The best summer songs of 2015

2015 was a pretty eventful year for music. But also for memes and other pop culture moments. 

We invented the phrase “Netflix and chill”, and teenage girls lost when they found out Zayn was leaving One Direction. We also argued over whether a dress was blue and black or white and gold (if you think it was white, please see an optician). 

But back to what’s important - the best summer songs of 2015. With lots of uplifting bangers and beach-ready electronic tunes, we had a solid soundtrack back then. So we thought it was about time we revisited those tunes. Here are the best summer songs of 2015 to add to your playlist. 

Black Magic - Little Mix

After already dominating the charts in the UK, Little Mix took the USA for a heavily inspired 'Heathers' music video. The girls were at the height of their careers and Black Magic solidified as one of the top 2015 summer songs for them. To this day it does rounds as a catchy summer hit that you can't help but wish you were in the sun listening to. 

Lush Life - Zara Larsson

It has a jingle that you just can't help but sing along to when you hear it. It is ultimately one of the best summer songs of 2015 as it just reminds you of sunshine (and the occasional ad on TV). After this single the Swedish singer hasn't looked back giving us nothing but endless girly-pop bangers. 

Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better) - Felix Jaehn ft Jasmine Thompson

We reckon half the reason this feels so damn summery is because it was on an airline advert or something. We can’t really remember. We just know as soon as we hear it, we think of getting on a plane, escaping our dodgy weather and sprawling out on a beach. With this in mind, it’s obviously one of the best summer songs of 2015.

Hotline Bling - Drake

Okay, so it’s not the most summery sounding. But with lyrics like “wearing less and going out more” and “glasses of champagne on the dancefloor”, we’re feeling it for summer. Also, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to remind you of Drakes' meme-worthy dancing that was plastered all over the internet for weeks when the video came out. 

Are You With Me - Lost Frequencies

If we’re talking summer songs of 2015, this definitely deserves a mention. It’s easy to see how this tune would pair well with a slow-motion carefree run down the beach during sunset. You glimpse back at the camera every now and then with a smile, swishing your hair about and dancing. Sort of shampoo-commercial-type behaviour, y’know? Like everything’s so good you don’t know what to do with yourself. 

Light It Up - Major Lazer feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG

This could easily have a boat party in Mykonos music video. Instead, they went with dancing people made of balloons, elastic bands, and yarn. A bit weird, but we rate the creativity. It’s the steel drum that really screams summer in this track. But the almost airy bass and upbeat horns combination also plays a key role in making this one of the best summer songs of 2015.

FourFiveSeconds - Rihanna, Kanye West, Paul McCartney

Here’s a proper throwback one. Everyone was bumping this all the time. It might not be the most summery song (and it’s about being p*ssed off), but if you ignore that and focus on certain lyrics, it's perfect. "Sun was shinin', I'm positive", "I might get drunk", "I'm tryna make it back home by Monday mornin'" - us all summer long.

Hold My Hand - Jess Glynne

Regardless of your opinion on this track, it's a certified summer tune. At this point, we don’t think it’s possible to hear Jess Glynne and not think of summer. She’s on every sunny track. That simple but blissful piano with joyous, energetic vocals will always immediately transport you to the beach. 

How Deep Is Your Love - Calvin Harris and Disciples

To us, the summer's about having a sing and dance, not giving a single sh*t, living your life, and feeling free. We reckon How Deep Is Your Love perfectly encapsulates this whole vibe. It's easy to sing and dance to, too euphoric for any negative emotion to persist, and it sounds like fun. Boom.  

Lean On - Major Lazer, DJ Snake ft MO

An inescapable track back in 2015, Lean On was on TV, blasting out of people’s cars, playing overhead in McDonald's as you ordered a McFlurry, and taking the club to new levels. Rolling Stone named it one of the best songs of 2015, Billboard called it one of the best dance/electronic songs of the year, and it’s currently one of the most streamed songs on Spotify.  

The next time you’re getting ready for a night out, a barbecue, or a summer day drinking sesh, pop back over to the best summer songs of 2015 for the perfect throwback summer playlist to get you in the mood.

Check out our other best songs from years such as 2010 and 2014. And check out our Spotify playlist below.  

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.