When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For some, it’s the smell of sunblock, the taste of ripe, juicy watermelon, or the feeling of sand between their toes. For others, summer is a song – a tune that transports you back to warm nights, carefree days, and the sweetness of doing absolutely nothing. For Italians, this is often a song about the summer or a song that became popular during the warmest months. 

Our first stop is the vibrant 1980s, with the synth-pop hit L’Estate sta Finendo (1985) by Righeira. Despite its title, which translates to “Summer is ending,” this song is anything but a downer: it’s a lively, danceable track that became a true summer anthem. Perhaps it’s because the song captures the fleeting beauty of the season and the youthful sorrow we felt when those long days of freedom began to shorten.