Let's face it; there is nothing worse than getting a song stuck in your head. Whether it's that catchy new song you just heard on the radio or the theme song to your little sibling's favorite TV show, it's a big nuisance to deal with as you go about your every day lives. You go to work, you go to your summer class, to sleep or even to church and you can't seem to stop humming that one melody that has driven you crazy for quite some time.
But, with the summer finally here and memories waiting to be made, sometimes having that one song stuck in your head isn't such a bad thing. You'll hear it out with some friends, some family, or even that special someone, and it forever becomes synonymous with that particular moment. It earns a spot in your heart that you'll be grateful for some time down the road. For the summer of 2016, there's many songs both old and new that can earn that rightful spot in your heart. In my opinion, here are just 10 of the best songs to catch yourself humming all summer long:
10. Somewhere On A Beach - Dierks Bentley
Country music isn't for everybody. I get that. But there's something about this song that makes it so great, that despite it's title you don't even have to be on a beach to enjoy it's positive and easygoing sound over a tough guitar riff. Dierks describes an ideal summer day in this song, and even if you're not one for the genre, it'll undoubtedly keep you hooked on this man's sound.
9. Waves - Kanye West and Chris Brown
Whether you do or do not miss "the old Kanye", it's really hard to hate this song. If you're as big a Kanye fan as I am, then the chances are that this song brought tears to your eyes at first listen. It suits a beach day pretty well, obviously because of the waves in the ocean, but there's really no bad place to jam to this song. Simply orchestrated, with Chris Brown owning the chorus so perfectly. Overall, just an awesome song.
8. California Love - Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Roger Troutman
The 20th anniversary of this song came in December 2015, and 20 years later it's still a hit that almost anybody can listen to. Tupac of course, was a musical and philosophical genius. However this song depicts the side of him that, plain and simple, crushes it. California Love is an iconic song, and the beat is almost impossible to not recognize no matter how far away you might hear it play.
7. American Kids - Kenny Chesney
"We were Jesus save me, blue jean baby, born in the USA..." I have yet to meet someone who can resist the urge to sing along to this song. Again, Country isn't for everyone, but songs like this one make their way into everyone's heads when it's played in the car on a road trip or the ride home from the fair. The melody itself epitomizes just how beautiful and how fun it is to be an American kid.
6. Work - Rihanna and Drake
Work is an almost necessary factor of life for college kids, just like I can almost guarantee that this song is either stuck in your head right now or has been stuck in your head recently. It's one of those songs you can get away with not knowing the words and no one can tell whether you're singing it right or not. Its upbeat tempo will more than likely have you dancing at the wrong times, and it's definitely a song we will all look back at years from now and once again have stuck in our heads. Honestly, it is a pretty catchy song.
5. Island In The Sun - Weezer
You probably remember this song from when you were a kid. Or you've never heard it before. Either way, Weezer is for everyone. It's the perfect song to play when you're relaxed in your backyard, grilling dinner with good friends all around. The easy-listening guitar at the start of the song will more than likely have you whistling for weeks. I've always felt Weezer has never gotten nearly the amount of credit they deserve, but that being said, there's no wrong time or place to play Island In The Sun.
4. No Problem - Chance The Rapper, 2 Chainz, and Lil Wayne
Chance dropped his third mixtape Coloring Book in May of this year, and thus far it is the most talked-about work of the year. No Problem is perfect for that summer party with everyone from home that you missed while at school, with every lyric in the song easy to quote. Everything Chance puts out displays just how hard the man works. Veteran presence from 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne puts this song at the top of every playlist, and if you listen you will understand just why that is.
3. I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Not only will your parents be impressed that you've actually heard this song when you play it at the family barbecue, but you'll be surprised just how much you'll actually like it. They called him the Boss and for many good reasons, this classic song is no longer than three minutes, but it's a classic for a reason. If it ends up being your cup of tea, you're welcome.
2. One Dance - Drake, Kyla, and Wizkid
Love him or hate him, Drake puts out classics with every album he drops. Views has topped charts for the majority of the summer already, and has owned hip hop radio since its release. This song will surely be played at every party you attend this summer, and will serve its purpose within the context of that party. If you like it, then you're definitely alright with humming along for a few days and listening repeatedly. If you don't like it, it's almost impossible to go a day without hearing it in one shape or form, so it just might grow on you. Overall, there's no denying Drake's success in keeping us listening.
1. Springsteen - Eric Church
When it's all said and done, I feel that this song is the heart and soul of what this entire list is all about. Regardless of genre, taste, time or place, Springsteen is all about cherishing memories and those around you that you hold near and dear to your heart. The writing of this song is like poetry from beginning to end. Unlike some of the songs on this list, it will not be stuck in your head for a catchy melody, a simple chorus, or solely for the fact that there aren't many words. It's a perfect tune to aspire your summer to reflect; fun with friends, time with family, moments with that special somebody, or whatever you hope to remember for years to come following the close of summer 2016.
