If you know me, it won’t take you long to know that I am a lover of pop music. No really. If there was one thing I could be and not fail at, it would be a pop music star. I absolutely love it. Anything from Justin Timberlake, to Kanye, to Carrie Underwood, to Michael Buble, to…yes…even Justin Beiber. I just can’t resist a beat that makes your body want to jive a bit. That’s right people, I’m an open Pop Music Junkie.

Another love of mine is the summer time and how it always makes me want to be outside doing something. I’ll admit, I would be a bit more motivated to do so if the Oklahoma humidity was not a factor. But none the less, I dig the sunshine and little outdoor activity. That being said, I spontaneously decided to put together a throw-back top 10 of my favorite and most memorable pop summer songs. The ones that (if you are about 25 or so) take you right back to high school. I’m calling it Meisner’s SunPopped Top 10. (It’s late and that’s all I’ve got) With some great help from my wife and a lot of fun memories relieved, I compiled the best. SO, without further ado…

10. Back Here – BBMak

This Brit trio stole the heart of young girls everywhere the summer of 2000. I’ll have to hand it to them, they can definitely put a good tune together.

9. MMMBop – Hanson

While I can honestly say I was not a fan of the song when it was out, I think you literally had to hide in a cave on a deserted island to not hear it…on EVERY radio station. Based on that alone, it had to make it’s way on the list.

8. Candy – Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore was the rose among the thorns when it came to female pop artists. When Britney, Christina, Pink, Jessica, and all the others decided to drop the tops, become a ‘slave for you’, and get ‘dirrty’, Mandy was out shooting a Walk to Remember. Her music video performance may also win her the Academy Award for overdone lip syncing. Either way, when this song hit the airwaves, it seemed like everyone was craving candy.

7. Absolutely (Story of a Girl) – Nine Days

This song takes me directly back to church summer camp! And even though Nine Days couldn’t make it past this one hit wonder, they went out with a great one.

6. Miami – Will Smith

How can this one NOT be on the list?! While it may not have been as instrumental in his career as his previous summer hit ‘Summertime’, it was an instant classic in ’99. I’ll be honest, I was still putting this CD in my car my senior year of college (and still would if I knew where it was!).

5. Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega

While I may not have put this in my personal Top 5, my marriage may have suffered had I not. But fittingly sitting at the No. 5 spot is another 1 hit wonder, Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega. I think his career sunk when he performed live on TV and everyone realized he couldn’t sing. (Should have found out how Taylor Swift has done it. “Ooooooh!!! DIS!!!”). Either way, this summer tune is so fun and catchy, it deserves it’s place among the greats.

4. Come on Over – Christina Aguilera

I’ll be completely honest, this song STILL sits in many of my playlists. Not only is the song just completely fun and dance-worthy, the music video is ridiculous. So good, it was hard to put it down at no. 4. Enjoy!

3. Smooth – Santana ft. Rob Thomas

This song was great because it not only was just a great song, but the Rob Thomas/Santana combo seemed to bring people together who appreciated very different music styles. Not only that, over 10 years later and it’s still getting some air time.

2. Bye, Bye, Bye – NSync

I know most people that know me would have imagine this list would have had at least 6 NSync songs on it, but I tried to keep it cool and list only the best. Again, may not be my favorite song from this group (Pop, Girlfriend, It’s Gonna Be Me, and This I Promise You would all definitely be in contention) but it is easily the best summer song from the group. I can still remember seeing this video premier on MTV’s TRL. I remember because I had to clean up the floor from my face melting. The ‘blue box’ is still seen as an ingenious effect for the video. And it was done well!

1. Summer Girls – LFO

When I think of old school summer songs, this is easily the song that immediately comes to mind. When it dropped, everyone found themselves trying their best to keep up with all the crazy lyrics (but always made it a point to sing out the Abercrombie & Fitch line…because if you didn’t, you obviously were not that cool.) and asking themselves, “Wait…who’s LFO?!” I don’t know if it was the random lines or the catchy tune, but these guys definitely left their mark on the late 90′s pop rage with this instant classic summer hit!

So that’s it! The Meisner SunPopped Top 10. So…what do you think?! Let me know. Comment below, agree, disagree, post your own list, whatever! Then pass the post on the friends! Let’s have some fun with this

Honorable Mentions

Steal My Sunshine – LEN
You’re an Ocean – Fastball
All Star – Smashmouth
Semi Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
Big Yellow Taxi – Counting Crows
Thong Song – Sysco
Everywhere – Michelle Branch
All for You – Sister Hazel
The Sign – Ace of Base