This selection of hot tracks are the perfect accompaniment to this time of year - whether you are tanning out on the beach, or chillin' inside
Summer has never been my season. Born in spring and growing up in the long, treacherous Canadian winters, I've always preferred moderately cool climates.
Yet if you're a vamp like me, there's an alternative way to immerse yourself in the bikini-bod beach parties that go hand-in-hand with summer. Simply lay back in the comfort of your home - soaking up the air con, of course - strap on a pair of headphones and crank up the volume to these summer-inducing tracks.
California Gurls by Katy Perry (featuring Snoop Dogg)
This is one of the more recent releases to make my list. It blew up last summer and makes me (almost) want to head outside, curl my tongue and sing along.
Buzzin' by Shwayze
"Backyard block party" can mean only one thing: a lot of people wearing, er, not a lot of clothing. This was a major party track a few years back - it helps that it's light and catchy.
Kokomo by The Beach Boys
Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda and the Bahamas are only a few of the sun-filled countries mentioned in the song. There's nothing here that won't make you think of summer.
Brian Wilson by Barenaked Ladies
Speaking of The Beach Boys, I'm taking you back to 1992 for this one. This track was written and performed by the original BNL frontman Steven Page and is somewhat (depending on your interpretation) of an homage to Beach Boy Brian Wilson.
Island in the Sun by Weezer
I literally had to stop typing for a second to put up the two hand, six finger "W" sign. That "W" is not only for Weezer, my favourite band in the whole wide world, but also the season that has absolutely nothing to do with the song.
Steal My Sunshine by Len
Despite what the video would have you believe, the group's from the Great White North. To this day, the song still brings out the best of summer - ice cream, ice cold beverages and carnivals.
Let's Ride by Choclair
Cruising with the top down doesn't quite resonate in Hong Kong. But who's to say we can't dream about it? Or let the music take us to this dream world.
Crazy World by Rascalz (featuring Notch and Sazon Diamante)
By no means their best song, but it makes the list more for the music video than anything. (Hey, this is the YouTube era!) Notch singing the chorus, while cruising in an "ice-cream" truck is the kicker.
Jamming by Bob Marley
Let's work out the connection together. Reggae originated in Jamaica. Jamaica's in the Caribbean. People go to the Caribbean for the sun. Bingo! Realistically, any of the less political Marley jams would make this list. Yah man!
Smooth by Santana (featuring Rob Thomas)
Everything about this song is hot, from the lyrics to the models to the steaming hot apartments in, I'm guessing, Spanish Harlem.