Songs of the Summer
As of the release date of this Knockmix, it’s officially the last day of August. We’ve still got Labor Day weekend to look forward to, but for all intents and purposes, our dear sweet summer is coming to an end. That doesn’t mean the good vibes of the season of sun can’t carry on to the next, though. We went and found each song of the summer (according to Billboard charts) from 1971 to 2021. Then we picked 10 for you to jam to the next time you’re missing that summer feeling. You can thank us later. Press the play button, snag a cool drink, and take a minute to relax and soak up the last bits of summer while you still can.
Carol King with “I Feel The Earth Move” (Song of the Summer: 1971)
If you’re reading this on August 31st, 2022. San Diego has had:
0 earthquake in the past 24 hours
1 earthquake in the past 7 days
8 earthquakes in the past 30 days
154 earthquakes in the past 365 days
This includes earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater, so most of us probably haven’t felt very many of these. Still, that’s a lot, right?
Donna Summer with “Bad Girls” (SOTS: 1979)
If your name is Donna Summer, you’re practically destined to make it on a list like this.
Survivor with “Eye of the Tiger” (SOTS: 1982)
It’s 1982. A warm, early-June evening. You walk out of the theater jacked up on soda, candy, and the epic chugs of the theme song to the summer’s hottest blockbuster—Rocky III. You briefly consider taking up boxing, but quickly realize the training will cut into your poolside hangout time. No matter, you’ll jam to this track anyways. Life is alllright.
Los Del Rio with “Macarena - Bayside Boys Remix” (SOTS: 1996)
You know you pretend to dance to this song ironically when it comes on at weddings but secretly you can’t get to the dance floor quick enough. Aahh-AY!
Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans and 112 with “I’ll Be Missing You” (SOTS: 1997)
Still reeling from the sudden death of legendary rap icon The Notorious B.I.G., the world couldn’t get enough of this single in 1997. Reaching the number one spot in at least 16 countries (including the US), this tribute has become one of the best selling singles of all time.
Nelly with “Hot In Herre” (SOTS: 2002)
We’re smack dab in the middle of the hottest time of year here in SD, and with energy bills as wild as they are, people are looking to beat the heat outside of their own house. One of our favorite ways? Easy. Snag a pair of shades, grab your adventure towel, slather on some sunscreen, and hit the beach. If you spend at least 90% of your time in the water, you may actually manage to stay cool!
Katy Perry with “I Kissed A Girl” (SOTS: 2008)
Katy Perry topped the summer charts with this song in 2008, then followed it up two years later with 2010 SOTS, “California Gurls.” Needless to say, we like that song too (it’s also on a previous Knockmix—go find it and DM us on Instagram with which one it is for a prize).
Carly Rae Jepsen with “Call Me Maybe”
Guilty pleasure song + ridiculous music video = of course it’s going to be a hit. Especially if it’s a song that can easily be turned into a meme like this or this.
Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber with “Despacito” (SOTS: 2017)
Whether you listen to the version with the Biebs, or just the original, there’s no way you’re not swaying when this song comes on. Even if it was overplayed (which, for the record, we’re not saying it was), it’s an undeniable jam.
BTS with “Butter” (SOTS: 2021)
Since the charts are still being tallied for 2022, this bop from South Korean megagroup BTS is the most recent SOTS. Don’t be surprised if they land another one some time soon, these guys are a powerhouse. And speaking of butter, do you remember the Mr. Butter Premiums that came out a few years ago as part of our Class Acts program? Seems like those were released just yesterday. Ahh, how time flies. Just like summer.
Bonus: Jonathan Richman with “That Summer Feeling”
Missing that “summer feeling” is part of life for most of us. Fall is gorgeous, don’t get us wrong, but it’s a bittersweet transition laced with short-term nostalgia. Luckily, there’s always the next summer to look forward to. Only 3 seasons left, Knock Fans!
