My Top 6 Songs for The Summer (2026)

Missed me?

Summer of 2026 is here! Which means it’s time for my Top 6 Summer Songs.

This summer embodies parties, backyard pools, and spending days in the heat. I made sure my playlist captured all of this.

From summer love to just rocking out, here are some songs, picked by yours truly, to get the summer started.

1.        Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO

Of course, I had to start the list with something energetic but equally groovy. Party Rock Anthem has proven itself to be timeless since its release early 2011. 15 years later, I am still hyped when this song is played. Oldie, but goodie.

Don’t forget your zebra print tanks, leopard print leggings, and shuttered sunglasses! ;)

Featured Lyrics:

I got that devilish flow,

Rock and Roll, no halo, we party rock

Yeah, that’s the crew that I’m reppin’

On the rise to the top, no Led in our Zeppelin (hey)

2. Summerboy by Lady Gaga

I told you there’d be some summer love, and what better song could top Summerboy? I recently rediscovered this song a couple of months ago and now its on repeat! For me, what makes Summerboy so good is it takes the romance of lets say, Lana Del Rey, and adds an upbeat charm to it. Again, this one is an oldie, but very much still a goodie.

Summer only lasts for so long, so spark that summer romance!

Featured Lyrics:

Don’t be sad when the sun goes down

You’ll wake up and I’m not around

I’ve got to go, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

We’ll still have the summer after all.

3.        What You Waiting For by Gwen Stefani

If you know me, I am a girl’s girl. Gwen Stefani’s What You Waiting For embodies that feminine confidence. This summer is all about getting out, having fun, and creating meaningful experiences whilst you’re still young, and that’s not possible if you’re just waiting around.

Take a chance this summer!

Featured Lyrics:

Look at your watch now

You’re still a super hot female

You got your million dollar contract

And they’re all waiting for your hot track

What you waiting for?

4.        1901 by Phoenix

Have you ever heard a song that just made you wanna dance? Where the beat takes over and you’re filled with joy? If you haven’t, this one is for you.

Released in 2009, 1901 by Phoenix is that montage summer song. The guitar and drums in this one is felt deeply with every second. The frontman of the band, Thomas Mars, described the song as a fantasy about Paris in the year 1901 where peace and prosperity filled the air and you can definitely feel that vibe.

Featured Lyrics:

It’s twenty seconds ‘til the last call

Going, “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey”

Lie down, you know its easy

Like we did it all summer long

And I’ll be anything you ask and more

5.        RICHMAN by 3OH!3

RICHMAN has been making its rounds on TikTok through a viral dance. Beyond the virality of this song, it’s the perfect summer club song.

3OH!3 is so stranger to this groovy sound, in fact, if you like this one I recommend checking out the rest of their discography! The kings of the 2000’s, their songs bring back the vitality and youth that was present during that time.

If had to add any song from this list, I feel this one takes the cake. They always say: Save the best for last!

Featured Lyrics:

I mean what can I say,

Three babies in the backseat singin’

to you

Hey DJ, won’t you play that song

for me,

And turn it up on your radio,

I got two hundred seconds and I’m ready to go

6.        Darla by Vundabar

With the fast and upbeat, comes the slow. I had the pleasure of seeing Vundabar in concert for their 10 year anniversary of their album GAWK and it was amazing!

I chose to add Darla because of its slow, but upbeat sound. Darla reminds me of riding windows down on a hot summer day at night. It is such a cruise song without feeling too slow or boring and a perfect ending song for my list.

Featured Lyrics:

Would it be fun-er

If Darla, you were dumber

You wouldn’t have to wonder

Anymore

You better run-run-run ‘round this town

You better find a place to go now

As the summer begins, I urge all of you to stay safe and importantly have fun. It’s time for a brain break and soaking up the sun because it won’t not be here for long!

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Have a great summer!

Playlist