The Best Summer Songs of 2017
In the year Lady Gaga killed her Super Bowl halftime show and Cardi B topped the charts with 'Bodak Yellow', here were the best summer songs.
Last updated: 10th Jul 2024
Originally published: 25th Aug 2022
2017 was a pretty mad year. There was the Oscar's confusion around whether Moonlight or La La Land won Best Picture, memes about Fyre Festival were everywhere (cheese sandwich, anyone?), Kendall Jenner’s Pepsi-gate happened, and Jeremy Corbyn called for unity on Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage.
It was also, of course, a year of huge summer hits. To transport you back to the time when Beyoncé announced she was pregnant with twins and the memes about Trump’s “covfefe” tweet were circulating, we gathered some of the best summer songs of 2017 below. Enjoy.
Unforgettable - French Montana ft. Swae Lee
If there’s any song ever that sounds like summer, it’s this one. The steel drums, the reggaeton and dancehall vibes, and the lyric “A f***in’ good time never hurt nobody” all together make us want to enjoy some sun on a remote island with no cares at all and a rum in hand. The track was so big it made French Montana the first African-born artist to earn a diamond-certified single and was easily one of the top 2017 summer songs.
Havana - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
'Havana' was inescapable in 2017. The song featuring Young Thug launched Camila Cabello into a chart-dominating star. The hook on the chorus is irresistible and the track is the perfect mix of flamenco and pop. A tale of heartbreak, the music video is pretty special too.
Feels - Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean
Calvin Harris continues to dominate our best summer songs blogs, and this one will most definitely split opinions. You either think it’s great and super summery with the tropical and funky feel, or you hate it with a deep, burning passion.
HUMBLE. - Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest modern rappers and in 2017 he released his widely-adored DAMN.. 'HUMBLE.' is a standout track on an excellent album, with a sinister piano melody that dominates the track but still allows Kendrick's flow to run free.
Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man
Love it or hate it, you can't deny that Portugal. The Man's single 'Feel It Still' was absolutely everywhere. In fact, it spent so much time on the charts that it was still there in 2018. Now with over a billion streams of Spotify, it's safe to say this one had many of us obsessed.
Wild Thoughts - DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna, Bryson Tiller
“Another one”. Heavily interpolating Santana’s ‘Maria Maria’, ‘Wild Thoughts’ shot to the top of the charts in various countries. The fusion of Latin pop and R&B makes the track silky smooth and makes us think of open-air clubbing in Cuba or another tropical location. One of the best summer hits of 2017? Definitely.
Bless This Acid House - Kasabian
Whilst Kasabian is a different band now, they will be remembered for their hits. 'Bless This Acid House' took over the indie airwaves and it capitalised on an anthemic chorus where the vocals stir together at the same time and make you want to instantly raise your voice in unison. They definitely had festival season in mind with this one.
Green Light - Lorde
Lorde's Melodrama is undoubtedly a pop masterpiece. With so many brilliant tunes to go for, we picked 'Green Light' as a highlight with its bombastic shout of, "I'm waiting for it that green light, I want it!" How could you not revel in the sheer joy and excitement that this song brings to the table? From the corner of your bedroom to the dancefloor, this one encourages you to get up off your feet.
Chanel - Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean has been sorely missed in recent years and songs like 'Chanel' are the reason why. Full of small details that completely engross you in the world that he creates, it's a song that exudes a sense of cool. It is the kind of song that sets out how much of a forward-thinker he is.
Passionfruit - Drake
Drake is always a shoo-in for having one of the best summer songs of the year. In 2017 it was the turn of his track 'Passionfruit' which saw him draw from a dancehall-inspired sound. There's so much smoothness to the track, the production is amazing and the flows are irresistible.
Despacito - Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber
Here it is! The one most of you probably despise! But seeing as it was one of the biggest songs of the year and became one of the videos with the most views on YouTube with over 8 billion (the music video, not this remix above), it had to be here, especially with its warm fusion of reggaeton and Latin pop. Whether you enjoy it or abhor it, it was by far one of the biggest summer songs of 2017.
Hard Times - Paramore
Paramore went pop for their fifth album, After Laughter, and lead single 'Hard Times' quickly became one of the best summer songs of 2017 with its bubbly synths. There's no doubt that pop suits Hayley Williams well, and her gift for writing choruses that you want to scream right back will never fade.
Big For Your Boots - Stormzy
'Big For Your Boots' was prime Stormzy territory. In 2017 he was at the peak of his powers, taking his place as the king of Grime. 'Big For Your Boots' is tongue in cheek, full of personality and flair which is what makes Stromzy a huge draw in the first place. A huge bop from the grime legend.
Need more tracks to add to your summer playlist? Check out the best summer songs of 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and more!
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
