Bryan Adams’ 1985 song "Summer of ’69" has been voted the greatest summer song of all time in a recent poll conducted among 2,000 participants. Despite originally peaking at number 42 on the charts, the track resonated strongly with respondents, receiving 27 percent of the votes. The survey, commissioned by TopGolf, highlights the enduring popularity of the song, which Adams has noted was inspired more by themes of youth and romance than the year itself.

Following closely behind were "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina And The Waves with 25 percent of the vote and "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles at 22 percent, despite the latter never being released as a single. Other notable entries in the top ten included "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, "Don’t Stop Me Now" by Queen, "Club Tropicana" by Wham!, and "Holiday" by Madonna.

The poll also underscored the psychological impact music can have on listeners. Dr. Manuel Anglada-Tort, a lecturer in psychology and neuroscience at Goldsmiths, University of London, explained that summer hits are typically shaped by a complex mix of musical elements that evoke feelings of energy, joy, and freedom. He cited characteristics common among these songs, such as faster tempos, upbeat rhythms, and catchy, repetitive melodies that are easy to sing along to and remember.

In addition to the song rankings, the survey revealed that nearly 90 percent of respondents associate music with an immediate boost to their mood. More than half of those surveyed identified music, sunshine, and socializing with friends as essential ingredients for an ideal summer day, reflecting the strong emotional connection people have with seasonal music.

The findings suggest that summer anthems hold a unique place in popular culture, combining specific musical features with the positive associations of the season to create enduring appeal. The complete top ten list featured other classics including "Hotel California" by Eagles, "Livin’ On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi, and "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas, cementing a diverse blend of genres in the summer playlist canon.