The top 5 summer songs of 2011

…And a peek at those that will be big by the end of the year.

There’s something about a summertime love song that you just can’t beat. It’s difficult to say what makes a particular song or singer so great for barbecues, drives in the car with the windows wide open, or playing on your iPod while reading on the beach, but there are certain tunes that just bring back happy summer memories in an instant.

It’s got to be catchy and have the ultimate sing-along chorus, so all those heartfelt ballads that go down so well in other seasons have to move to one side. It may not be strictly based on units sold, but this summer has had some great hits that really say ‘summer 2011’:

Summer party

1) Katy Perry: Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

She definitely has an ear for a catchy tune, and this hit is no different. Recall crazy parties and first crushes to this summer hit – just like in Katy’s video.

Released: July
Highest position in the UK charts: 9

Night out

2) Calvin Harris featuring Kelis: Bounce
The feisty R&B singer Kelis brings some cool to this dance number from Calvin Harris. Great for dancing to before and during nights out in London or Liverpool dating.

Released: June
Highest position in the UK charts: 2

Beach party

3) Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera: Moves like Jagger
With their ability to sing seriously high and seriously loud, Maroon 5 and Christina form a match made in heaven for this catchy tune. You’ll be shaking your hips in no time.

Released: August
Highest position in the UK charts: 3

Summer love

4) Ollie Murs: Heart Skips a Beat
He’s the cheeky Essex chap who was a runner up in the UK’s X-Factor with his quirky dance moves. This time, Ollie Murs recalls the moment a crush begins.

Released: August
Highest position in the UK charts: 1

Road trip

5) Elbow: Lippy Kids
A gorgeously optimistic feel-good tune. You can imagine the wind blowing through your hair on a trip to the coast with a loved one.

Released: August
Highest position in the UK charts: n/a

3 hot tips for the autumn

Social media and online profiles are great ways of showing off your music interests to meet new friends, or perhaps something more. Whether you are updating your Facebook account or using internet dating with eHarmony UK, you can display your likes on your profile. Put some of these future hits on there to look one step ahead:
• Bombay Bicycle Club: Shuffle
• Katy B: Witches Brew
• The Vaccines: Norgaard

Tags: music