Sabrina – Boys (Summertime Love)
A poolside pop explosion
Released on 29 May 1987, “Boys (Summertime Love)” was the third single from Italian singer Sabrina’s self-titled debut album. With its infectious beat, cheeky lyrics, and unforgettable video, it became her signature hit — and one of the most iconic Euro-dance tracks of the late ’80s.
Sun, Synths, and Sass
Written by Claudio Cecchetto, Malcolm Charlton, Matteo Bonsanto, and Roberto Rossi, the song is pure Italo disco: bright synths, a bouncy beat, and a chorus that sticks like sunscreen. It’s light, flirty, and built for the dancefloor — the kind of track that instantly conjures up beach parties and neon bikinis.
Lyrically, it’s all about summer romance and carefree fun. The message is simple: boys, sunshine, and living in the moment. And that simplicity is part of its charm.
The Video That Made Waves
The music video, filmed at the Florida Hotel in Jesolo, Italy, became just as famous as the song itself. Featuring Sabrina splashing around in a pool in a white bikini, the clip was provocative for its time — so much so that the BBC censored it with black bars when it aired on Top of the Pops in 1988. It’s now considered one of the most downloaded video clips of the early internet era.
Chart Heat
“Boys (Summertime Love)” was a massive hit across Europe and beyond. In the UK, it peaked at No. 3 on the Singles Chart in June 1988, marking Sabrina’s first charting single there. It reached No. 1 in both France and Switzerland, and climbed into the Top 5 in countries like Germany, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Outside Europe, the song also made waves — hitting No. 11 in Australia and No. 6 in South Africa. Its popularity led to multiple re-releases, including remixed versions in 1995 and 2003, keeping its dancefloor legacy alive.
Why It Still Pops
“Boys (Summertime Love)” is more than just a summer fling — it’s a time capsule of ’80s Euro-pop excess, complete with synth sparkle, poolside glamour, and unapologetic fun. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just play — it struts.
The song remains Sabrina’s signature hit and is often associated with the vibrant dance-pop era of the 1980s. It continues to be a nostalgic favorite for fans of that decade’s music.