Summer is in full swing across the country. Temps are high, kids are out of school, and bodies of water continue to look more and more inviting. No matter what the rest of the season has in store for you, you’ll need a solid soundtrack. These smoking-hot classic rock songs are the perfect complement to any summer plans.
Videos by American Songwriter
The songs listed below are from artists who come from different places on the classic rock spectrum. However, they all have one thing in common: they are packed with summer vibes. Grab a cold drink, set the GPS for the nearest beach, and crank up these tunes.
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1. “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
Since appearing in the 1969 classic Easy Rider, “Born to Be Wild” has been connected to motorcycles more than any other classic rock song. However, you don’t have to be screaming down the highway on a Harley with an American flag painted on the tank to catch this song’s vibe. Just like summer as a kid, this tune is all about freedom.
2. “Rockaway Beach” by the Ramones
“Rockaway Beach” is the Ramones’ take on classic surf rock of bands like The Beach Boys. While it sounds like songwriter Dee Dee Ramone made up a place that sounded cool, that’s not the case. Rockaway Beach is a real place located in Queens, New York, near where the band was based. Due to the state’s cooler climate, Dee Dee Ramone spent many summer days at the beach, soaking up the sun and surf while it lasted.
3. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
George Harrison wrote this classic Beatles tune as a celebration of springtime after a long British winter. However, “Here Comes the Sun” is perfect for any time of year. The guitar work and Harrison’s lyrics come together to create something light, warm, fun, and free. In short, this song might be about spring, but it captures the vibes of a perfect summer afternoon.
4. “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper
Do you remember when the last day of school felt like a national holiday? We heard those school bells multiple times a day all year long. However, when the final bell rang on the last day, it sounded like freedom ringing through halls and classrooms. If you want to recapture that feeling for a couple of minutes, this classic from shock rock legend Alice Cooper is the song for you.
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