Lovely summer song

[2025] Classic Western love songs to listen to on Tanabata: tracks about stars and the Milky Way

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

When it comes to events in July, many people probably think of Tanabata first, but in fact, Tanabata is a Chinese festival that was introduced to Japan during the Nara period.

In the West, it’s said that there are also customs of celebrating Tanabata in places like the United States via Japan, and there are several songs themed around the Milky Way, which is indispensable to Tanabata.

So this time, under the theme of classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to on Tanabata, we’ll introduce tracks that sing about the Milky Way, the starry sky, and the stars.

We’ve also picked songs that mention the Milky Way in their lyrics, so you might make some unexpected discoveries.

[2025] Classic Western songs to listen to on Tanabata: love songs about stars and the Milky Way (11–20)

The Sun Goes Down On Milky WayGazebo

Gazebo – Sun Goes Down On Milky Way

The Sun Goes Down On Milky WayGazebo

As a song by Gazebo, an artist from Italy, from the 1980s, its starry-sky and galactic themes are truly romantic and striking.

It was included on the 1986 album “Univision,” and the following year, in 1987, it was released as a 12-inch vinyl single by Spain’s Sanni Records.

Building on the melodious Italo-disco sound for which he is known—especially through his signature hit “I Like Chopin”—this track presents a more refined arrangement and a cosmic worldview.

As the title suggests, its grand sense of scale evokes a sunset sinking into the Milky Way, making it a perfect listen while gazing up at the stars on Tanabata night.

Raise the rankinglower

Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)Train

Train – Drops of Jupiter (Official Video)

Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)Train

Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) by the American rock band Train is a moving song that portrays longing for a lost loved one.

Frontman Pat Monahan wrote the track after his mother’s death, seeking a connection with her as if she had traveled through the cosmos.

The poetic phrase “drops of Jupiter” conveys Monahan’s bittersweet feelings as he imagines his mother in heaven.

Released in March 2001, the song quickly swept the U.

S.

charts, became a hit in Australia and the U.

K.

, and earned two Grammy Awards, receiving high acclaim.

It’s a superb love song you’ll want to listen to under the starry sky while thinking of someone dear.

Raise the rankinglower

LevitatingDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Levitating (Official Animated Music Video)

LevitatingDua Lipa

“Levitating” is a landmark song in Dua Lipa’s career.

Brimming with space- and star-inspired imagery, it captures the floating sensation of a new romance and the joy and freedom felt when spending time with someone you love.

Its upbeat melody, infused with disco and funk elements, is irresistibly catchy—perfect for singing along while dancing with your partner.

Released in 2020 as a lead single from the album “Future Nostalgia,” it cemented Lipa’s sound as retro yet fresh.

It’s a romantic number you’ll want to listen to hand in hand with someone special under the starry sky.

Raise the rankinglower

Get Lucky (ft.Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers)Daft Punk

Daft Punk – Get Lucky (Full Video)

Get Lucky (ft.Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers)Daft Punk

A 2013 smash hit by Daft Punk, the electro duo that France is proud of.

The upbeat, disco-style guitar chopping by guest legend Nile Rodgers is striking, and Pharrell Williams’s vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

Released as the lead single from the album Random Access Memories, it topped charts worldwide and won two awards at the 56th Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.

An homage to 1970s disco, the song has a sparkling quality that evokes a starry sky—and the word “star” even appears in the lyrics.

It’s a club anthem, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend a night dancing with someone special under a canopy of stars while listening to it?

Raise the rankinglower

All The StarsKendrick Lamar & SZA

Kendrick Lamar, SZA – All The Stars

All The StarsKendrick Lamar & SZA

A collaboration track by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and the up-and-coming singer-songwriter SZA.

The song was featured on the soundtrack of the 2018 film Black Panther and essentially serves as the movie’s main theme.

Its introspective lyrics convey the importance of staying true to oneself and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.

The sound is highly pop and melodious, with an impressive interplay between rap and soulful vocals.

It creates a romantic mood that makes you want to hold hands with your partner and gaze up at a star-filled night sky.

It’s one of those songs you’ll want to listen to on the night of Tanabata.

Raise the rankinglower

All Of The StarsEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – All Of The Stars [Official Music Video]

All Of The StarsEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s end-credits song for the 2014 film The Fault in Our Stars can truly be called a gem that captures the fragile yet beautiful bond between two young people.

With lyrics and a melody only Ed could craft—ones that seem to stay close to the feelings of those trying to live to the fullest in their limited time—the song sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

The scene where he thinks of his lover in Amsterdam through the stars visible from America conveys a connection between the two that transcends physical distance.

It’s also a lovely idea to listen to this song on the night of Tanabata and reflect on the strength of the bond you share with someone special.

Raise the rankinglower

[2025] Classic Western songs to listen to on Tanabata: love songs about stars and the Milky Way (21–30)

Lay UpElla Mai

Ella Mai – Lay Up

Lay UpElla Mai

The song I’d love you to listen to on a romantic Tanabata night with a lover or someone you’re interested in is “Lay Up.” It’s an R&B-style track released in 2017 by Ella Mai, a UK-born singer who has received numerous music awards.

The result is a sultry track with a moody atmosphere.

Pay attention to the lyrics, which depict a quietly burning adult romance.

Her passionate yet cool flow conveys deep emotion.

It’s the perfect love song for spending special time with someone important.

Raise the rankinglower