As classic an earworm as Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer” is, one cannot subsist on it alone all season long. “Boys of Summer” has lost its charm by the end of June. And with all due respect, The Beach Boys’ view of the summertime — cute girls, cars, surfing — is pretty narrow. But that’s not to say songs about the summer — and by extension, sunny days, the beach, and all that accompanies them — are all clichés. From “White Light/White Heat” to “1979,” here are 25 “alternative” summer songs that still get the job done.
