The first day of Summer officially starts on June 21st but that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting excited a little early. Summer to me means happiness in the form of warm summer nights hanging out in the backyard with loves ones, eating my dad’s ridiculously delicious food from the grill, and jamming out to the best summer songs all season long. It almost seems like summer and music are synonymous and that the best tracks of all time are often released during the three month period. Does anyone agree?

Below you’ll find a playlist of what I believe are some of the most incredible and iconic summer songs of all time. I’ve also put in a few contemporary hits that I foresee being played on repeat. So whether you’re hosting a summer house party or simply want to get in the spirit, these songs are a must have. This summer playlist will definitely bring on some intense nostalgia as well as possibly introduce you to some songs you’ve never heard before. Happy listening!

1. Summer- Calvin Harris

I thought it was more than appropriate to kick off this playlist by making Calvin Harris’ song, Summer, the number one must have. It is a dance song that will make you do just that. Harris, who is Scottish, was, according to Forbes, the highest paid DJ of 2013. He made a reported 46 million dollars.

5. Sky Full of Stars- Coldplay

Coldplay is one of my all time favorites. This song’s words and instrumentals are simply beautiful. I think you should add this to your summer playlist because it will literally make you want to jump around. Coldplay is another band from the UK. They have won 7 Grammys and sold almost 100 million albums.

10. Summertime- DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince 

Alright now, this truly has to be one of the top three summer songs of ALL TIME. Everything from the words, music, and video exude summer. This song is just fun and pure perfection. I listen to Summertime year round. If you didn’t know, the track’s vocals are lead by The Fresh Prince, aka, Will Smith.

15. California Girls- The Beach Boys

It’s not summer if you’re not playing some Beach Boys. I’m actually a ‘Jersey Girl’ but for 2:47 minutes, I want to be a California Girl! The Beach Boys have been considered ‘America’s Band,’ and have been featured on The Rolling Stone’s list of, ‘ 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”

20. Summer Nights- John Travolta

The movie Grease and subsequently the song Summer Nights are both American classics. Along with listening to this song you’ve got to watch the movie once, twice, maybe five times at least during the summer. Grease was a huge box office success and at the time was ranked at number 2 on the charts, right behind Jaws.

25. Summer Madness- Kool and the Gang

One of the greatest Jazz songs, and bands, of all time. Summer Madness, is anything but. It’s slow,  instrumentally diverse, and a reminder that the summer is for enjoying each and every moment. And I’m proud to say that Kool and the Gang is one of New Jersey’s finest, they hail from Jersey City. This song was also sampled for DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith’s Summertime.

30. BRANDY- Looking Glass

“There’s a port on a western bay
And it serves a hundred ships a day
Lonely sailors pass the time away
And talk about their homes”
This song has references of summer all throughout. Its message is that the summer is short, so enjoy it for what it is while you have it!

35. The Way You Make Me Feel- Michael Jackson 

Would any playlist be complete without a little MJ? Nope. This track makes me feel ready to for June 21st to begin!