Songs of summer

Summer definitely has a sound that’s all its own. And there are some songs that just seem to bring that sound to life.

Whether they bring to mind a leisurely road trip on a sunny summer afternoon, remind you of the beach, or bring back memories of a special summer moment, songs are an important part of our lives.

That’s why the ec team couldn’t ­resist coming up with our own summer playlist. Check out the songs that make us think of summer!

“Sweet Home Alabama”
by Lynyrd Skynyrd
“I’m not from Alabama, but this is a summertime anthem for most Southerners. It’s frequently blasted from the speakers atop the ice delivery trucks that make their way through the Neshoba County Fair (in Mississippi), a place which is the epitome of summer, to me.” —Emily Cole, ec’s production editor

“Surfin’ Safari”
by the Beach Boys
“Optimistic, happy, and summery-sounding, this song takes me back to being a kid at Lake Michigan every time I hear it. The simple harmonies and happy melody sound like sunshine on the water.”
—Jen Showalter, ec’s graphic designer

“All Will Be Well”
by Gabe Dixon Band
“This song is the perfect addition to the soundtrack of a sunny, summer afternoon road trip. Above all else, it soothes my heart, reminding me that all indeed will be well.” —Mandy Crow, ec’s  content editor

“Brown-eyed girl”
by Van Morrison
“This song’s happy guitar melodies take me back to being little and my dad singing the chorus to me on warm summer Saturdays while we ran errands together in his truck. I have brown eyes, so I always liked this song.” —Emily Cole

“Beauty has a name”
by Thad Cockrell
“I first heard this song in the dead of winter, but the infectious melody and dreamy sound instantly transported me to sleepy summer afternoons beside the pool. Plus the chorus makes me smile.”
—Mandy Crow

“Someone Saved My Life Tonight”
by Elton John
“It was the summer after my 8th grade year, which was a great year! There were no cares in the world—playing baseball, hanging out at the pool, a good-looking girlfriend . . . it was just a great summer. I loved the song the first time I heard it. When I hear it now, I immediately think back to that summer.” —Mike Wakefield, ec’s project leader

“A Kiss To Build A Dream On”
by Louis Armstrong
“This song always makes me want to slow down, forget what I’m doing, and smile. The trumpet solo sounds like a street musician playing to a walk-up crowd, and the depth of Armstrong’s voice and emotion sound like summer to me.”
—Jen Showalter

“Kokomo”
by the Beach Boys
“Just listening to this song is like a mini-vacation! I hear it, and I can picture myself on the beach.” —Emily Cole

We shared our favorite songs of summer. Now what are yours? Tell us in the comments!