It's hard to imagine a pool party or a neighborhood get-together without the haunting bassline of a classic retro record—you know, the one that makes you want to sing along. While modern hits constantly try to capture the fleeting magic of summer energy, the historic classics that emerged in the late twentieth century still hold unrivaled cultural significance.
Now the 1979 disco hit has been named by the magazine Rolling Stone «"The best summer song of all time.".
That coveted title belongs to none other than Chic's legendary masterpiece, "Good Times." Released at the height of disco's popularity in the summer of 1979, the song took first place on the publication's extensive list of "The 50 Best Summer Songs of All Time.".
In his analysis of the ranking, the author emphasized the track's enduring significance as a seasonal hit, one that continues to resonate on warm, muggy nights decades after its debut. Experts note that the track isn't just a disco time capsule; its iconic bassline literally laid the foundation for the groove of the Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," making "Good Times" the forerunner of subsequent summer hip-hop hits.
It's easy to forget that a great summer song doesn't necessarily require the word "summer" in the title, and Chic proved that by capturing the carefree, luxurious lifestyle of the season purely through instrumental accompaniment.
Top 5 Best Songs of the Summer
To win the crown, Chic had to beat out some of the most recognizable anthems in music history. Rolling Stone concluded his prestigious top 5 with a diverse masterclass in seasonal moods, highlighting how different generations have defined the perfect soundtrack for the warmer months:
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No. 2: Martha & The Vandellas, "Dancing in the Street" (1964) — The song went down in history as the perfect invitation to transform the sidewalk into a giant, sun-drenched street party, backed by gunshot-like percussion and vocals that felt more like a cultural revolution than just a catchy tune.
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#3: Marvin Gaye, "Got to Give It Up" (Parts 1 and 2) (1977) — A masterclass in powerful funk that turns the story of a shy dancer into a backyard picnic staple.
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No. 4: Snoop Doggy Dogg, 'Gin & Juice' (1993) — A unique summer barbecue atmosphere, combining the slow, wet G-funk music of Dr. Dre with the laid-back, relaxed style of Snoop.
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No. 5: The Beach Boys, "California Girls" (1965) — Brian Wilson's psychedelia-inspired piano chords and Mike Love's simple, teenage lyrics elevated West Coast beach culture to a mythical, sun-drenched dream world.
But it was the flawless combination of sophisticated musicianship, carefree lyrics about rollerblading and clamming on half shells, and a bassline that changed the course of modern dance music that ultimately allowed Chic to rise above the competition.
This article was originally published in Men's Journal on May 31, 2026, in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal to your list of preferred sources by clicking here.