Nothing beats summer on Long Island. Okay, maybe I'm biased because I've lived here my whole life and the only place I've actually experienced summer is, well, on Long Island. But, let's be real: who doesn't love cruising down Sunrise Highway with the widows down, backyard barbecues that last so late the dew starts to form on the grass, and bicycle trips down to your local Ralph's Italian Ices. Long Island is the perfect place to spend the summer.

But, in order to really spend summer like a true Long Islander, you need the essential Long Island summer playlist. Now, I'm not talking about whatever is playing on the top hits radio station. I'm talking about all the classics that your parents taught you to love:

1. "Sweet Child o' Mine" - Guns N' Roses

From the super-catchy electric guitar melody to the love song lyrics - you'll probably catch your uncles playing the air guitar when this family favorite starts playing!

2. "Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd

This song's relaxed notes and piano highlights make it perfect for those long summer drives down to the beach.

3. "Fortunate Son" Creedence Clearwater Revival

One of the ultimate Fourth of July anthems. Nothing reminds me of how much I love America than when I hear this song.

4. "Hotel California" - The Eagles

A little bit of a slower song, but the long whining guitar solo makes it perfect for playing in the background of those late night conversations around the bonfire.

5. "School's Out" - Alice Cooper

This song always makes me think of the start of summer (and rightly so). The classic rock melody and oh so relevant lyrics for this time of year are perfect for your drive back from your last final exam.

6. "The Boys are Back in Town" - Thin Lizzie

It's just something about the electric guitar that reminds me of summer. Another perfect song for those evening drives down the highway with your windows down.

7. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" - Billy Joel

No Long Island playlist is complete without a song by Mr. Long Island himself! This song's jazzy saxophone and strong piano solos make it perfect for listening to while catching some sun at the beach.

8. "Edge of Seventeen" - Stevie Nicks

I think this song has been every teenage girl's anthem at one point or another. It's perfect for rocking out with your girlfriends while playing Kanjam in your backyard.

9. "The Boys of Summer" - Don Henley

I mean, c'mon. It has "summer" in its title. Your parents may get a little sentimental when this song comes on, and it always reminds me of those late August nights.

10. "Born in the USA" - Bruce Springsteen

Another classic Fourth of July song. Grab an American flag and some firecrackers because the party's about to start.

11. "Jack and Diane" - John Cougar Mellencamp

This has to be one of my favorite songs of all time. The classy guitar and bass notes remind me of the sunset along the horizon and the evening breeze at the beach.

12. "Don't Bring Me Down" - Electric Light Orchestra

Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I blast this song while I'm making my bed and I can't help but to start the day off in an awesome mood!

13. "Carry on Wayward Son" - Kansas

If you couldn't tell already, I'm a sucker for a good guitar solo. Your dad may rock out to this song while grilling up some hamburgers and hot dogs for the family.

14. "Don't You Forget About Me" - Simple Minds

This song is the essential end of summer anthem. It always reminds me of the air getting crisper, the leaves starting to fall, and the trek back up to school for the start of a new semester.

I'll be honest, I have at least fifty more songs I can add to this list, but these 14 should keep your party guests entertained for at least an hour. In all, summer on Long Island is all about the beach, the food, and the music. Rock on, America.