INSTEP Magzine

The most classic summer song ever, 'Summer Wine' was originally sung by Nancy Sinatra in a duet with Lee Hazlewood, who was her song writer and inspiration in many of her hits. The deep throaty and sensual lyrics of this song suggest of an extremely lazy summer getaway with a lover, the intoxication of wine and romance being the perfect recipe for the heat. American music legend Frank Sinatra's daughter, Nancy Sinatra is one artist who managed not to be overshadowed by her father and progressed to establish an equally successful career as a singer. She sang the hit song 'These Boots Are Made For Walking' which was destroyed in a cover by Jessica Simpson (in the movie Dukes of Hazzard) and Nancy

also originally sang the 1967 number one hit 'Somethin' Stupid' with Frank Sinatra. 'Somethin' Stupid' was later performed by Nicole Kidman and Robin Williams. Summer Wine has been covered by various artistes as well, the most memorable being Bono. But to celebrate the spirit of summer, there has been no song second to the original.

'Summer of 69'
Bryan Adams

"I got my first real six-string

Bought it at the five-and-dime

Played 'til my fingers bled

It was summer of '69."

Another iconic summer song, this 1984 hit by Bryan Adams is a growing up anthem even today. Timeless in its lyrics, yet extremely suggestive at the same time, this song remains to be the most played and one of the most widely recognized songs in the world. Yet contrary to what most people think, the song has nothing to do with the year 1969, when Bryan Adams was actually all of nine years old. The number, amongst many other things, refers to the sex position 69 but of course it has other implications too, especially a reference to an age where one is young and reckless. The line "Jimmy quit, Jody got married" refers to two actual people. "Jimmy" is Jim Wesley, Adams' drummer in his early days (1979 - 1983) whoquit the band because he and Bryan did not get along. Jody Perpick still works for Adams as his tour

manager and sound engineer. 'Summer of 69' has been resurging ever since it released and was voted the number 1 song to drive to in Canada in 2006, some 22 years after its release. It's one song that can be enjoyed even today.

'Summertime'
Will Smith

"There's an air of love and of happiness

And this is the Fresh Prince's new definition of summer madness."

This was one of the first songs that won acclaim for Will Smith and the trio he originally sang with - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. They gained critical acclaim for winning the first ever Grammy in the Rap category (1988) for 'Summertime' and 'Parents Just Don't Understand' for the popular sitcom, Fresh Prince of Bel Air. In this summer song, Smith brings everything conceivable on a happy rapper's wish list to the forefront. He talks of girls in bikinis and boys in cool cars; he sings of vacation from school and barbeques in the backyard. It's a happy carefree number that is reminiscent of the gaiety of the eighties, and has a very Archie comic feel to it. Download this song to relive those moments.

'Hard Rock Summer'
Alice Cooper

"I'm a rock and roll vagabond

I'm a streetwise runaway

Sixteen when I left home

And I don't regret it a single day

I'm a sucker for a loud guitar

Got one tatooed on my chest

It's hot July

My mouth's too dry."

As with most Alice Cooper songs, this 1986 hit isn't for the faint hearted, which is exactly why it was included in the soundtrack of the film Friday the 13th part VI – Jason Lives. The antithesis of Nancy Sinatra's 'Summer Wine', Cooper's howl refers to a more realistic and ugly life as a teenager delinquent trying to survive on the streets of California. Best known all over the world as the original shock rocker, Cooper's song is a must hear, for it connects to everything the rock icon stands for. The best thing about Alice Cooper, despite the darkness and broodiness of his songs (throw in an unhealthy amount of gore), is that they don't leave you feeling low and suicidal like most of his shock-rock peers, especially Marilyn Manson. Though Alice Cooper has done everything "to annoy every parent in America" he firmly believes that music, at the end of the day should simply entertain and leave people feeling good.

"They should feel like they were at the greatest party they were ever at in their lives," he says about his concerts. Download this track to experience the genre that he is responsible for creating.