HERE comes the sun - well maybe, but what ever is happening with the weather it's time to pack your bags, head for the beach and wonder which tunes are going to be this year's big summer hits.

They say that music knows no boundaries and already Italian dance act Black Legend has hit the top spot with You See The Trouble With Me and Finnish dance combo Darude made it to number three with Sandstorm.

These are only the first of many summer records on their way, but we haven't seen any sign of the horrendous holiday hit rearing its ugly head just yet.

You know the one, the song you hear while staggering around in a drunken stupor in some nightclub in Marbella.

And you have to buy it because it's the best tune you've heard in ages and everybody is humming it. Then, when you get the record home and play it you can't believe how awful it is.

In 1999 the Latin beat took over the charts with the sounds of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and Lou Bega notching up massive hits.

This year there is no such discernable trend but there are a number of tracks already shaping up to make a big impact on record buyers in this country.

One record which has already been number one in no less than nine countries is Finnish act Bombfunk MC's Freestyler - you might have even heard the track as it was used as part of the incidental music at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

So what makes a top holiday tune and which ones are set to attract the attention of the holiday crowds this year?

DJ Neil Fox, Pepsi Chart On 5 presenter, says: "A holiday hit has got to be fun, it's got to make you want to dance, it's got to have an incredible singability factor or humability factor, so as soon as you hear it you just want to hum along.

"Simple words are also something of a bonus, so you don't have to think too hard.

"There have been so many great summer hits and they all don't have to be dance tracks but they do have to be upbeat. You won't find many great love songs during the summer.

"That's because you want to be out there, outside, with the type of music that lets you have a laugh. You're in the car or in the park and it's just all about fun."

Rob Campkin, HMV rock and pop singles manager says: "You can never be sure what makes a hit record, let alone a summer smash, but tracks are likely to turn into hits because they tap into people's holiday memories.

"Freestyler by Bombfunk MC's has already been number one in nine different countries and is likely to do pretty well when it is released over here.

"I think French Affair's My Heart Goes Boom is likely to be this summer's Lou Bega Mambo No 5.

"Don't forget that Ibiza and Ayia Napa are holiday destinations for clubbers so many tracks played on these islands eventually become hits in our charts."

TEN TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER HITS

ANASTACIA - I'm Outta Love

Her fans include Elton John, Michael Jackson and Lisa 'Lefteye' Lopez. This dance track is currently rocketing up the charts around Europe and looks set to do the same here.

FRENCH AFFAIR - My Heart Goes Boom

A Euro dance track which even has some sultry spoken French thrown in for good measure.

BOMBFUNK MC'S - Freestyler

It's now been number one in nine different countries and looks like a strong contender for chart glory in the UK which will make them only the second Finnish act ever to have a hit here.

SCOOCH - For Sure

Their previous offerings have seemed like pale Steps imitations but this track actually goes one better than their rivals. It will have you dancing and singing along to the bap-a-dee-a-di-a-ya chorus.

ROLLERGIRL - Dear Jesse

Currently being used by Radio One to promote their coverage of Love Parade. This German studio act has taken the old Madonna song and given it a trancee-edge.

LARA FABIAN - I Will Love Again

Watch out Celine, the little girl with the big voice is after your crown. Already a hit in Europe and climbing the Billboard Hot 100 this Cher-esque offering will be everywhere by the end of the summer.

SHAGGY - Dance And Shout

A heavy sample of The Jacksons' Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) makes this offering instantly recognisable but it has been given the Shaggy treatment to add a new twist.

BOB SINCLAR - I Feel For You

The man who originally put the Jane Fonda workout to a dance beat, before Spacedust had a big hit with it in the UK, comes up with another clubber's anthem.

LIL' LOUIS - French Kiss

Originally reached number two in 1989. But this heavy breathing disco track has been remixed and is currently doing the business in Ibiza.

BELLE PEREZ - Hello World

Started out life as a failed Eurovision entry and missed the charts here earlier in the year. But it is predicted Ms Perez will have a big hit on her hands with this pop tune by the end of the summer.