Source: ViewApart / Getty
We’re midway through May, meaning summer is just around the corner in the U.S. – unless you’re living in Houston, as the hot weather has been around for quite awhile. Daily highs are in the 90s, which will likely have you heading for the coast or chilling by a pool at some point in the near future.
RELATED: 20 Events Happening in Houston This Weekend: May 16-18
RELATED: 20 Live Rock Songs That are Better Than the Studio Version
RELATED: 20 Rock Covers That are Better Than the Original Song
While you’re making sure to pack the cooler with an enough ice and cool drinks to get you through the day, don’t forget to throw some tunes on that playlist to freshen it up. Here’s 20 rock songs to add to your summer playlists so you have that bluetooth speaker right for the day:
1. ‘Permanent Vacation’ – Aerosmith
Need a “beachy” Aerosmith song? Look no further than Permanent Vacation for your vacation.
2. ‘Revolution’ – The Beatles
Summer and ’60s rock goes together like ice and cola; here’s some Beatles for ya.
3. ‘Don’t Look Back’ – Boston
The perfect song for your road trip down to the beach. Only look back if you’ve left your cooler behind.
4. ‘Saturday in the Park’ – Chicago
Saturday in the Park always felt like the essence of summer to me. Enjoy this laid-back song full of good vibes!
5. ‘Animal’ – Def Leppard
For me, it’s hardly a summer day if I haven’t heard a little Def Leppard. Animal has been in rotation on my summer roadtrips for decades.
6. ‘Stay With Me’ – Faces
This song just feels like summer – can’t explain it.
7. ‘Heart and Soul’ – Huey Lewis & The News
A little Huey Lewis & The News to get you in the mood for a day filled with fun!
8. ‘Hurts So Good’ – John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp’s music has always given me a bit of a summer vibe.
9. ‘Houses of the Holy’ – Led Zeppelin
A groovy Led Zeppelin tune that I hope you’ll enjoy.
10. ‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’ – Lenny Kravitz
A song perfect for a summer evening, where you’re in a more relaxed mood as you wind down after a long day.
11. ‘Heaven’ – Los Lonely Boys
A bit “newer” than the rest of the songs on this list, but there’s something about that opening guitar riff that just feels like it’s meant for this time of year. “¡Vamonos!”
12. ‘Midnight Blue’ – Lou Gramm
Another song for a summer evening.
13. ‘Cherry, Cherry’ – Neil Diamond
1960s Neil Diamond hits never miss.
14. ‘Hammer to Fall’ – Queen
A perfect song for the road. Please fly down the highway respectfully; no need to “drop the hammer.”
15. ‘Go All the Way’ – Raspberries
Another song for the road. Enjoy this underrated Raspberries hit.
16. ‘Music Man (Live on U.S. Tour – 1976)’ – REO Speedwagon
Want a little live music? Anything off Live: You Get What You Play For will do the trick, but we’re choosing Music Man for this list.
17. ‘Miss Amanda Jones’ – The Rolling Stones
Showing some early Rolling Stones a little love, with Miss Amanda Jones‘ selection.
18. ‘Heavy Metal’ – Sammy Hagar
Need a little more harder rock? Sammy Hagar will steer you right.
19. ‘All I Ever Wanted’ – Santana
This lesser-known Santana tune is pairs perfectly with the changing of the season.
20. ‘Summer Nights’ – Van Halen
Speaking of Sammy Hagar, here’s my favorite song from his time with Van Halen.
