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

Baby PowderJenevieve

Jenevieve – Baby Powder (Official Video)

The Weeknd’s 2022 track “Out of Time,” which samples Tomoko Aran’s “Midnight Pretenders,” a classic in Japan’s city pop scene, became a huge talking point.

But I wish there were more recognition for the fact that in 2020, when she was still largely unknown, R&B singer Genevieve released “Baby Powder,” a song that interpolates Anri’s “Last Summer Whisper.” Much of Anri’s music centers on the theme of summer, and “Last Summer Whisper” itself is about a romance that ends as summer fades.

In contrast, “Baby Powder” portrays the protagonist’s shifting feelings and complicated emotions toward a lover.

Its nostalgic, mellow sound—cool even on a sweltering midsummer night—combined with Genevieve’s beautiful voice, leaves you with a wonderfully bittersweet feeling.

Summer 2020Jhené Aiko

Jhené Aiko – Summer 2020 (Official Video)

When listening to this song, many people may be reminded of the summer of 2020, when the turmoil that still lingers today spread across the world.

Summer 2020 is a track released in that very summer by Jhené Aiko, an R&B singer-songwriter from Los Angeles of Japanese-American descent.

It first appeared on the deluxe edition of her third album, Chilombo—which was released the same year and peaked at No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts—and it’s a chill, mellow number that boldly samples the classic Summer Madness by the world-famous soul-funk group Kool & the Gang.

Including its music video, which shows Aiko with a serene expression in a plastic pool, it’s possible that decades from now, when memories of COVID have faded, people who hear this song may not immediately grasp what was happening in the background.

The lyrics convey the confusion born from confronting an unprecedented situation, along with a positive message of taking it easy regardless.

I encourage you to listen to the song with an understanding of its lyrics.

California GurlsKaty Perry

Katy Perry – California Gurls (Official Music Video) ft. Snoop Dogg

When summer comes, many people head out on vacation.

For times like that, the perfect travel BGM is “California Gurls.” It’s a love song about a woman who goes on vacation to California and falls in love on the beach.

The rap in the latter half is performed by one of America’s top rappers, Snoop Dogg.

What a star-studded collaboration! With its catchy pop melody, this track is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

After HoursKehlani

Kehlani – After Hours [Official Music Video]

“After Hours” is a sensuous track that could become Kehlani’s deep, introspective summer anthem of 2024.

Beginning with a late-night encounter, it vividly portrays a fleeting romance in a uniquely narrative style.

Passionate vocals and a groovy rhythm draw listeners into an extraordinary world.

Released as a single in April 2024, this ambitious work signals a new chapter for Kehlani—an American R&B singer who also speaks openly about living as queer.

It’s the perfect song for the ride home from a party or for moments spent with someone special.

Summer Reign (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)Larry June & The Alchemist

Larry June & The Alchemist – Summer Reign (Official Video) (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)

This track was born from the collaborative album The Great Escape, where Larry June—known for his relaxed flow and positive messaging—and The Alchemist—renowned for intricate sampling and rich, layered production—seamlessly fuse their styles.

In the hook, the song deftly depicts the importance of finding joy and freedom even in adversity, using the image of driving through the rain with the top down.

Throughout, you can feel Larry June’s philosophy, emphasizing financial independence, responsible actions, and personal growth.

It’s a song I’d recommend not only to hip-hop fans but to anyone looking to soundtrack a summer drive.

About Damn TimeLizzo

Lizzo – About Damn Time [Official Video]

Lizzo, a singer whose popularity is soaring around the world.

She’s both a rapper and a singer, active in the hip-hop and R&B genres.

Her April 2022 release “About Damn Time” is a dance tune that makes you want to listen in the height of summer.

The song expresses Lizzo’s feelings of having learned to handle stress and gained confidence.

It signals the end of a slump and embraces a resolve to live brightly.

It’s perfect for those moments when you want to wrap up work and slip into a carefree mood!

Summer In the CityLovin’ Spoonful

Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer In The City (1966)

The legendary rock band, The Lovin’ Spoonful.

In 1966 they released “Summer in the City,” which kept the number-one spot on the music charts throughout the summer.

The music, which incorporates elements of blues and country, still sounds cool today! The lyrics say that while the days are hot in summer, the nights are cool—so let’s go out and have fun.

I hope you’ll give it a listen before heading out to get pumped up.

By the way, “Summer in the City” is also famous for being the first song to use environmental sounds within the track!