[2025] Focus on the Lyrics! Western Songs Recommended for Summer, Summer Anthems

School’s Out for SummerAlice Cooper

Alice Cooper – School’s Out (from Alice Cooper: Trashes The World)

Speaking of rock songs with a summer vacation theme, the first one that comes to mind is Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out for Summer.” The lyrics are pretty rock ’n’ roll, too—it tells a story where summer vacation never ends because they burned down the school.

At the same time, it also touches on the sense of loss that comes with graduating, which many of us can relate to.

Be sure to give it a listen during the summer break and let it take you back to your school days.

FoolishAshanti

Ashanti – Foolish

This is a quintessential summer track by mainstream singer Ashanti, who establishes her music with an exceptional sense of vocals and a comfortably textured sound, achieving a perfect balance.

With a glamorous atmosphere and lyrics that gently elevate a sense of ease, it can be enjoyed as a clubber-like style.

Cruel SummerBananarama

Bananarama – Cruel Summer (Official Video)

Released in 1984, the film The Karate Kid became a worldwide hit.

One of the songs famously used in it is Cruel Summer, created by the British girl group Bananarama.

With its synthesizer melodies and their vocals, it’s a track that feels wonderfully polished.

The lyrics depict a woman suffering from the summer heat and the pain of a broken heart.

Be sure to give it a listen on those sweltering summer days.

I Know Where the Summer GoesBelle & Sebastian

I Know Where The Summer Goes

Belle and Sebastian are an indie pop band from Glasgow, Scotland.

The track included on their 1998 EP “This Is Just a Modern Rock Song” is a gem that poignantly captures the sense of loss and nostalgia of summer.

While acknowledging the irritations and fatigue of everyday life, it sings of the importance of finding the small hopes and moments of beauty that lie within.

Highly praised by fans and critics alike, it has appeared on compilation albums and film soundtracks.

Carried by a soothing melody, this number evokes a bittersweet longing for days gone by—one you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to on those slightly lonely nights as the end of summer draws near.

Sun is ShiningBob Marley & The Wailers

Sun Is Shining

Bathed in sunshine and pulsing with a rhythm that makes you want to dance, this track appears on Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1978 album Kaya.

Its highly message-driven lyrics—“When the sun rises, a new day full of hope begins”—give listeners a positive outlook and courage.

Multiple versions exist, including a 1971 recording produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry, and a remix version that became a hit in 1999.

It’s a historic Jamaican classic you’ll want to hear at summer festivals or on the beach while feeling a refreshing breeze.

Summer Of ’69Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams – Summer Of ’69 (Official Music Video)

One of the tracks on Bryan Adams’s 1984 album “Reckless,” this summer classic celebrates the season of love.

With a catchy melody and memorable lyrics, it nostalgically recalls teenage romance and memories of playing in a band.

In 1985, it reached No.

5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and since then it has racked up numerous radio plays and awards in Canada, becoming a quintessential Canadian summer anthem.

It evokes bittersweet adolescent days—driving around on dates or sharing long talks with friends.

Summer FriendsChance The Rapper

Chance The Rapper – Summer Friends ( Coloring Book)

Chance the Rapper, who boasts a stellar résumé including a Grammy win, is not to be missed—especially his song “Summer Friends.” This track is written based on his real-life experiences, singing about a tragic event that took place in Chicago and the feelings he has for the friend he lost because of it.

You can listen to it as if reliving the story, or simply soak in the atmosphere of a Chicago summer.

Also, be sure to pay attention to his masterful flow.