This week’s 12-Inch Poll aims to soundtrack your summertime. We’re asking you to choose your favorite summer rock songs.
Before we get to the voting, I’ll lay out my methodology. I wanted a decent-sized list of summer songs, but not too many to be overwhelming, so I went with 16. I know, I know. It’s usually 12. I am Adam 12, after all. But when I got to 12, there were still a few that I knew if I didn’t add I’d be hearing from you about, so 16 it is.
Next, the definition of a “summer rock song.” The song, naturally, should have the word “summer” in the title. Or another summer-related word or term. Or, at the very least, references to summer in the actual song. And it should be a rock song. No disrespect to DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. “Summertime” has been a seasonal tradition since the summer of ’91. But it’s not for this poll.
Summer Rock Songs: Which One is Your Favorite?
Oh, and one more note: I steered clear of the oldies. Sure, Mungo Jerry “In The Summertime” and The Kinks “Summer Afternoon” and The Beatles “Here Comes The Sun” and The Drifters “Under The Boardwalk” and Otis Redding “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay” and The Lovin’ Spoonful “Summer In The City” and basically the entire Beach Boys and the actual entire Ventures catalogs are summertime essentials. But not for this poll.
So now that you know the inner workings of my dumb brain, let’s dive into the pool, er, poll. Sixteen rock songs that are best played at loud volume when the sun is blazing and the summer gets hot. Scroll through the playlist, let those summer memories of your carefree youth come flooding back, then choose which summer song rocks you the best. Maybe I’ll play the winner on my show.
