Summer Songs

The waves crashing, the sun at your back, the smell of the salty air . . . if summer ever had a soundtrack, then this is it. From the Beach Boys classics "Good Vibrations" and California Girls" to Sherbet's mid-'70s mega-hit, "Summer Love," these shimmers of sunshine convert summer into the sound of music. Don't forget your shades.

Some of our summer tracks reflect a feeling of freedom and contentment that only a gentle stroll in the sun can bring. Top of that list is Frente's dreamy slice of pop whimsy "Accidentally Kelly Street." Others express the priceless euphoria of summer: cue up Yellowcard's full-throttle "Ocean Avenue" or OutKast's jubilant "Hey Ya!"

Surf culture in the '80s meant two things: surfing, obviously, and the footloose, run-for-the-swell vibe of anthems like the Go-Gos' "Vacation." Other tracks that will be forever linked with the sunshine are Weezer's feel-great "Island In The Sun" and Mungo Jerry's feel-even-better "In The Summertime."

From the first tune to the last, this playlist of Summer Essentials will have you smiling from ear to ear; it's the sonic equivalent of cruising down the oceanfront with a warm breeze in your hair and nothing but happiness on your mind. From the mellow reggae of Bob Marley's "Jamming" to Jimmy Buffett's barbie soundtrack "Margaritaville" and Alice Cooper's anthem to freedom, "School's Out," we've lined up the best possible set of tunes for the lazy days and long nights of summertime.