[2025] A roundup of classic hits and popular summer anthems in Western music to listen to in August

In Da GettoJ. Balvin, Skrillex

J. Balvin, Skrillex – In Da Getto (Official Video)

Skrillex and J Balvin’s collaboration “In da Getto” samples David Morales’s “In De Ghetto,” which was released in 1993.

It’s a remix that makes the most of the original’s house sound, and the track’s distinctive vibe really grows on you the more you listen.

Released in 2021, it reached No.

1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

The music video even features fireworks, so be sure to check it out in the summer!

SummertimeJanis Joplin

Janis Joplin – Summertime

Janis Joplin, the legendary singer who died at just 27.

Originally composed for opera and later becoming a jazz standard, this song is delivered in her own bluesy interpretation.

Although it’s themed around summer, her phrasing is full of coolness, as if it could soothe a body heated by the summer heat.

Lifestyle feat. Adam LevineJason Derulo

Lifestyle (feat. Adam Levine)

Jason Derulo is an R&B singer whose high-quality performances have earned him widespread acclaim around the world.

He’s an artist known for dance moves reminiscent of Michael Jackson and a classic 2000s R&B sound.

A perfect song of his for August that I’d like to recommend is “Lifestyle feat.

Adam Levine.” It’s a collaboration with Maroon 5’s lead vocalist, Adam Levine, and it delivers an upbeat R&B sound that’s ideal for summer.

Burnin’ Up The CarnivalJoe Sample

Joe Sample – Burnin’ Up The Carnival

Joe Sample, the legendary pianist of the fusion world who sadly passed away in 2014.

While he played instrumentals with his band The Crusaders, this song was released as his first track featuring vocals.

In Japan, it was released under the straightforward title “Moeru Carnival” (“Burning Carnival”).

Joe Sample has many other Latin-tinged pieces, but since this track includes vocals, it’s also recommended for those who don’t usually listen to fusion or are just getting into it.

Only HumanJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Only Human (Official Audio)

When the temperature starts to rise, don’t you find yourself looking for songs that evoke hot countries? Jonas Brothers’ “Only Human” is perfect for you! It’s not full-on folk music, but it’s a track that conjures images of hot places like South America.

Since their 2019 reunion, they’ve been on an unstoppable roll, and this song lets you hear a different side of them.

What A Man Gotta DoJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – What A Man Gotta Do (Official Video)

The Jonas Brothers are a pop-rock band made up of the eldest son Kevin, the second son Joe, and the youngest son Nick.

Although they’re labeled as a pop-rock band, they release songs across virtually any genre, and the differing vibes from one release to another are part of their charm.

A track by the Jonas Brothers that I’d recommend as perfect for August is “What A Man Gotta Do.” It’s not a tropical-sounding song, but its uptempo feel makes it a great fit for summer.

That Summer FeelingJonathan Richman

Jonathan Richman – That Summer Feeling

Jonathan Richman is a singer with a devoted following in Japan.

Continuing to perform in his unique style of guitar-and-vocal with minimal drums, he also drew attention in 1998 for appearing in the film “There’s Something About Mary” and contributing music.

This song, one of his signature numbers, evokes the feel of a languid midsummer afternoon.