What is a summer song? This question used to haunt me in my younger years. As I have reached the wise, mature age of 17, I have gained a deeper understanding of what a "summer song" really is. It's more than just being about beaches or the sun; it's even more than just being released during this season. Summer songs are fun, light, feel-good songs that make you wanna have a good time!
As someone who has always had a passion for music (and who equally enjoys having a good time), I have always had a special place for songs that make you feel instantly happy. I'm the luckiest girl in the world because my job consists of constantly being around feel-good songs (I LOVE working on Austin & Ally), and I'm even luckier because I had the opportunity to co-write one of those songs for an upcoming episode on June 23 ("Finally Me"). Does it air in the summer? Yes. Is it a feel-good song? You better believe it! Does that mean it's a summer song? That's for you to decide. Meanwhile, here's a list of my top 10 favorite songs of the summer!
1. The Beach Boys: "Surfin' U.S.A."
When it comes to this song, it's hard to suppress the urge to grab a board and hit a beach. Even people like me, with absolute no athletic ability, can't help but yearn for some surfing fun in the sun!
2. Katy Perry: "California Gurls"
Man, I love this song. I don't know if it's the catchy "Ohs" or the fact that I am a California girl, but every time I hear this song, I immediately sing along.
3. Spoon: "The Underdog"
What better time to commemorate underdogs than in the summer? If these unconventional celebratory lyrics don't make you feel happy, the awesome musical arrangement certainly will! The trumpets get me every time.
4. The Beatles: "Here Comes the Sun"
This song is only one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands -- no big deal. Seriously, though, this song always brightens up my day (no pun intended), and is the perfect song to play when you are relaxing by a pool or beach.
5. Shakira: "Hips Don't Lie"
Even with my lack of dancing skills, the song never ceases to make me want to move. Its hypnotic hip-moving rhythm is just one of the factors that makes "Hips Don't Lie" a perfect summer party song.
6. Walk the Moon: "Anna Sun"
Speaking of party songs, this song flawlessly depicts the most epic party. The melodies are infectious, the beats are expressive, and the song embodies everything fun about summer.
7. The Dirty Heads: "Lay Me Down"
What's more summery than a song about a couple having fun at the beach? Well, actually the song's about much more than that, but I'll let you find that out for yourself. No matter what happens in this story, I still smile every time I hear this song's lay-back, fun vibe.
8. Sheryl Crow: "Soak Up the Sun"
When Sheryl Crow's breezy voice tells you to lighten up, you immediately comply. "Soak Up the Sun" makes me want to do exactly what title says. Instead of laying down on my couch in my living room, I can lay down on a towel on a beach. Sounds good to me!
9. John Travolta and Olivia Newton John: "Summer Nights"
If that catchy bass line isn't your favorite time, then the "Shoo-bop-bops" probably are. Actually, there are so many fun, energetic parts to this song, it's hard to pick a favorite. It's not hard to see, though, that this is a perfect summer song!
10. The Drifters: "Under the Boardwalk"
This song just has such a classic feel (probably because it was recorded in 1964) with its simple but effective melodies. Even more effective is its unique instrumentation. The fact that the song uses an instrument called a güiro shows how awesome the musical arrangement is. I mean, that's kind of the coolest name of an instrument ever.
AUSTIN & ALLY -- "Tracks & Troubles" -- Jimmy signs his daughter, Kira, as the newest recording artist to his label. When Kira has her first performance, she wants to sing one of Ally's songs, but Ally wants to sing it herself. Meanwhile, Austin accidentally records over one of Kira's demos for her new album, and Jimmy thinks Austin and Ally are trying to sabotage Kira's career, in a new episode of "Austin & Ally," premiering SUNDAY, JUNE 23 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel. (DISNEY CHANNEL/BRUCE BIRMELIN)
Laura co-wrote the song featured in the episode. It's called "Finally Me." This is Ally's first solo performance in the history of the show.