27 Best Songs About Heat

From classic rock anthems to modern-day hits, you can find many songs about warmth.

Whether you’re driving with the windows down or sipping cocktails by the pool, here are the best songs about heat that capture the essence of summer.

1. “Heat Wave” by Martha and The Vandellas

Year: 1963

The song covers the heat wave that hit Detroit during the summer of that year. The lyrics capture the city's collective exhaustion as the hot temperatures lingered.

Martha and the Vandellas relate the intensity of the heat wave to the desire for love, making it a beloved classic. The beats are soul and upbeat, perfectly capturing the feeling of wilting in the summer heat.

The song is ideal for blasting through your car speakers during summer road trips.

2. “Hotter Than Hell” by Dua Lipa

Year: 2017

The recent hit from 2017 features an electronic driving beat that can make you feel like dancing along. It’s an ideal summer song, with lyrics about being on fire and feeling the intensity of the heat. The song brings a certain intensity that will surely get your heart racing.

It paints the picture of being stuck in a burning house filled with smoke and flames, unable to escape. It also reflects on being in an all-consuming relationship that feels like burning you alive.

3.”Heat Wave” by Glass Animals

Year: 2020

The recent release from Glass Animals is a great song to add to your summer playlist. The track highlights the intensity of the heat in the middle of the night.

The song has a bit of funkiness, with the lyrics reflecting on being stuck in the heat without any reprieve. It also reflects on the challenges and struggles of love that can come in the summer heat.

The light synth and sultry melody capture the feeling of being in-between relief and exhaustion.

4. “Sun is Shining” By Bob Marley

Year: 1971

Bob Marley’s classic track is a timeless anthem for the summer heat. The song reflects the joy of living in the sun and being surrounded by love.

The song is full of life and energy, with its reggae beats that can make you sway along in no time. The lyrics express how the sun is an ideal weather to dance and celebrate life.

Ideal for picnics or outdoor events, the song will bring an uplifting feeling that can make you enjoy the moment. Bob Marley's voice and the melody of the horns make this track one that will stay with you forever.

5. “Cruel Summer” By Bananarama

Year: 1983

The song reflects on the life of a young girl who idles in the city during the summer months. The lyrics talk about how the heat can make days seem longer and bring feelings of loneliness. The girl's experiences during the summer come out as harsh and cruel, forming a song to remember.

The synth-pop beat, and the catchy chorus will have you singing along in no time. The song is an ideal companion for summer days when you feel a bit lonely.

6. “Burning House” by Cam

Year: 2015

The song takes a more somber approach to heat and its effects on life, relationships, and emotions. It’s an emotional track that captures the fear and hopelessness of being trapped in a burning house with no way out.

The song is about the pain of being burned alive by the flames of a past relationship and how one can still find a glimmer of hope despite the despair.

7. “Summer in The City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful

Year: 1966

Summer in The City is a classic rock track that captures the energy, vibrancy, and fun that comes. It’s ideal for those days when the sun is shining, and everyone is out on the streets living life to the fullest.

The lyrics capture the carefree feeling of summertime and its ability to unite people. The song also brings a power of warmth and optimism that can be felt throughout the entire track.

8. “Hot Hot Summer Day” By The Sugar Hill Gang

Year: 1981

The disco-inspired track by the Sugar Hill Gang is a great song to listen to when the heat of summer sets in. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of summer. The song's key highlights are the beach, fun bikinis, and hot summer nights.

The upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus make the track perfect for summer parties or to play at the beach. It’s also great for those days when you need a boost of energy and a reminder of what summer offers.

9. “Wipe Off My Sweat” By Blondie

Year: 2011

The funky track by Blondie is a great way to embrace the heat of summer. The song celebrates the sexiness and freedom of hot summer days. The lyrics talk about how heat can make your skin tingle and bring out a passion within you.

Blondie's signature sound makes the track perfect for those hot summer days. The beat will have you dancing in no time, and the lyrics provide a great reminder to appreciate the heat of summer.

10. “Too Hot to Handle” by UB40

Year: 1983

The song is a catchy reggae-pop track that has been popular since its release in 1983. The lyrics capture the feeling of being on fire and out of control when things become too hot to handle.

It’s an ideal track for those days when you feel like you can’t take the heat anymore and just need a break. Class and cool vibes radiate from this track.

You can’t help but smile when you hear it, making it the perfect song to put on when the sun is high and summer days are too hot to handle.

11. “Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino

Year: 2018

The song from 02 September 2018 is a great track for those hot days when you need to cool off.  Gambino’s smooth vocals bring out the beauty of summer with lyrics about being surrounded by good vibes and feeling at ease despite the heat.

Childish uses the instrumentals to capture the feeling of summer with its bright and cheerful sound.

12. “Heat of the Moment” by Asia

Year: 1982

The song “Heat of the Moments” is a rocky, upbeat tune that captures the intensity of being in a heated moment. The song reflects on those moments when passions run high and everything moves at light speed.

It brings an energy that can make you want to get up and dance, along with its catchy beat. However, you need a powerful system to keep up with the intensity the track brings. You also have to enjoy hard rocks to appreciate this track truly.

13. “Hot” by Avril Lavigne

Year: 2009

Avril Lavigne's rock-pop track from 2009 is a great song for those days when it's so hot that it feels like you can't take the heat. The song talks about how one can find solace in the heat and embrace the passion of summer.

It’s a great way to cool off on a hot day, with its driving beat and playful lyrics. The song also brings a sense of excitement that can make you feel like you’re on top of the world. It also has an addictive chorus that can stick in your head for days.

14. “Fire” by Bruce Springsteen

Year: 2007

The classic rock track from 16 years ago is the ideal way to end the list of best heat-themed songs. The song discusses the feeling of being caught in the burning flames of a past relationship and how one can still find hope despite the despair.

The song is about finding strength despite the pain and letting go of the past. It brings a sense of hope and optimism that can make you want to get up and dance, along with its driving beat and powerful lyrics.

15. “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner

Year: 1978

With an energetic rock-pop beat, this track creates an intense heat-filled atmosphere. The lyrics discuss the passion and intensity of feeling alive and staying on a never-ending journey.

The song brings out the power of heat and how it can make you alive. It’s a great way to cool off and embrace the passion of summer with its upbeat energy and lyrics about living life to the fullest.

16. “The Heat Is On” by Glenn Frey

Year: 1984

Glenn Frey's rock track talks about embracing the heat and taking life to the next level. The video begins with a fan blowing, and the heat energy can be felt throughout. The chorus also brings out the power of heat and how it can cause some passionate feelings.

The artist discusses how heat can light up your passion and make you feel alive. He uses creative lines to interject the idea of intense heat.

17. “Hotter Than Fire” by Eric Saade

Year: 2010

The pop song from 2010 has a great beat that makes it easy to dance along with. The lyrics talk about how the heat can bring out our inner passions and desires and is a great way to cool off on those hot summer days. It's vibrant energy and infectious chorus make it a great way to get up and move on those hot days.

The song shows the artist's creativity by using lyrics to describe how hot it can get.

18. “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer

Year: 1979

The disco classic is a great song for those days when you need to cool off. Donna Summer’s iconic vocals bring out the beauty of summer with its infectious beat and catchy chorus. The song also brings an energy that can make you want to get up and dance, along with its lively vibes.

The track's video also features a classic ’70s-style party scene, making it the ideal way to cool off on those hot summer days. The scenes show how one can embrace the heat and make the best of summer.

19. “Weather With You” by Crowded House

Year: 1991

The Australian rock song talks about how heat can connect you to nature and the world around us. The song brings a sense of tranquility and peace that can make you want to get up and move along with its catchy beat and peaceful lyrics.

Crowded House uses solid instrumental elements to create the ideal atmosphere. From the melodic guitar to the bassline and drums, they create an atmosphere for cooling off on hot summer days. They also incorporate soft vocals to bring a sense of peace and calm.

20. “Here Comes the Hotstepper” by Ini Kamoze

Year: 1994

The track is a dancehall classic with an infectious beat and vibrant energy. The song talks about how one can stay on their path while embracing summer's heat. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day, as it brings out the beauty of summer with its uplifting vibes and catchy lyrics.

Whether on a solitary walk under the hot sun or a long drive to the beach, the song can actualize the feeling of summer and make you feel alive.

21. “Steam Heat” By Doris Day

Year: 2005

The Broadway classic from the musical The Pajama Game is a great song to cool off with on a hot summer day. The track has an upbeat jazz sound that will have you tapping your feet in no time.

The lyrics are catchy and playful, making them easy to sing along to. The song's timeless sound will become a staple of your summer playlist.

22. “Hot Fun In The Summertime” by Sly & The Family Stone

Year: 1969

The old classic explores the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season. The track has a light and breezy feel, making it perfect for those long days in the sun.

The lyrics are full of optimism and joy that capture the feeling of summertime. The track also breaks down barriers with its eclectic sound and soulful singing, making it an all-inclusive summer song.

The track brings a retro vibe that hearkens back to the days of the ’60s and ’70s.

23.”Tropical Hot Dog Night” By Captain Beefheart

Year: 2007

The song compares a hot summer night to a fight between two flamingos. Its quirky lyrics, combined with its upbeat tempo, perfectly captures the feeling of summer.

Captain Beefheart's unique style brings a fun and lighthearted energy to the track that can help cool off on those hot summer days. The saxophone solo and funky guitar riffs create an atmosphere that can make anyone want to get up and dance.

24.”96 Degrees in the Shade” By Third World

Year: 1977

The Reggae track is a metaphor for the heat of lack of freedom and oppression. The song speaks of many worldwide struggles and brings awareness to oppressive rule.

The repetitive chorus on the intensity of the heat despite being in the shade, combined with the downtempo reggae beat, makes it a great song to cool off with.

The track has a heavy bass line and a hypnotic melody, creating peace and tranquility on hot summer days.

25.”92 Degrees” By Siouxsie and the Banshees

Year: 1986

The post-punk track captures the intensity of the heat of summer. It speaks of the desire to escape the oppressive heat and the need for some respite.

The song captures unique elements of nature, like eruptions, to bring out the chaotic beauty of summer. Siouxsie’s powerful vocals are accompanied by an upbeat melody and catchy bass line, making it perfect to cool off on hot summer days.

26.”Here Comes the Sun (2019 Mix)” By the Beatles

Year: 2019

The track from the legendary band gets a fresh new twist with a remixed version. The song speaks of the joy and optimism of summer with its bright and cheery melody. The reworked version brings out a vibrant energy that's sure to cool off on hot summer days.

27.”Sunshine on My Back” By The National

Year: 2015

The indie-rock track is a great one for those summer days. It speaks of the joys that come with the season, like feeling the sun's warmth on your skin. The breezy melody and gentle harmonies bring a sense of calm on hot days.

If you enjoy the sound of The National, this track is a great one to cool off with.

Top Songs About Heat, Final Thoughts

The summer heat can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right tunes, you can cool off and have a great time. There is something for everyone from Donna Summer and Bob Marley to Ini Kamoze and Vybz Kartel.

The songs offer various vibes and energy that make you want to get up and move or just sit back and relax. With these classic tracks, you can embrace the heat of summer and enjoy the sunshine.