there’s a huge difference between bobbing one’s head to the tune and actually knowing who sings these songs.
Ultimately, it’s not necessary to know the background to every single tune to call oneself a music fan, but the more songs a person recognizes, the more trustworthy their opinions on pop can be. Anyone who privies themselves an expert should keep reading to match the greatest songs of the summer to the artists who sang them.
What legendary rock group is behind “Here Comes the Sun?”
In some parts of the world, winter can be truly unbearable, whether or not it’s “long and lonely” as described in this ‘60s classic. Freezing cold temperatures and constant snowfall make it almost impossible to enjoy the great outdoors, let alone anything other than long nights by the fire. Granted, that can be pretty enjoyable too, but natural warmth will always be more comfortable to some. Luckily, no matter how cold and dark it gets, the sun also rises, a fact that gets this singer to acknowledge “it’s all right.”
Which singer is behind “California Gurls?”
For better or worse, the extraordinary heat of California’s sun means that popsicles will melt in mere minutes with or without any sun-kissed women nearby. Of course, with melting being a foregone conclusion, it’s understandable to pick that reasoning as the method of execution if given the choice. Even without the “gurls” in the songs title, the singer presents California as a “warm, wet, and wild” paradise year round, which one can only assume reaches peak levels of nirvana when the sun shines at it’s brightest.
Which ‘70s icons sang “Summer Nights?”
As many songs on this quiz have suggested, summer is a time for new romance, especially when the sun goes down. The only question is whether or not said romance will continue into the winter months or later, a question clearly on the minds of both the male and female singer behind “Summer Nights.” Their friends are also pretty intrigued, asking for more and more information, all but forcing the singers to confront their own uncertain feelings on how things ended. Lucky for them, they had a whole musical to figure out the answers.
Who sang “Summer Love?”
Pretty much since people have started singing about summer, one of the strongest themes related to the season has been romance. Nice as it is to cuddle up by a fire, something about warm weather makes people more open with one another, willing to experiment with exploratory relationships. There’s also the fact students are away from school, giving them more time to pursue short-term no-strings-attached venery knowing they’ll definitely be going their separate ways once the sun goes down and class starts anew. On the plus side, these natural restrictions only make the love more intense while it lasts.
Which sun drenched act is known for “Surfin’ U.S.A.?”
Not everyone loves surfing, but even people who have no idea how to catch a wave are well aware the best time of the year for this sort of activity is the summer. At the onset of their careers, a certain classic rock band brought surfing all across the country through the radio, with multiple hits about hitting the beach with their boards ready to hang 10. While their later, more serious compositions would get more attention from critics, these initial classics remain staples every summer, when surfers are ready to catch a wave once more.
Who rapped “Drop it like it’s Hot?”
Unlike the heat mentioned in many other songs on this quiz, the rapper behind this track was simply referring to the fact it’s hard to hold on to hot things while also referencing a popular dance move. Nonetheless, something about warm weather makes people more inclined to follow his instructions than they would in the cold. Of course, that’s just because of the party atmosphere summer provides, as explained in so many other songs we’ve already mentioned. Naturally, things are also hotter in the summer, presumably making it easier to drop them.
What Motown legends sang “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave?”
While most bands on this quiz wrote songs about how summer meant new love, these Motown icons went a different route with the idea. Not only is summer a great time for romance; this act recognizes the very idea of warmth and fun in the sun as a metaphor for love and togetherness in general. Indeed, romance is often like a heat wave burning in he hearts and souls of people experiencing it. At the same time, not everyone appreciates this element of courtship, forcing the singers to repeatedly ask, “is this the way love’s supposed to be?”
What classic rock group checked in to “Hotel California?”
Technically speaking, “Hotel California” isn’t quite about summer or the temperatures it brings, yet anyone to spend significant amounts of time in the Golden State is likely well aware the heat rarely subsides year round. Part of the magic of this song is that it’s soundscapes somehow present an air of humidity, making listeners feel like they’re actually in the warm climate being sung about. Of course, there’s much more to California than just the warm weather, as the song’s ominous ending is quick to remind listeners.
Who rapped “Hot in Herre?”
Look, we completely understand that summer months lead to people wearing less clothing, and plenty of songs on this quiz cite that as one of the best parts of the season. Still, suggesting heat alone is a reason to take off all one’s clothes may be asking a bit much from the audience. Surprisingly, this singer not only got away with doing just that, but it lead to one of his biggest hits, perhaps due to hopeful listeners thinking the advice would sound less silly if enough people heard it.
Who sang “Blister in the Sun?”
Fun as summer can be, there’s also the danger of sunburn, heat stroke, and other pains that only the closest star to Earth can cause. This in mind, the sun forms a perfect metaphor for love, something vital for life that nonetheless can seriously hurt us under the wrong circumstances. Younger romantics experiencing their first loves feel the sting worst, unprepared for the negative side effects of being ignored and forgotten by the object of their affection. Nonetheless, they’ll try again and again to find that true romance, even if they keep blistering in the sun until it happens.
What group is responsible for “Who Loves the Sun?”
Music is often a medium of celebration, especially when talking about gorgeous summer weather and fun in the sun. However, when stuck in a more negative mind set, all the shiny happy people singing about laughter and holding hands can feel like a real drag. This classic brilliantly reflects the feelings of a person too defeated by life to ever enjoy it, all because of someone who broke their heart. The only solace is that people who love this strongly are bound to do so again, and summer may be the perfect time for a new romance to begin.
What ‘90s alt rockers sang “Island in the Sun?”
When experienced with someone special, the warmth of the summer sun is a truly beautiful thing. It’s powerful enough that nothing else in the world matters, allowing daydreaming lovers to fantasize about running away from society to find their own “Island in the Sun,” much like the one in this song. Even without a romantic partner, the soft, laid-back melodies are soothing enough to wash over any negativity and create a state of relaxation similar to how it must feel to lay in a hammock on a deserted paradise.
Who rapped “It Was a Good Day?”
Let’s face it—beautiful as summer months can be, the heat can also make people do some crazy things. In the early ‘90s, this meant rampant riots in major cities, and gang activity is always at a high when less reputable sorts feel comfortable getting up to no good out in the open. However, even the most hardened gangsta can have a “good day” now and again, free of violence or tension of any kind, filled instead by games with friends and romantic trysts with flexible loved ones.
Which Motown icons sang “Dancing in the Street?”
If any time of year provides the perfect conditions for the sort of universal party atmosphere “Dancing in the Street” provides, it’s got to be summer. This is obviously the case in a literal sense, as no one wants to boogey down Main Street in freezing cold temperatures, but there’s also something about warm weather that brings strangers together with smiles on their faces, as almost every other song on the quiz makes clear. All society needs is that sweet, sweet music to get our feet moving, and the rest will fall into place everywhere the sun shines.
Which classic pop group sang “Hot Fun in the Summertime?”
Like most enjoyable things in life, if one was to ask ten different people what their favorite part about summer was, they may well get ten different answers. For younger people, the fact school is over is definitely a plus, as this quiz is repeatedly making clear. Should there be a special someone who only comes around during the summer months, that’s even better. Combine these two joys with a “county fair in the country sun,” and it’s a slice of paradise to which almost anyone could relate.
What group backed Janis Joplin as she sang “Summertime?”
Most of the bigger hits on this list have been covered once or twice, yet few songs have reached the same level of pop culture ubiquity as George Gershwin’s “Summertime.” After originally appearing in the musical Porgy & Bess, chances are the best known version of the track was crooned by iconic rocker Janis Joplin in the band that first brought her to fame. Of course, this version is nothing like anything Gershwin ever composed, filled with searing guitar solos and the singer’s overpowering desperation, suggesting living may not be as easy as the lyrics imply.
Which iconic punk rock act performed “Rockaway Beach?”
In the hot summer months, nothing is more soothing than a trip to the beach. No single location is better suited for swimming, tanning, volleyball, or just meeting new people in a relaxed environment. Even a cynical, too cool for school punk band like the one behind this classic track can drop the pretense and admit how fun it is, gleefully hitching a ride to the nearest beach for fun in the sun. Once they reach the promised location, there’s no stopping these cretins from hopping. Hey, ho, let’s go.
What pop band sang “Walking on Sunshine?”
Even the coldest months of the year can feel like summer to a person lucky enough to find true love. Nothing warms the heart more than another person’s heart beating along with it as one, a feeling the singers of “Walking on Sunshine” have just experienced for perhaps the first time. It’s already exhilarating to feel love in one direction, and to know it’s reciprocated can indeed make someone feel like they’re on cloud 9. Pointing out it feels good is almost redundant, but with how catchy the singers make the chorus, we don’t mind them stating the obvious.
What classic rock group wrote “Sunny Afternoon?”
How bad do things have to get before the allure of a sunny day isn’t enough to make up for it? Weighed down by taxes and constantly fighting with his girlfriend, the narrator of this song clearly isn’t having the best day, yet being able to laze around in the summertime on a pleasant afternoon somehow balances it out. Granted, said narrator also doesn’t seem like the nicest guy around, and those with stronger morals may have more trouble brushing off the blues and relaxing. Then again, listening to songs this bouncy, it’s easy to forget about life’s problems.
Which iconic hip hop duo performed “Summertime?”
Throughout this quiz, summer is going to mean a whole bunch of different things to different people. To students, it means several months away from school, or as this brilliantly laid-back R&B classic puts it, it’s “time to sit back and unwind.” There’s no doubt people of all ages also appreciate the fact “summer’s a natural aphrodisiac,” thanks to everyone wearing outfits that help supplant the heat. The rapper behind this hit later went on to much bigger things, but for a few months out of the year, this song may remain his greatest contribution to pop culture.
Who sang “The Boys of Summer?”
For whatever reason, songwriters will always have an easier time describing the past than the present or the future. Beautiful as summer can be, when viewed retrospectively, it can almost feel like it was wasted, or at least not used to it’s full potential. Of course, the same is true when reflecting on anything in a person’s past, due to the fleeting nature of time, and the fact few people will ever be able to accomplish everything they dreamed of doing. The good news is that missed opportunities can often turn into second chances, at least when people are involved.
What hard rock band is behind “School’s Out?”
As many songs on this quiz are quick to remind listeners, perhaps the best part about summer for a student is that they get a few months away from the drudgery of education. Sure, it’s very important that people of all ages expand their minds, but without proper breaks in between classes, the nonstop barrage of information can be overwhelming. Thankfully, even hardened educators are aware of this, letting kids run wild during the hottest months of the year to prevent academic burn out. Unfortunately, though, despite what the song may imply, school isn’t really out “forever” until graduation day.
Which indie band is behind “Summer Babe (Winter Version)?”
Even disaffected indie rockers understand and appreciate the joy of summer. Of course, they can’t do so entirely free of the post-ironic charm, creating an anthem for summer with the word winter in the title. Despite the attempt at confusing the uninitiated, there’s no doubt which season the group had in mind during this searing, crunchy guitar laced tune about a well-off lady lounging on an abandoned houseboat. The distorted music creates a hazy feeling all it’s own, raising the heat to a level where even sitting around and doing nothing can be physically exhausting.
What group performed the original “California Girls?”
Years before Katy Perry used the term as a brag, bands were already singing about how “California Girls” were unlike any other females in the country. Sure, the singer is well aware ladies all around the world are hip in their own way, but apparently there’s something about the So Cal weather that breeds a special type of woman. Based on the information other songs in this quiz present, it’s probably the fact that California essentially feels like summer year round, allowing for nonstop fun in the sun for both males and females.
What band wrote “Summertime Clothes?”
Depending on where one lives, the heat of the summer may get so overbearing that it’s almost impossible to go outside without melting into a pool of sweat. With a broken air conditioner, the same can be true when indoors, leading the narrator of this song to sleep through the relentless heat and live it up in the moonlight when it’s slightly cooler. Even so, he understands the appeal of walking around in “Summertime Clothes,” both for the freedom loose apparel provides and the more blatant aesthetic qualities they have when worn by a romantic partner.
Which legendary guitarist is behind “On the Beach?”
Okay, so title notwithstanding, “On the Beach” doesn’t have anything to do with beaches, summer, or fun in the sun. Instead, it’s a rumination on the nature of fame and how it affects the artistic process, with the singer acknowledging he needs an audience to be successful, even if the empty faces staring back at him during concerts don’t create the personal connections for which he truly strives. In this sense, “the beach” is a metaphor for fame, a paradise many people seem to seek, even if “the seagulls are still out of reach” once they achieve it.
What ‘60s pop act sang “Summer in the City?”
While most songs on this quiz celebrate summer and all that comes with it, this track is well aware the heat isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. When high noon hits, there’s nary a shadow in the city, causing sweat to flow like a waterfall, leaving people dirtier and grittier than they’re comfortable being. On the plus side, summer nights are the perfect temperature for a person to go on an adventure, so long as another brave soul is willing to make the journey with them.
Who sang “Summertime Blues?”
In contrast to most other songs on this list, the singer of this tune is immediate and steadfast in his assertion that summer means no fun shall be had whatsoever. What about his life is so different from the others to cause such a dichotomy? Easy—he was forced by his parents to get a summer job, and his boss seems like a real drag. Naturally, he does whatever he can to try and get out of this situation, even going so far as to take the issue to the United Nations, all to no avail.
What ‘90s alternative band performed “Setting Sun?”
Pop music is often the great equalizer, bringing divergent personalities together with the power of sound. On this track, a member of Oasis teamed up with the UK’s top electronic band to create a smash hit about a doomed relationship. Technically speaking, it doesn’t have much to do with summer, as the “Setting Sun” in the title refers to the singer realizing things are over between him and the woman in question. That said, the jilting soundscapes suggest a building tension and rising heat that calls to mind warm nights, albeit ones filled with icy stares.
Which indie rock group is behind “Deadbeat Summer?”
While the term is typically used as something of an insult, if there’s ever a good time to be a deadbeat, it’s the summer. Warm temperatures are known to slow people down, sometimes to the point of complete inactivity, making it all too tempting to sit back in a lounge chair and forget about work. Heck, when the heat rises to the 90s or higher, even socializing seems like too much effort, unless copious amounts of lemonade and ice cream are involved.
What ‘60s band had a hit with “The House of the Rising Sun?”
Believe it or not, some songs are so darn old no one really knows who wrote them. “The House of the Rising Sun” is one such tune, written at least 100 years ago and passed around by folk musicians to the modern era. It wasn’t until the 1960s that it became a radio staple, though, when a rocking band gave the song an electric upgrade that transcends time. The brooding singer definitely helped it’s success as well, as his pained screams considerably raise the heat on an already searing track.
What Motown superstar performed “Farewell My Summer Love?”
Truth be told, the story behind “Farewell My Summer Love” is far more interesting than the song itself, which stands as a light ballad about romance fading away as the warmth of the sun began to fade. Originally recorded in the early 1970s, it wasn’t released until the singer was without a doubt the most famous musician on the planet, an effort by his former label to cash in on the newfound success. It didn’t quite work, as far less people listened to this track than his more contemporary output, but his name alone made it a minor hit.
What band performed “The Warmth of the Sun?”
Despite the fact it goes down every night and leaves the world shrouded in darkness, humanity can always rely on the sun rising the next day and brightening our lives once again. In this track, the sun’s eternal presence is used as a metaphor for pleasant memories, able to warm our hearts even long after love fades away. Sure, it’s cold and dark at times, but history has shown brightness will eventually return, which is enough to keep the hopeful warm at night.
What indie rockers performed “Lust for Life?”
No, this isn’t the Iggy Pop song, which while bombastic and loads of fun, doesn’t have much to do with summer. Instead, a group of indie rockers took the title for a jumping tune about fun in the sun, with lyrics relating dreams of beach houses, friendship, and eating pizza on a nightly basis. The catch is the singer knows full well this is just a dream, and the real world isn’t quite so perfect. Of course, the same is true of many summer dreams when the sun goes down and cold reality washes over the world once again.
Who performed “Summer Breeze?”
Songs about summer have been written in virtually every genre, yet it could be argued that ‘70s soft rock captured the feeling of warm weather better than any other. The music of “Summer Breeze” is exemplary in this regard, wafting over listener’s ears like the weather phenomenon repeatedly mentioned in its chorus and title. Like a howling wind on a summer’s night, the simplistic rhythms can cool even the warmest soul, making people feel fine whether or not there’s any “jasmine in their mind.”
What band is behind “Steal My Sunshine?”
With the sheer number of songs about summer nights and the joy of sunshine, it goes without saying the concept is highly valued by singers and songwriters everywhere. In fact, people care about sunshine so darn much they’ll turn a complete unknown into a one-hit-wonder if they sing about it in a relatable enough manner. That’s what happened with this ‘90s indie pop group, which suddenly scored a huge single with this laid-back, smooth hit about what happens when someone takes that sunshine away.
Which metal band wrote “Paradise City?”
Given the lifting, triumphant way the band sings about it, it could easily be said “Paradise City” is filled with green grass and pretty girls year round. Even with that being the case, this particular paradise sounds like it would be even more enjoyable in the summer months, when grass is at it’s greenest and said beautiful ladies are dressed lightly, to stay comfortable in the heat. Regardless of the time of year, it’s no wonder the singer wants to spend all his time there, especially considering the dire situation presented in the verses.
What band performed “Saturday in the Park?”
At any point in the year, a park can be a beautiful place for a picnic or get together in the shade, yet it goes without saying they get their most crowded during the summer. Throw in a special holiday like the Fourth of July, and it’s almost guaranteed people will indeed be there dancing, laughing, and even selling ice cream if visited at the right time. It’s the sort of scene just about anyone can “dig,” especially when accompanied by smooth music like the sounds featured on this track.
Who sang “Surf City?”
Quite frankly, it’s a little hard to take the promises of “Surf City” at face value. Sure, the fun in the sun part seems totally viable, but “two girls for every boy” suggests a serious gender imbalance that simply can’t last forever. Nonetheless, it’s hard to deny the appeal of such a situation to a young surfer, who barely has time for socialization in between catching sick waves. That this plethora of paired women only require a wink and a smile in return for undying affection doesn’t hurt, either.
Who sang “In the Summertime?”
Such is the power of summer hat it can propel a one-hit-wonder to unforgettable status. Quite frankly, it’s very unlikely even the biggest music fans will be able to name two songs by the artist who sang this classic, but each passing summer, audiences everywhere are bound to hear the beeps and bops it includes when the weather is fine. Perhaps the trick is ditching conventional lyrics during the chorus for a fun onomatopoeia sing along that sounds best when belted out in the sunshine.
What folk rocker is behind “Sunshine Superman?”
If anyone knows just how empowering the sun can be, it’s Superman. The hero from Krypton gets most of his abilities from Earth’s yellow sunlight, a feeling with which many regular humans can probably relate during warm summer months. The singer of this track definitely knows what it feels like to be emboldened by powerful rays, claiming neither the Man of Steel nor his Justice League pal the Green Lantern can compare to his own prowess. Rather than use this power to save the world, though, he’s just interested in winning a special someone’s heart.
Which act performed “Under the Boardwalk?”
Truth be told, from the time it was written, only people living in select parts of the world could fully relate to “Under the Boardwalk” in a literal sense. However, replace the idea of a “boardwalk” with any sort of secluded area not that far away from a big party, and the idea is almost universal, especially during warm summer nights. When two people hit it off at a public gathering, it’s not long before they want to head someplace a little quieter and less populated, so the “falling in love” process can truly begin.
What band created “Rock Lobster?”
Typically, when a bunch of youngsters hit the beach for a rocking party, the last thing on their minds is the marine biology sharing their dance floor. That this band instead chose to focus on fantastical creatures in swimwear was the first sign they were a little bit different, with the warbled ooh’s and ah’s further cementing that reality. Surprisingly, rather than turn them into a novelty, it was this unique sound that made them stars in the late ‘70s, and the strange animals they sang about were memorable enough to make them part of pop culture history.
Who is the guitarist behind “Miserlou?”
Believe it or not, “Miserlou” was a hit song well before it appeared in Pulp Fiction, or any other popular media. In fact, the tune has been around since at least the 1920’s, with a slightly dubious origin story when it comes to the actual writer. However, the version everyone knows didn’t get recorded until the early ‘60s, when a surf rocker updated the Mediterranean rhythm with his guitar to produce a rocking hit. At the time, the jilted riffs perfectly back dropped catching a wave, while today they’re accepted as rhythms suited for a true guitar hero.
What disco group wrote “Good Times?”
By and large, the lyrics of “Good Times” can relate to positive memories for any time of year, yet one lyric in particular makes it clear this is indeed a song of summer. No other season is primed for “clams on the half shell and roller-skates,” and universal as they may be, cutting rugs with the jitterbug is always more enjoyable when the weather is nice. Regardless of the time of year people enjoy it, this song has become one of the most sampled in history, so almost everyone has heard part of it, whether they realize it or not.
Which indie rockers performed “Heavy Metal Drummer?”
Based on the title alone, chances are most people wouldn’t considering “Heavy Metal Drummer” a summer song. However, the lyrics make it abundantly clear which season the singer is talking about, and how he “sincerely misses” the warmth of the sun as he watched hard rocking bands cover KISS down by the river. Perhaps more interesting is the sheer amount of musical dichotomy present, with classical musical mentioned in the same breath as Gene Simmons, all over a decidedly folk rock beat, revealing summer’s greatest quality is it’s status as an equalizer.
What band performed “King of the Beach?”
As this quiz has repeatedly proven, people who love singing about beaches truly adore the extreme heats that come with the lifestyle. In order to become the “King of the Beach” as promised in the title, this singer is more than willing to let the sun burn his eyes, back, and thighs, simply to earn the royal distinction he feels he deserves. Quite frankly, we think he should just invest in some sunscreen, but this sort of determination is impressive even if it is a tad misguided.
Who rapped “Fight the Power?”
When listening to “Fight the Power,” it genuinely feels like 1989 was the hottest summer of all time. From a standpoint of unrest in racially divided communities, that may well have been the case, turning the song into an anthem of the oppressed, who refused to be held down by society any longer. As the booming rapper lays down his grievances with the man, even privileged folk who never experienced his struggle may start agreeing with him, feeling the heat of injustice for the first time.
Which pop band sang “Vacation?”
Technically speaking, people can go on “Vacation” whenever they so please, and nothing about this song suggests the particular getaway in question took place during the summer. That said, most people would probably agree warm weather is practically a requirement when traveling around the world, and anyone taking a trip in the months outside of June to August is probably headed to a warmer climate than the one in which they typically reside. In other words, a winter vacation basically means looking for summer climates, and a summer vacation is an enjoyable trip no matter where one goes.
Who is responsible for “Cruel Summer?”
For the most part, the songs on this quiz have presented summer as the best time of the year, but the sad reality is this isn’t always the case. Anyone stuck at home when everyone else is off at the beach or on vacation is bound to feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness, made much worse by the searing heat beating down on them, and only them. Even if most of a person’s friends are still around, the wrong person taking a leave of absence from their life can completely ruin the idea of fun in the sun.