Summertime R&B

What you're about to hear is a soundtrack tailor-made for a gorgeous, leisurely August day, a soundtrack perfectly set off by Sly & the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime." Then there's Hugh Masekela's bubbly trumpet showcase "Grazin' in the Grass," the Isley Brothers' version of "Summer Breeze," and the Rascals' "Groovin'." Even 50 Cents' rowdy crowd-mover "In da Club" has that undeniable summer vibe — though, as we all know, all of these tracks are good for any season.

When he wrote Porgy & Bess, George Gershwin probably never imagined what '60s soul singer Billy Stewart would later do with "Summertime," but the stutter-scat-singing showcase remains a stunning and singular interpretation. Likewise, Jose Feliciano's take on the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'" reinvents the song in his distinctive flamenco-pop. The summer anthem "Dancing in the Street" has, of course, been covered by many artists, but none can match the Motown original by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas. And Bob Marley and Minnie Riperton — two now-gone originals themselves — simply soar.

It's not just sunshine that marks the summer. There's romance and its associated feelings. For that there's the admiration of OutKast & Sleepy Brown in "I Like the Way You Move," Ramsey Lewis' wordless portrait of a "Sun Goddess," Jr. Walker & The All-Stars' question "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)," and the Spinners' follow-up query "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love." For Beyoncé, there's no question: she's "Crazy In Love." But it doesn't have to be a three-month fling — you can't deny Al Green's plea "Let's Stay Together."

No matter what time of year, some songs just make you daydream of sitting by the pool, a cold one by your side and nothing to do but listen to the radio play the soundtrack of a summer breeze. And when it is summer, that soundtrack is a must — songs that make you smile and groove, only not too much. From the Rascals to R. Kelly, Martha Reeves to Dr. Dre, top urban artists have been more than happy to oblige. It's all about "Hot Fun" and "Groovin' " and "Happy People" and "California Love." The notion of summer songs is certainly not restricted to R&B, but there's something about the style, the loping rhythms, silky melodies, and wistful words populating the territory that simply lends itself to the season.