Production and release
When composing songs for his second studio album FutureSex/LoveSounds, Timberlake went to former Justified collaborator Timbaland's studio in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to begin sessions for his second album.[3] However, not one of them had an idea of what the album would be–no plan for it and even a title.[4] "Summer Love/Set the Mood (Prelude)" was written and produced by Timo "Timbaland" Mosley, Nate "Danja" Hills and Timberlake himself.[5] The song was recorded by Jimmy Douglas, while its mixing was done by Douglas together with Timbaland. The keyboards were provided by Timberlake, Timbaland and Danja; the latter also played the drums in the single.[6]
"Summer Love" was released as the sixth and final single from FutureSex/LoveSounds. The song was remixed with additional vocals by American rapper Stat Quo. A reviewer of DJ Booth commented that the collaboration will "burn up the dance floors". He also stated that "the collaboration is chalked full of infectious production work from none other than Timbo [Timbaland]."[7]