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Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll

Friday, July 25, 2008

Every year, popular and critical opinion somehow converge to settle on a "summer song." In 2007, it was Rihanna's "Umbrella." The year before, it was "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. The practice stretches back to the very dawn of pop radio. Yet defining the essence of a "summer song" is a bit elusive. We enlist the help of Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman -- and of our Soundcheck listeners, in an online poll.

Cast your vote: Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll 2008

Can't decide? Check out audio and video clips of the contestants here.

Our blog: John Schaefer asks what makes a good summer song,

50 Years of Summer Songs


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Comments

  • [1] dog from NY July 25, 2008 - 02:01PM

    Please please please don't make us listen to that terrible "I Kissed a Girl" song! The few seconds in the intro were already way too much.


  • [2] Lila from Park Slope, Brooklyn July 25, 2008 - 02:09PM

    I love this song, as does every lesbian and bi-curious straight girl I know. The line about cherry chapstick cracks me up.
  • [3] al oof from brooklyn July 25, 2008 - 02:10PM

    this kissed a girl song is so utterly offensive to any queer person anywhere. that she was a christian singer makes it that much more offensive. ew ew ew. i fucking hate this straight girl experimenting shit, and i'm a straight girl!
  • [4] al oof from brooklyn July 25, 2008 - 02:11PM

    who experiments!
  • [5] al oof from brooklyn July 25, 2008 - 02:11PM

    the song isn't even that dancy and it's not even that fun musically.


  • [6] Paul from Basking Ridge July 25, 2008 - 02:14PM

    Kinda reminds me in tempo and key of "Tainted Love" --- another Summer hit from early 80s!
  • [7] al oof from brooklyn July 25, 2008 - 02:16PM

    it's like the question of 'which is the summer hit' is really the question 'what was the worst song released this summer'?
  • [8] ap from ct July 25, 2008 - 02:17PM

    silver jews! suffering jukebox! suffering from these songs!
  • [9] Elizabeth from NJ July 25, 2008 - 02:20PM

    I think people are confusing the question and just submitting songs they like personally, not an all around "summer song".
  • [10] 28 year old from IN July 25, 2008 - 02:22PM

    "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992. Not that I *like* it....


  • [11] Rabbi Mike from Nyack July 25, 2008 - 02:29PM

    1978 in my backyard . . . sitting on the swings, or swimming in the pool . . .

    Gerry Rafferty -- Baker Street

    All sax solo, all the time . . . .


  • [12] Greg Sandow from Warwick,, New York July 25, 2008 - 02:31PM

    Well, I love "I Kissed a Girl." She sounds dizzy, genuinely upside down, and also loving it enough to sell the song. Someone ask her if she wants to kiss an older man! Here I am.

    Favorite summer song memory -- Four Seasons' "Rag Doll," back in the '60s. I remember everybody on the beach turning up their transistor radios when the song came on. "Such a pretty face should be dressed in lace..." Katie Perry has come a long way from that!
  • [13] Antonio Becerril from Mexico City July 25, 2008 - 02:33PM

    If I have to think in a song that to me defines a "classic summer song", then probably "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, really sums it up. Driving through the highway, with a the summer sun behind you, and the Eagles gently rocking the stereo. "Backstreets" by Bruce Springsteen, could be the closing theme of my perfect summer song. Cheers.
  • [14] Thomas from NYC July 25, 2008 - 02:34PM

    I think a summer hit needs a upbeat, breezy tune to it. I like Everclear's "Santa Monica".


  • [15] al oof from brooklyn July 25, 2008 - 02:34PM

    "Well, I love "I Kissed a Girl." She sounds dizzy, genuinely upside down, and also loving it enough to sell the song. Someone ask her if she wants to kiss an older man! Here I am."

    haha, exactly!
  • [16] judy from NY July 25, 2008 - 02:36PM

    lovin spoonful- "Hot town, summer in the City"
  • [17] Megan from South Florida July 25, 2008 - 02:36PM

    American Boy by Estelle...seriously solid song and definitely good for summer 08
  • [18] rosi from nyc July 25, 2008 - 02:52PM

    Dear John,

    who was the female singer and the name of the last song you played at the end of your segment about this years summer songs with lizzy goodman.

    Thank you for your time.

    Rosi

This thread is closed.


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