1979 Disco Hit Named 'Best Summer Song of All Time'
It's hard to imagine a poolside gathering or a neighborhood block party without the irrisitible bassline of a classic throwback record - you know, the kind you mouth along to. Even though modern hits constantly attempt to capture the fleeting magic of warm-weather energy, the historic classics born in the late twentieth century still carry an unmatched level of cultural weight.
Now, a 1979 disco hit has been named the "Best Summer Song of All Time" by Rolling Stone.
The track earning the coveted crown is none other than Chic's legendary masterpiece, "Good Times". Released at the absolute zenith of the disco movement in the summer of 1979, the anthem secured the number one spot on the publication's comprehensive "50 Best Summer Songs of All Time" list.
In a breakdown of the rankings, the writer highlighted the track's enduring legacy as a seasonal staple that continues to dominate warm, steamy nights decades after its debut. Experts note that the track isn't just a disco time capsule; its iconic bassline quite literally laid the foundational groove for the Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," making "Good Times" the proud parent of subsequent summer hip-hop jams.
It's easy to forget that a great summer song doesn't necessarily need the word "summer" in the title, and Chic proved that by capturing the season's carefree, luxury-loving lifestyle through pure instrumentation.
Top 5 Best Songs of Summer
To secure the crown, Chic had to edge out some of the most recognizable anthems in musical history. Rolling Stone rounded out its prestigious top five with a diverse masterclass in seasonal vibes, highlighting exactly how different generations have defined the perfect warm-weather soundtrack:
- No. 2: Martha & The Vandellas, ‘Dancing in the Street' (1964) - Celebrated as the ultimate invitation to transform the pavement into a giant, sun-drenched block party, driven by gunshot-like percussion and vocals that felt less like a simple party starter and more like a cultural revolution.
- No. 3: Marvin Gaye, ‘Got to Give It Up' (Pt. 1 & 2) (1977) - A heavy funk masterclass made light on its feet, turning a story about a shy dancer into an essential backyard cookout staple.
- No. 4: Snoop Doggy Dogg, ‘Gin & Juice' (1993) - The definitive warm-weather barbecue vibe, pairing Dr. Dre's slow, humid G-funk production with Snoop's breezy, laid-back flow.
- No. 5: The Beach Boys, ‘California Girls' (1965) - Brian Wilson's acid-inspired piano chords and Mike Love's simple teenage lyrics elevated West Coast beach culture into a mythic, sun-soaked dream world.
But it was Chic's flawless blend of sophisticated musicianship, carefree lyrics about roller-skating and clams on the half-shell, and a bassline that altered the course of modern dance music that ultimately pushed it past the competition.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 9:34 PM.