Classic Western songs to listen to in July: summer anthems and popular hits

The MiddleZedd, Maren Morris, Grey

Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey – The Middle (Official Music Video)

A track created by two music producers—Zedd from Germany and Grey from the United States—featuring country singer Maren Morris on vocals.

The arrangement where the ticking of a clock and Zedd’s vocoder tones layer over Maren Morris’s vocals midway through is truly goosebump-inducing, resulting in a cool, polished sound.

The music video’s stage design and the large-group formation dance are also highlights.

SpottieOttieDopalisciousOutKast

Outkast – SpottieOttieDopaliscious

A sweet, slightly nostalgic track by the hip-hop duo Outkast from Atlanta.

Released in 1998, it’s included on the album Aquemini, which sold two million copies.

Hold UpBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Hold Up (Video)

This is a 2016 track by Beyoncé, often hailed as the most powerful female artist of our time, which also made waves with its music video featuring her walking through the streets smashing things with a bat.

It’s still fresh in our memory that it received high acclaim by winning Best Pop Solo Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards.

Produced by Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, a band emblematic of the indie rock scene since the late 2000s, the sound has a signature feel—reggae-tinged rhythms and a restrained yet emotional melody that leave a strong impression.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to while lying down as the summer heat begins to fade.

TONIGHTBlack Eyed Peas & El Alfa feat. Becky G

Black Eyed Peas, El Alfa – TONIGHT (Bad Boys: Ride Or Die) (Official Music Video) ft. Becky G

The Black Eyed Peas’ latest hit features El Alfa, a dembow specialist from the Dominican Republic, and American pop star Becky G.

The track was released as the lead single from the Bad Boys: Ride or Die soundtrack.

Blending Latin pop and electropop, its urban, tropical sound delivers a cool, on-trend dance vibe.

The energetic, catchy melody is especially perfect for nighttime party scenes.

True to its title, the lyrics carry a message about aiming for victory with friends tonight and “praying for sins,” evoking a fleeting summer night of youth.

It’s a recommended pick when you want to dance the night away on a hot July evening.

Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen – Good Time (Official Video)

When the muggy rainy season ends, the song that lifts the bright summer mood is “Good Time.” Owl City, known for creating a wide range of tracks from acoustic numbers to instrumentals, released it in 2012.

It’s a song that gained popularity in Japan, so many of you may already know it.

This party tune features a four-on-the-floor, danceable beat.

Be sure to check out the cute vocals from Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen! Give it a listen to boost your July vibes with friends or a significant other.

1, 2, 3 (feat. Jason Derulo & De La Ghetto)Sofia Reyes

Sofia Reyes – 1, 2, 3 (feat. Jason Derulo & De La Ghetto) [Official Video]

Summer pairs perfectly with Latin music, doesn’t it? A track I highly recommend is “1, 2, 3 (feat.

Jason Derulo & De La Ghetto).” It’s a hit by Sofia Reyes, a leading Mexican singer, and even though it was released in 2018, it continues to draw attention on platforms like TikTok today.

The song blends reggaeton and R&B, resulting in a sexy track that exudes heat and a stylish vibe throughout.

Sad!XXXTentacion

XXXTENTACION – SAD! (Official Music Video)

A music video that was made while rapper XXXTENTACION—who was shot and killed in the United States in 2018—was still alive, and released after his death.

In it, he looks down at himself lying in a coffin, a staging that has sparked various speculations.

The MV displays English subtitles separate from the music, but to better grasp its worldbuilding, it’s helpful to read a Japanese translation.