Bryan Adams' 1985 anthem Summer of '69 has been crowned Britain's greatest summer hit, according to a new poll. The track secured 27% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Katrina and the Waves' Walking on Sunshine with 25%, while The Beatles' Here Comes the Sun and The Beach Boys' Good Vibrations tied on 22%.
The survey, commissioned by Topgolf, also found that 88% of Britons have a song that instantly lifts their spirits, and 45% say nothing beats enjoying great music with loved ones. More than half named music, sunshine and friends as the recipe for a perfect summer's day, while 59% believe a great playlist can transform any gathering into a proper shindig.
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 the science behind summer hits. He said summer hits often have faster tempos, upbeat rhythms, and catchy, repetitive melodies that are easy to sing along to, and are especially effective at evoking positive emotions such as happiness, excitement, and freedom.
Research of more than 20,000 chart-topping songs in the UK over the past 70 years found that warm and sunny weather was associated with songs that were more danceable, energetic, and emotionally positive. Dr Tort added that the feeling of a 'summer song' does not come from the music alone, as brains link music with memories, places, emotions, and experiences through associative memory.
Alex Minto, Marketing Manager from Topgolf, said the nation had chosen a great range of music, from classic hits like Summer of '69 and Livin' on a Prayer to more contemporary songs such as California Gurls and Watermelon Sugar. The full top 20 includes Queen's Don't Stop Me Now, Wham!'s Club Tropicana, Madonna's Holiday, and The Eagles' Hotel California.
