The best summer songs of 2012

We're going back to 2012! The year the country came together as we hosted the Olympic Games! The epic opening ceremony, directed by Danny Boyle saw everything from NHS tributes, and the Queen jumping out of a plane with James Bond in a year that also saw her diamond jubilee.

On the musical side of things, Kendrick released good kid, m.A.A.d city, Frank Ocean released Channel Orange, James Arthur won the X-Factor (because that was still important back then), and there was an absolutely HUGE selection of bangers released. 

With that in mind, we wanted to get a list together of our favourites, check them out below:

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

Are there more iconic songs than 'Call Me Maybe'? Here's our number, call us if you find one. This song took over the planet when it was released back in 2012, and we still to this day find it lodging itself in our brains. Plus, if you're one of those people who think you're too cool for this one, we've got news for you, everyone thinks you're boring. Scream it out loud and proud like the rest of us!

Payphone - Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa

Adam Levine showcased just how high his voice can get on the hook of this one, and it seemed Maroon 5 had the Midas touch in 20212, with this banger dropping hot on the heels of their global smash 'Moves Like Jagger'. An uplifting classic with some sensational verses from Wiz Khalifa, 'Payphone' is very hard not to love. 

We Are Young - Fun. ft. Janelle Monae

Retro in its vibe and swagger, with a soaring chorus that we all remember the words too, New York pop group fun. may have fallen off the map, but they will forever be remembered for this powerfully soulful ballad from 2012. The only criticism is that we don't get enough Janelle Monae! 

Titanium - David Guetta ft. Sia

Was there a better person to get on your vocal in the early 2010s than Sia? And was there any bigger dance tune this year than 'Titanium'? The answer to both... we don't think so. Epic and invigorating, the track is all about finding inner strength and standing up for yourself in a challenge. However, even without such a poignant message, it's an absolute banger!

Don't You Worry Child - Swedish House Mafia ft John Martin

Another one of the fabled dance tracks of the year, Swedish House Mafia and John Martins link up on 'Don't You Worry Child' is an ethereal and melodic dance track that energises and inspires and, most importantly, gets people dancing! We challenge you not to scream out that chorus on the dancefloor.

Feel The Love - Rudimental ft John Newman

A personal favourite from the year, the second we hear those organs at the start, more nostalgia is conjured up than one person should be able to handle. Rudimental and John Newman's banger 'Feel The Love' is a true staple of the era, and never gets old. Plus, once the track's moody DnB drop comes in, it's impossible not to have a boogie. 

Wild Ones - Flo Rida ft Sia

Just one of them tracks that take you back to a time and place. Mainly as it was everywhere on release, but also it's got that nostalgic and optimistic sound that was prevalent in the early 2010s... Oh, and it's Sia absolutely tearing up a feature yet again! Flo Rida has a whole catalogue of bangers, but 'Wild Ones' may just be our favourite. 

Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye ft Kimbra

Where to start on this one... Arguably the biggest ever one-hit wonder. Arguably one of the most iconic music videos ever made. Unargaubly an absolute banger. Gotye came, saw, conquered, and got off again with Somebody That I Used To Know; etching himself in musical folklore and the memories of everyone paying even the slightest of attention in 2012. Wonder what he's up to nowadays...

Starships - Nicki Minaj 

An eminently Nicki track, stuffed with swagger, exploding with colour and energy with a bright, bold aesthetic, Starships is so early 2010s. It is almost the crown jewel in an era of pop songs that were unapologetically fun and is all the more iconic for it. We know you all secretly love this one, go relive some memories!

Gangnam Style - PSY

We couldn't have this list without PSY and Gangnam Style, could we... An internet sensation, and the first YouTube video to ever reach 1 Billion views. This track took over the planet and had people of all ages reenacting the dance moves, and it still kind of baffles us all when we think about it. But it happened and it can never be erased, lets just enjoy the weirdness instead hall we! 

Those were our favourite summer songs of 2014! A pretty solid year for tunes with summery vibes, it wasn’t too easy to choose which songs deserved a spot, but we hope your favourite got a place. And if it did, it’s Gecko, isn’t it? Gecko’s your favourite. At least it probably should be…

Want to find more of our picks for the best summer songs from the years you reminisce about? Well then click on the following years and find out: 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022

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.