Wherever you are, it’s sunnier when you ride the wave of summer music brought to you by AFE. Our new curated Spotify playlists celebrate AFE Heat Wave Summer Music Festivals, past and present, with hot songs from the sizzling artists who perform for you and America’s troops everywhere in the world.
Follow Armed Forces Entertainment on Spotify, and shuffle through all our playlists. Then hit up AFE to get the skinny on new Heat Wave shows premiering 15 June, 25 June and 29 June. Trust us, you don’t want to miss a drop of this music. Our first playlist, Best of AFE Heat Wave, whets your appetite with songs from some of the artists who put it all out there in live Heat Wave concerts in 2018 and 2019, plus tunes from a few of the bands performing in this year’s virtual summer series.
Better on a Boat, Chris Kroeze
In 2018, Chris Kroeze was voted runner-up on The Voice. He released a self-named album in 2019 which hit #14 and #24 on Billboard’s U.S. Heat and Indie charts. Kroeze performed in the AFE Homegrown series in 2020, and was joined by Natalie Murphy on the AFE 70th Anniversary Alumni Tour in early 2021.
Plush, Stone Temple Pilots
One of America’s leading alt-rock/grunge bands, STP debuted in 1993 and “Plush” brought them the MTV Best New Artist Award, Billboard’s #1 Rock Song of the Year, and a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. They have had 16 top ten singles on Billboard rock charts, but we think their greatest achievement is their AFE Heat Wave performances in 2018.
You’re Going Down, Sick Puppies
Formed back in 1997, these Australian rockers hit the Billboard 200 in 2007. Despite several personnel changes, bassist and lead vocalist Emma Anzai has remained a constant. They performed in AFE’s 2018 Heat Wave tour and for the AFE 70th Anniversary Alumni Tour in 2020.
Caught Up in the Country, Rodney Atkins, The Fisk Jubilee Singers
We love this collaboration between this seasoned country artist and the energetic vocals of the youthful African-American acapella choral group from Fisk University. Hitmaker Atkins has a long list of #1 singles and albums. The Fisk Jubilee Singers, first organized in 1871 and continuously reinvented through the years, won a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel in 2021 for their album Celebrating Fisk! The 150th Anniversary Album.
I’m Good, The Mowgli’s
This American alt-rock band’s 2012 song “San Francisco” was an iTunes Single of the week, and became the 2012 theme for the San Francisco Giants’ World Series win. They joined the AFE Heat Wave tour in 2018, taking the stage in Soto Cano, Honduras and Guantanamo Bay Naval Base before the group split for other projects.
Ride the Wave, Hang Loose
Get ready for the upcoming 2021 summer show by diving into the good vibes of our booty boppin’, shoulder shakin’ playlist of cool beachside and road trip tunes on Ride the Wave, Hang Loose.
This summer, Heat Wave is adrift on a virtual stage, so you can get your groove on anywhere, any time. Our Ride the Wave, Hang Loose playlist floats between genres, with ports of call at classic surf music, indie-pop summer vibes, hip-hop dance tunes, and warm country melodies.
Wipeout,The Ventures
Rule-breakers who turned the electric guitar into the sound of surf music, The Ventures remain as relevant today as they were in 1960. And they’re still touring, especially in Japan where they’re a red-hot ticket. The high-energy drum solo, and maniacal opening vocal, make “Wipeout” a song for every generation.
Surfin’ Safari, The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys took over America’s airwaves in 1962 with this single that embodies California surf music. At just over two minutes long, it takes listeners on a short ride on a long board to summer’s good vibrations.
Let’s Go Surfing, The Drums
Released in 2009, “Let’s Go Surfing” feels like an updated Beach Boys tune with a Brit-rock undertow. We simply had to include it on our list – for your pleasure and ours.
Summer Breeze, Seals and Crofts
Pop duo James Seals and Dash Crofts remain current every time this song plays. Released in 1972, it reminds us that a harmonious summer makes us feel fine. “Summer Breeze” is #13 on Rolling Stone’s “Best Summer Songs of All Time.”
Summertime, Kenny Chesney
The 2006 #1 hit for this country artist, “Summertime” is a sweet snapshot of warm summer memories brough to life by Chesney’s crossover sound.
Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Will Smith capitalized on his TV fame as the Fresh Prince, teaming up with childhood friend DJ Jazzy Jeff to produce this 1991 pop/rap/hip-hop hit about their summers in Philly. It hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop and Hot Rap Songs lists that year.
Heat Waves, Glass Animals
These psychedelic pop indie British rockers nail the emotions of summer love with this chill beat-filled tune that hit the charts in 2020.
Summer, Calvin Harris
Everything about this progressive house-pop tune will keep you boppin’ at the beach. It was the soundtrack of the summer in 2014 and remains a year-round dance-party hit.
Island in the Sun, Weezer
Run away with these cool California alt-rockers to your own private island. The song was released in 2001 and became the band’s biggest hit outside the United States.
Think we’re missing some good tunes? Let us know your favorite summer songs by messaging us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Then check back to see the new songs we’ve added. See you on the beach!
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