Bryan Adams' Summer of 69 Voted Britain's Greatest Summer Song

Bryan Adams' 1985 hit Summer of '69 has been named Britain's favourite summer song in a new poll, securing 27% of the vote and edging out Katrina and the Waves' Walking on Sunshine on 25%. The Beatles' Here Comes the Sun and The Beach Boys' Good Vibrations tied for third on 22%.

The survey also found that Queen's Don't Stop Me Now, Wham!'s Club Tropicana and Madonna's Holiday each earned 20%. Across the nation, 88% of Britons say they have a song that instantly lifts their spirits, while 45% say nothing beats enjoying great music with loved ones.

More than half of those surveyed described music, sunshine and friends as the recipe for a perfect summer's day. Meanwhile, 59% believe a great playlist can turn any gathering into a proper shindig, with BBQs, garden parties, beach trips and picnics completing the formula.

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The science behind summer hits

Dr Manuel Anglada Tort, a Lecturer in Psychology in Neuroscience and Director of the Music, Mind and Brain Group at Goldsmiths University of London, explained: "Summer hits are not defined by a single musical ingredient, but they result from a complex interplay of many influences. On the one hand, many share a combination of musical features that our brains tend to associate with energy, dancing, and positive emotions. Compared with slower or more introspective music, summer hits often have faster tempos, upbeat rhythms, and catchy, repetitive melodies that are easy to sing along to and remember. These songs are also especially effective at evoking positive emotions such as happiness, excitement, and freedom - feelings that people naturally seek out during periods of good weather."

Music and mood linked to weather

Research carried out on behalf of Topgolf, analysing more than 20,000 chart-topping songs in the UK over the past 70 years, found that warm and sunny weather was associated with music that was more danceable, energetic and emotionally positive. One possible explanation is that good weather leaves people in a more positive emotional state, leading them to choose songs that match and amplify their mood.

Dr Tort added: "However, the feeling of a 'summer song' does not come from the music alone. Our brains constantly link music with memories, places, emotions, and experiences. Psychologists refer to this as associative memory, where music acts as a cue that brings back previous experiences and emotions. Summer hits therefore become more than just songs, they become soundtracks to important moments in our lives, like getting together with friends and family and having fun."

Alex Minto, Marketing Manager at Topgolf, said: "The nation has chosen a great range of music that's perfect for the summer season, from classic hits like Summer of '69 and Livin' on a Prayer to more contemporary songs like California Gurls and Watermelon Sugar."