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

Love Galore (ft. Travis Scott)SZA

SZA – Love Galore (Official Video) ft. Travis Scott

Released in 2017 by SZA—arguably one of the most popular singer-songwriters in contemporary R&B—Love Galore is an official single from her debut album Ctrl, known for its emotional lyrics and distinctive beat.

It’s a sensual hit that candidly portrays a woman’s conflicted feelings in a complicated relationship, where she ends things as “just a summer fling” yet hints at regret.

The collaboration with Travis Scott fits perfectly, and together with the music video’s shocking ending, it’s a classic that begs to be played on hot summer nights.

Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat)Saweetie

Saweetie – Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat) [Official Music Video]

Released in 2021, rapper Saweetie’s “Best Friend” is a hit track featuring the hugely popular singer-songwriter Doja Cat, and its music video has racked up over 200 million views on YouTube.

The two of them appear in eye-catching, flashy swimsuits that give off peak-summer vibes, and the shocking final scene leaves an unforgettable impact.

Packed with catchy, pop-friendly hooks, it’s a killer tune that even people who aren’t into hip-hop can enjoy, and it fits perfectly with the hot summer season.

As the title suggests, the lyrics center on the theme of “friendship.” While it includes plenty of provocative words typical of rap, reading the powerful lyrics—Saweetie and Doja Cat’s own expression of strong womanhood—will surely give you a boost of energy!

Hot Fun in the SummertimeSly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone – Hot Fun in the Summertime (Official Audio)

A funky tune with a positive, lighthearted rhythm that makes you want to go for a pleasant summer drive! This song was released in 1969 by the American band Sly & The Family Stone, and it became widely known alongside their performance at that year’s legendary rock festival, Woodstock.

The lyrics capture fun summer vacation memories and notably reflect the free-spirited nature of youth.

It’s a classic that also conveys the social backdrop of America at the time—when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum—and carries a message of equality.

Included on the 1970 best-of album “Greatest Hits,” it remains an enduring track loved by many to this day.

If You’re Shy (Let Me Know)The 1975

The 1975 – If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)

Hailing from the UK, THE 1975 are arguably one of the most talked-about rock bands in the world, with a new album slated for release in October 2022.

The song featured here, “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know),” was released in April 2020 as an advance single from their fourth album, Notes on a Conditional Form, which came out the same year.

Among the tracks on the album, it’s a number steeped in 80s elements like synth-pop and AOR, with a refreshing melody, saxophone tones, and a sultry groove that make it a perfect fit for midsummer scenery—a true classic.

That said, since it was chosen to match our theme, the lyrics aren’t just a simple love song; they take on a distinctly contemporary topic: relationships formed online.

You might find yourself thinking “What a great tune,” and then, when you take a closer look at the lyrics, suddenly feel a jolt of surprise!

I Gotta FeelingThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling (Official Music Video)

This summer classic by the Black Eyed Peas is famous for showcasing their shift from hip-hop and reggae to electro.

It’s an upbeat track that blends a club-friendly digital production with exhilarating lyrics, guaranteed to get the crowd going.

VacationThe Go-Go’s

The Go-Go’s – Vacation

Do you know the Go-Go’s, the British girls’ rock band? Their songs released in the ’80s were hits in Japan, and they even held concerts here.

Some of you may have discovered them through the documentary film released in 2021.

One of the Go-Go’s hit songs is “Vacation.” Contrary to what the title might suggest, it’s a song about the regret of not going on a vacation.

That said, the tune itself is poppy, so it’s great to listen to at your vacation destination!

Rockaway BeachThe Ramones

The Ramones – Rockaway Beach (live)

The American rock band the Ramones.

In 1977, they released “Rockaway Beach,” which became a classic summer song.

The title’s Rockaway Beach is a real beach in the hometown of vocalist Joey Ramone.

The song’s theme is basically about heading to that beach.

The lyrics are simple and don’t say much, but the excitement really comes through.

Give it a listen on your way to the beach.