Lovely summer song

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

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!
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

In recent years, Japan has seen record-breaking heat waves every summer, and August in particular is packed with parties, leisure activities, and music festivals—events where people get pumped up listening to music.

Creating a driving playlist to color your summer memories is one of the season’s pleasures—there must be plenty of music fans who do it every year.

In this article, we’re showcasing a slew of Western summer anthems perfect for August, focusing on the latest hits and popular tracks.

From uptempo numbers to mellow tunes that suit a summer sunset, enjoy these classics that fit a variety of moments.

[2025] A roundup of iconic Western songs and popular summer anthems to listen to in August (141–150)

Here TonightBrett Young

Brett Young – Here Tonight (Official Music Video)

Here TonightBrett Young

This is the song Here Tonight by singer Brett Young, whose airy voice captivates listeners.

It was released in 2018 and is included on Ticket To L.

A.

, his second album after moving to a major label.

Though he spent a long time honing his craft, his talent is undeniable.

Let your heart melt into his romantic vocals.

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NightmareHalsey

Halsey – Nightmare

NightmareHalsey

The emotional chorus makes my heart leap.

It’s a song by Halsey, an American singer-songwriter.

It was released as a single in 2019.

The lyrics explore love and hatred for a lover—two sides of the same coin.

If you go through a breakup in the summer, be sure to remember this song.

It might help.

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Baby, I Love Your WayBig Mountain

Big Mountain – Baby I Love Your Way(1994)

Baby, I Love Your WayBig Mountain

Reggae really is the sound of summer.

This song is performed by Big Mountain, an American reggae band, but it’s originally a cover of a track by the British guitarist Peter Frampton.

He has a pretty impressive career as a guitarist, but I’ll skip the details here.

Big Mountain had a huge hit with this song, and they’ve done some interesting work, like covering a certain classic by Southern All Stars as “A WAVE OF LOVE.”

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[2025] A roundup of classic Western songs and popular summer anthems to listen to in August (151–160)

SummerCalvin Harris

Calvin Harris – Summer (Official Video)

SummerCalvin Harris

This is the song “Summer,” released in 2014 by Scottish music producer Calvin Harris.

It’s also one of the rare tracks where Calvin Harris showcases his own vocals.

The exhilarating synthesizers combined with his slightly understated, sultry voice create a perfect vibe.

It’s a must-add to any midsummer driving playlist!

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Beautiful Mistakes ft. Megan Thee StallionMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Beautiful Mistakes ft. Megan Thee Stallion (Official Music Video)

Beautiful Mistakes ft. Megan Thee StallionMaroon 5

Maroon 5’s long-awaited studio album Jordi marks their first in four years since 2017.

From this album, the pre-released track Beautiful Mistakes ft.

Megan Thee Stallion stands out with its chill beat and laid-back vocals.

Featuring female rapper Megan Thee Stallion, the latter half showcases her rap.

Though the melody evokes summertime, it avoids any heaviness, resulting in a cool, soothing vibe.

Be sure to check it out.

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Jalebi BabyTesher x Jason Derulo

Tesher x Jason Derulo – Jalebi Baby (Official Video)

Jalebi BabyTesher x Jason Derulo

Indian-Canadian rapper Tesher, who released the TikTok smash hit “Jalebi Baby,” put out a new version of the song with singer-songwriter Jason Derulo, who is also hugely influential on TikTok.

It’s a cool track featuring salsa-style piano and Latin rhythms, with an appealing melody line that evokes a hint of India.

Released as a single in 2021, it has racked up over 100 million streams worldwide.

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In conclusion

This time I put together a selection mainly of up-tempo numbers, but unlike in the past, today’s dance music tends to be simpler.

Up through the 2010s, the mainstream way to hype things up was with tempo, but since the 2020s it’s become more about building excitement through groove.

If you were able to enjoy that shift across eras as well, I’m delighted!