Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in June

UmbrellaRihanna ft Jay Z

Rihanna – Umbrella (Orange Version) (Official Music Video) ft. JAY-Z

Originally envisioned for Britney Spears, this song was rejected by her label and ultimately became a massive hit for Rihanna.

It’s a pop R&B track infused with hip-hop and rock elements, expressing the strength of a relationship that is both romantic and platonic.

Did it AgainShakira

Shakira – Did it Again (Official HD Video) ft. Kid Cudi

This is a single by Shakira, the Colombian-born queen of Latin pop and popular singer-songwriter, released in 2009 and a smash hit.

Its electro-pop sound flavored with samba-style beats feels fresh, doesn’t it? Shakira’s songwriting sensibility shines, as does producer Pharrell Williams’s touch.

The crucial “June” reference appears in the remix featuring popular rapper Kid Cudi.

It comes up in the male-perspective lyrics, so be sure to check out the lyrics yourself!

Johnny Met JuneShelby Lynne

Johnny Met June (Live)

As the title suggests—“I Met Johnny in June”—it’s a song about Johnny and me.

Shelby Lynne’s powerful yet gentle vocals intertwine beautifully with the guitar, creating a deeply moving piece of country music.

Unlike Japan’s damp, muggy image of June, this track has a calm and tender atmosphere.

Until I Found YouStephen Sanchez

Stephen Sanchez – Until I Found You (Official Video)

American singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez.

His 2021 release “Until I Found You” quickly became a standout, reaching No.

40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Even at his debut, his music had a bluesy vibe and a sensual quality that you wouldn’t expect from a 19-year-old, instantly drawing in many fans.

With lyrics like “I thought I’d never fall in love again until I found her — but I finally found her,” it’s a great fit for a wedding playlist.

The music video was uploaded in June, so it might also be a perfect choice for a June bride.

Elf June and the Midnight PatrolTangerine Dream

Elf June and the Midnight Patrol

A grand synth ballad from Tangerine Dream.

Its heavily progressive vibe captures the feeling of falling rain.

It’s not catchy at all, but this kind of track has a devoted following! It’s neither uptempo nor mellow, yet it honestly conveys the color of the dark June sky.

This is the very definition of a soundscape!

JunebugThe B-52’s

Junebug (2019 Remaster)

An American new wave band that rose to popularity mainly from the late 1970s through the 1980s.

Some of you may fondly remember the beehive hairstyles of the female members, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson.

This track is included on their 1989 album Cosmic Thing, the record that finally gave the band a massive hit in the United States after they’d been more highly acclaimed in the UK than in their home country.

Beyond its brisk beat, guitar, and catchy mixed-gender vocals, the choice to use a term for insects seen at the end of spring as the title is uniquely clever.

It’s surely used as a metaphor, but it might be fun to listen while considering various interpretations.

June GloomThe Delta Riggs

June Gloom

The title might not be very familiar in Japan, but it’s a term that describes the weather in Southern California.

It refers to the gloomy overcast skies that arrive from late spring to early summer, and it’s worth keeping in mind that this is a bit different from the strong association with continuous rainfall that many people in Japan might have.

With that in mind, let’s listen to this track.

Interestingly, it’s not by an American band but by an Australian one.

The sound feels like a modern take on psychedelic rock, and along with lyrics that invite deeper interpretation, it perfectly captures a hazy, claustrophobic mood.