Hamptons 100 Songs of Summer #3 "Summer" by War

So here we are, we’ve reached the top three spots in the Hamptons’ 100 Songs of Summer Countdown, and our bronze medalist may not surprise you. Pick number three certainly has the right title for a “Songs of Summer” countdown, though the band’s name could use some help in this context. “Summer” by California funk band War begins the seasonal trifecta in an easy-breezy, smooth style that’s ideal for enjoying these final summer days, or drowning out your sobs on the long drive home.

Hamptons 100 Songs of Summer #3

“Summer” by War

This easy-listening, adult contemporary hit was released as the only new song on War’s 1976 Greatest Hits album and fans quickly fell in love with its slow-snapping, head bobbin’, chill vibe. The song reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, landed at number four on the R&B chart and became the top Easy Listening tune of the day. “Summer” describes a series of idyllic scenes, like “Ridin’ ’round town with all the windows down, eight track playin’ all your fav’rite sounds,” being  “Stretched out on a blanket in the sand” or “Young boys playin’ stick ball in the street, fire hydrants help to beat the heat.” As War explains, “When you feel those balmy breezes on your face, summer time is the best time any place.”

The Hamptons may not have many open fire hydrants in the balmy season, or much stick ball in the street, but the song’s mood is just right for summer, no matter the locale. The imagery in this smooth jam will take older folks back to that simpler time in the mid 1970s when it was released, while younger folks will discover another perfect track to set the summer mood.