When the temperature rises, it’s time to bust out some superb songs about being hot. But there is no reason to hold yourself back to just the literal meaning of heat. Hot can represent a lot, from lust to looking sexy.
Its versatility has made it a popular word for lyrics and titles throughout the decades. In this list, we check out the best uses of heat and feeling hot in music.
“Hot in Herre” by Nelly
Album: Nellyville
Genre: Hip Hop
Released: 2002
No other song perfectly encapsulates feeling hot then this smash hit from Nelly. Released in 2002, it sold 2 million copies in the United States and made the top ten in Australia, Canada, and the UK, to name a few.
With a steamy nightclub music video to accompany it, there is no escaping the scorching vibe and groove. This infectious track also won the Best Male Rap Solo Performance Grammy Award. A party favorite that is sure to get bodies moving and temperatures rising!
Similar Playlist: Songs About Burning
“Hot Stuff” by Kygo, Donna Summer
Album: Single Release Only
Genre: Pop
Released: 2020
The original Hot Stuff by Donna Summer is a timeless disco classic originally released in 1979 and is well worth a listen. But this refreshed remix from Norwegian DJ Kygo helps bring this legendary track to a new generation.
With the powerful vocals still intact and alluding to the desire for steamy action, it’s a great track for any party night. Add a catchy and thumping kick and bassline, and you’ll be ready to get your groove on.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Snow
“Hot” by Avril Lavigne
Album: The Best Damn Thing
Genre: Pop / Rock
Released: 2007
Canadian superstar singer and songwriter Avril Lavigne was coming from the mammoth success of her first two albums when this fantastic track was released as part of her third album. Despite a couple of other hits under her belt from her new album, this song was a bit of a flop.
It performed well in Australia and Canada but just barely cracked the Hot 100 Billboard charts. An underappreciated track that encapsulates how hot and bothered you can get when thinking about your lover.
Similar Playlist: Music About Storms
“Hot ‘N’ Cold” by Katy Perry
Album: One of the Boys
Genre: Pop / Dance Pop
Released: 2008
Katy Perry is one of the most successful stars to emerge in the 2000s with a career that keeps going from strength to strength. This sizzling release from her second album perfectly illustrates her irresistibly catchy style.
It was a massive hit and sold 5.8 million copies in the United States. It details the struggle of dealing with a guy that constantly changes his mind. It’s a great use of the word hot and something everyone can relate to.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Thunder
“Hotter Than Hell” by Dua Lipa
Album: Dua Lipa
Genre: Dance Pop / Electro Pop / Tropical House
Released: 2016
Dua Lipa is one of the hottest (no pun intended!) stars to emerge over the last few years. This fantastic single from her debut album is a sizzling song that features wonderful tropical influences. It performed well worldwide and helped her establish a foothold across the airwaves.
It’s a steamy romp that perfectly suits Dua Lipa’s unique voice and features a more baritone vocal range than most female pop artists. The sultry lyrics throughout also tie in perfectly to the theme of hot as a metaphor for passionate love.
Similar Playlist: Songs That Mention The Weather
“Hot Hot Hot” by Arrow
Album: Hot Hot Hot
Genre: Calypso / Soca
Released: 1983
Without this legendary song, no list featuring the word hot in the title or lyrics would be complete. This vibing dance floor hit is a staple for any hot summer day and always gets a crowd into the mood for some dancing.
Due to its infectious chorus, it has become the target of multiple covers, including one from Buster Poindexter that reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.Due to its popularity, it retains a spot as one of the most influential Soca songs ever.
Similar Playlist: Wind Songs
“Mans Not Hot” by Big Shaq
Album: Single Release Only
Genre: Comedy Hip Hop
Released: 2017
The thought of wearing a thick jacket in 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) hot weather sounds absolutely terrible. But according to Big Shaq, it’s okay since…well…the man is not hot.
This hilarious novelty song from British comedian Micahel Dapaah is the stuff of legend. Starting as a sketch, it evolved into an internet sensation. It eventually received a full single release and reached number 3 in the UK charts. One of the funniest songs of all time about feeling hot.
“The Heat is On” by Glenn Frey
Album: Beverly Hills Cop: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Genre: Hard Rock / Pop Rock
Released: 1984
At the height of his popularity, Eddie Murphy starred in the buddy cop action comedy film Beverly Hills Cop. One of the leading songs from the movie was this Pop Rock masterpiece.
It was a huge commercial success reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted well in Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Norway. It does an excellent job of using heat as an example of being put under pressure, and it ties into the movie perfectly.
“Love is Like a Heatwave” by Martha and the Vandellas
Album: Heat Wave
Genre: Soul
Released: 1963
One of the most influential Motown teams of the 60s is the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting and production team. This team wrote this fantastic Soul hit that was immortalized by the vocal group Martha and the Vandellas.
It topped the Billboard Top 100 chart and became an iconic girl group song. Linda Ronstadt gave it renewed life in 1975 as part of her Prisoner in Disguise album, further entrenching this as one of the best songs about love that uses heat as its central metaphor.
“Too Hot” by Kool & The Gang
Album: Ladies’ Night
Genre: R&B / Soul
Released: 1980
This hit from American R&B and Soul band Kool & The Gang definitely deserves a spot on this list. Utilizing hot as a metaphor for anger, it bobs and weaves through a funky, smooth, and undeniably groovy progression that lingers long after you finish listening to it.
It was a success in the United States, hitting number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was later covered by Coolio as part of his second studio album Gangsta’s Paradise, with him adding his signature rap verses. The Lisa Stansfield version is also worth checking out.
“Some Like it Hot” by Power Station
Album: The Power Station
Genre: Funk Rock
Released: 1985
When the band Duran Duran decided they needed a hiatus, a few of their members decided to form a new group. Guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor collaborated with drummer Tony Thomson and singer-songwriter Robert Palmer to form Power Station.
Robert Palmer already had an illustrious singles career up his sleeve. His soulful voice perfectly matched the Funk Rock group, and Some Like It Hot was their most successful release. It reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and as high as number 4 in Australia.
“Hot in the City” by Billy Idol
Album: Billy Idol
Genre: New Wave
Released: 1992
Punk rock icon Billy Idol is a household name thanks to a string of outstanding albums and singles from a decades-long career. This release from his self-titled album is among his most significant. Still, it is often overshadowed by his most memorable release White Wedding.
Hot In The City charted strongly, reaching number 13 in the UK and as high as 48 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s not as in-your-face as some of his other songs but still retains plenty of angsty punk goodness. Ideal for a hot night whether you are in a city or not.
“Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
Album: Double Vision
Genre: Hard Rock / Power Pop
Released: 1978
Foreigner is another legendary British-American rock band with a list of hits to their name. This song from their second album stands out as an excellent song that uses hot to describe lustful thoughts, which works well over the energetic drums and sinister guitar work.
It was a hit in the United States, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was equally popular in Canada and Australia. A rock anthem that stands as one of Foreigner’s greatest releases.
“In the Heat of the Night” by Ray Charles
Album: In The Heat Of The Night: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Genre: R&B / Soul
Released: 1967
After the high-energy vibe of the last two songs on this list, let’s bring things back down with this soulful masterpiece from the legendary Ray Charles. A pioneer and incredibly talented singer, songwriter, pianist, and saxophonist.
This super smooth song is an incredible showcase of Ray Charles’ powerful voice that oozes charisma and soul. It was also a commercial success reaching number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was the title track for the movie of the same name.
14 Bonus Songs About Being Hot & Heat
“In The Heat of the Night” by Pat Benatar
“Hotter Than Hell” by KISS
“This Is Why I’m Hot” by Mims
“Heat of the Moment” by Asia
“99 in the Shade” by Bon Jovi
“Heat on the Street” by Phil Collins
“In the Heat of the Morning” by David Bowie
“When the Heat Hits the Streets” by Laura Branigan
“Disco Heat” by Calvin Harris
“Hot Hot Hot!!!” by The Cure
“Heat Wave” by Linda Ronstadt
“The Heat” by Toni Braxton
“Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
“Hot Girl in Love” by Loverboy
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
