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

Harvest MoonPoolside

Poolside – Harvest Moon (Official Audio)

A track with an impressive bassline and synth tones that conjure shimmering West Coast sunlight—purely pleasant listening.

As some of you may have guessed from the title, it’s a cover of that classic released by Neil Young in 1992.

Given a Balearic house interpretation, it has the perfect vibe to accompany those blissful summer moments.

The lyrics are simple yet deeply affecting, so be sure to check them out as well.

It’s also fun to compare it with the original acoustic guitar–based version and enjoy the differences between the two!

Only GirlStephen Sanchez

Stephen Sanchez – Only Girl (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez, who commands respect from many listeners and fellow artists for his nostalgic musicality.

His presence and sound—reminiscent of Elvis Presley descending into the modern era—are consistently superb in their polish.

His new track, Only Girl, continues that tradition.

Let yourself be swept away by its nostalgic melody—hazy yet passionate—which evokes the feeling of a summer evening in Showa-era Japan.

MoonlightXXXTentacion

XXXTENTACION – MOONLIGHT (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A track by XXXTENTACION with a title that perfectly fits—Moonlight—featuring a pleasantly mysterious sound, released three months before he was shot.

The lyrics sing of a woman’s beauty in harmony with the moonlight, and, true to Tentacion’s style, it’s a short song.

Yet it feels as if we glimpse his loneliness and vulnerable side, making it a fleeting, sorrowful piece.

Sunflower – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-VersePost Malone

Post Malone, Swae Lee – Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) (Official Video)

Post Malone, a new-generation star whose striking full-body tattoos make him stand out not only as a rapper but also across rock and pop, teamed up with rising young rapper Swae Lee to release Sunflower in 2018.

The track is also well-known for being featured on the soundtrack of the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

With a contemporary sound that’s more melodic and dreamy pop than hip-hop, it’s easy to enjoy even if you’re not usually into rap.

Be sure to pay attention to the wistful lyrics that liken “sunflowers,” a classic symbol of summer, to “you.”

StarEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – Star

Earth, Wind & Fire is an American funk band that enjoyed great popularity in Japan during the disco boom.

Their 1979 single “Star” is a mid-tempo, mellow soul number.

The lyrics about a bright, shining star and the band’s signature falsetto vocals create a somewhat mystical and sacred atmosphere.

That mystical image is a perfect match for Tanabata, so it’s a song I really recommend listening to in July.

WATATIKAROL G

KAROL G – WATATI (feat. Aldo Ranks) (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Karol G, a singer-songwriter from Colombia, is attracting a lot of attention.

Her song “WATATI” is sung in Spanish, Colombia’s official language, and its sound meshes perfectly with the Latin-flavored track, making it a supreme, high-energy tune.

It’s a perfect summer track that will heat you up just by listening.

Notably, it features Panamanian singer and rapper Aldo Ranks, whose cheerful rap sprinkled with laughter is guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Feels This Good ft. Stefflon DonSigala, Mae Muller, Caity Baser

Sigala, Mae Muller, Caity Baser – Feels This Good (Official Video) ft. Stefflon Don

“Feels This Good ft.

Stefflon Don,” by UK DJ and music producer Sigala, UK singer-songwriter Mae Muller, and singer Katie Baser.

The song’s breezy dance-pop rhythm makes it perfect for summer.

It also features UK rapper Stefflon Don, whose Jamaican roots bring an irresistible, exotic rap part to the track.

With plenty of EDM-style synths, it’s an ideal pick for a summer party playlist!