Soundtrack of My Life: Summer Anthems
With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s time to choose our 2016 summer anthem. There’s been a lot of debate, and I understand the passion that comes with a decision as important as this one.
May I suggest this masterpiece for your consideration?
When considering a summer anthem, it’s important to ask yourself if the song will be able to withstand the test of time. Can you imagine yourself a decade from now singing along to the lyrics with conviction? Do you see yourself car dancing and moving to the beat with choreographed hand gestures?
The chosen one can’t be a sleeper, either. No ballads or smooth R&B. It has to provoke hip gyrations, biting of the lower lip and preferably some sort of verbal interjection in the middle of the song, like “Hey!” or “Come on!” or “L’chaim!”
Allow me to give you some examples. Below is a list of summer anthems from years past. They all have a regular rotation on my iTunes. Use these to help guide you to an informed, well-researched decision.
1990
“Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey
Anthem Worthy: That run at the end. When I’m on road trips, I often convince myself that I could be Mariah Carey if I wanted.
1992
“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot
Anthem Worthy: The opening dialog. O-M-Gah…
1999
“Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
Anthem Worthy: This was Christina’s breakout song. It hit at a time when the summer forced us to choose: Team Xtina or Team Britney.
2002
“Hot in Herre” (not a spelling error) by Nelly
Anthem Worthy: Rhyming bodacious with good gracious.
2009
“I Got a Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
Anthem Worthy: Definitely the “woo hoo’s” and the speaking parts. There isn’t a wedding deejay who won’t play this song to get people out onto the dance floor.
2011
“Party Rock Anthem” by LMAO
Anthem Worthy: It’s not my favorite, but who am I to deny what the public thinks is anthem worthy?
2012
“Call Me Maybe” by Carley Rae Jepsen
Anthem Worthy: Look no further than the 2012 US Olympic Swim Team.
2013
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke
Anthem Worthy: Hey, hey, hey…
1985
“Raspberry Beret” by Prince
Anthem Worthy: Please.
1987
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Anthem Worthy: The entire song is joyful — just what a summer anthem should be.
1990
“Unskinny Bop” by Poison
Anthem Worthy: The second “bop” is what does it for me.
1991
“Summertime” by Will Smith
Anthem Worthy: The title alone gives it a big advantage.
1988
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
Anthem Worthy: It’s annoying. But in a good way. It’s also an earworm. Proceed with caution.
1997
“MMMBop” by Hanson
Anthem Worthy: You know you love it. Do not deny its power.
1999
“Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin
Anthem Worthy: Listen to the rhythm. Don’t be scared.
2000
“It’s Gonna Be Me” by NSYNC
Anthem Worthy: I like the hard beat and Justin’s fro. Plus, the video was epic.
2001
“Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child
Anthem Worthy: Butt songs do well in the summer. No one is ever ready for the jelly.
2008
“Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield
Anthem Worthy: “TAKE ME AWAYYYYYY. A SECRET PLAAAAAAACE.”
2014
“Happy” by Pharrell
Anthem Worthy: It’s been two years and they still play this song every day on the radio.
I’m willing to open the floor for other summer anthem nominations. Even though “Can’t Stop the Feeling” has my vote right now, I am a lover of music and will happily consider all my options. Hit me up in the comments! Let’s do this!
It’s Tricky by Run DMC or Word Up by Cameo. I cannot HELP but chair dance to either one of them
There is no question that JT has given us, perhaps, the greatest summer song EVER!!!!
Agreed!!! Can’t Stop the Feeling was my vote before I even read it was your suggestion!!! Great minds think alike!! 🙂
I cannot get enough of this song!!
I love it! My zumba instructor included it as her last song a few days ago- she said she was kind of making it up as she went along, but she just really wanted to dance to it.
Too funny – I just sent the song to my Zumba instructor as well! Love it!
Thanks for introducing it to us Lincee! 🙂
There’s no way that “Wide Open Spaces” was not the 1998 song. May I suggest “I Need Never Get Old” by Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats.
I can’t stop watching/listening to JT. CAN’T STOP ME. CAN’T STOP THE FEELING. So many feelings.
Uptown Funk is a good one too. I know, I know. It’s overdone.
I think we are BFFs based on your above music selections… BUT, don’t forget a little SALT N PEPA. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man!!! And SHOOP!
This is a great list! I would add Mary J Blige’s Family Affair.
Adding Your Love by The Outfield to this list! Can’t sit still, shut up, or be sad when it comes on… Totally adding JT’s song to Kate’s dance mix. Yes, the tiny intern has a dance mix. Also, about 20 seconds in I couldn’t shake the need for a flash mob. Anyone? Anyone?!
Cake by the ocean!
This one gets my vote too!
For sure will be this years addition!
“Summer of ’69”- a classic!!!
“All summer Long” “-kid rock
“Fourth of July”-Shooter Jennings
Anything Kid Rock wins!
You forgot last year’s summer anthem of “Shut Up and Dance”!
Even before your post, I had already decided in my brain that JT’s new song would be my kids and my summer anthem. And, now after seeing the video?! Heck yeah!