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 related to stars and the Milky Way (31–40)

YouJesse Powell

Jesse Powell – YOU (1999) HQ

YouJesse Powell

Jesse Powell is an American R&B singer who has been active since the 1990s, known for his masterful command of a wide vocal range.

Among his songs, the one I want you to listen to on Tanabata is “YOU,” released in 1999.

Built around a piano, it has a classical sound that resonates deeply alongside his emotional vocals.

It’s a soulful ballad filled with a pure desire—wanting the one you love to stay by your side.

Listen to it while gazing at the night sky and thinking of the person you love.

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Constant As The Stars AboveJessica Brown

Barbie – “Constant As The Stars Above” (Official Audio)

Constant As The Stars AboveJessica Brown

A moving song that graces the ending of the film Barbie as Rapunzel.

American singer Jessica Brown’s striking vocals leave a strong impression.

Comparing eternal, unchanging love to the stars, its lyrics portray a mother’s unconditional love for her child, evoking deep emotion.

Since its 2002 release, this ballad has continued to resonate with many.

Accompanied by the beautiful performance of the London Symphony Orchestra, it powerfully expresses the film’s themes of dreams and hope.

It’s a perfect song to listen to on Tanabata night while thinking of someone special.

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Spaceship CoupeJustin Timberlake

Spaceship Coupe

Spaceship CoupeJustin Timberlake

“Spaceship Coupe” is a thrilling pop number by American multi-hyphenate Justin Timberlake, included on his 2013 album The 20/20 Experience.

Comparing a lovers’ elopement to a spaceship, its lyrics paint a romantic world that feels like the two of you are traveling through the Tanabata night sky—fantastical and dreamy.

Its distinctive sound and Timberlake’s sultry vocals whisk listeners away to a far-off galaxy.

The album was a smash hit, debuting at number one on the U.

S.

charts.

Why not add this song to those special moments you spend with someone special?

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You Were Meant For MeLalah Hathaway

You Were Meant For Me

You Were Meant For MeLalah Hathaway

Lalah Hathaway is an American soul singer and the daughter of vocalist Donny Hathaway.

Her 2011 release, “You Were Meant For Me,” is a song filled with romantic feelings for a loved one.

Its soft, R&B-inflected melody is striking, and you can also experience classical elements that unfold alongside her soulful vocals.

It’s a love song with a message that resonates whether you’re in love or not.

Give it a listen on Tanabata, a day when everyone makes heartfelt wishes.

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Better DaysLiam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher – Better Days (Official Video)

Better DaysLiam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher, a singer-songwriter who is also known for serving as the frontman of Oasis—an indispensable band when talking about the UK rock scene.

His 2022 track Better Days is a song that evokes the beginning of a new chapter.

The expansive, grand band sound leaves a strong impression, and his one-of-a-kind cool vocals are a highlight.

Spurred by Tanabata wishes, it’s a number that might make you want to fall in love again—be sure to give it a listen.

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[2025] Classic Western songs to listen to on Tanabata: love songs about stars and the Milky Way (41–50)

Lucky StarMadonna

Madonna – Lucky Star (Official Video)

Lucky StarMadonna

Madonna’s “Lucky Star,” released in 1983, became her first Top 10 hit, reaching No.

4 on the Billboard chart in the U.

S.

It was also used in the 2000 film Snatch.

The title can mean “someone who brings good fortune,” and the song is about the protagonist’s own “lucky star” mentioned in the lyrics.

Songs that evoke stars are perfect for Tanabata, after all.

Orihime and Hikoboshi were surely each other’s “lucky star,” too.

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Hopeless RomanticSam Fischer

Sam Fischer – Hopeless Romantic (Official Video)

Hopeless RomanticSam Fischer

Sam Fischer is an Australia-born singer-songwriter known for crafting modern tracks reminiscent of neo-soul and R&B.

His 2021 release “Hopeless Romantic” is a song that sits close to the feelings of a hazy, restless love.

Its airy melody line carried by a breezy beat leaves a strong impression, and many listeners may find comfort in his conversational vocal delivery.

It’s a deep track that honestly expresses the anxiety of a love that isn’t going smoothly.

If you’re feeling lonely on the romantic night of Tanabata, give it a listen.

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