Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in June

rainThe Beatles

The Beatles – Rain

Although it was not included on any original album, this song remains one of the most enduringly popular among the many Beatles classics.

John Lennon took the lead in songwriting and also handled lead vocals.

With quintessential Beatles elements—tight choral work, a bass line that sings with melodic presence, and producer George Martin’s inventive use of tape reversal—it may not be flashy, but it’s richly packed with their signature style.

As with many of Lennon’s lyrics, the words invite multiple interpretations, but listening to this track indoors while watching June rain through the window might make for a particularly intriguing experience.

June HymnThe Decemberists

June Hymn (Live)

A classic country number by the American indie rock band The Decemberists from Portland, Oregon.

And this one is a live recording.

It’s a song about the changing seasons, from the end of spring to the arrival of summer.

In the U.

S.

, the rainy season isn’t felt to be as unpleasant as it is in Japan.

They sing by layering personal emotions over changes in the climate.

This is one of the band’s most popular songs.

A Rainy Night In SohoThe Pogues

The Pogues – A Rainy Night In Soho

A 1986 song by the British rock band The Pogues.

The track emerged after two recording sessions and multiple mixes by songwriter Shane MacGowan, Elvis Costello, and others.

It is also known for being a staple that has always been performed at The Pogues’ live shows, past and present.

Rain Fall DownThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Rain Fall Down – OFFICIAL PROMO (EXPLICIT)

The Rolling Stones, the world’s mightiest rock band that has remained at the forefront for half a century since the early 1960s, need no introduction.

The song I’m introducing today is a track from their 2005 album A Bigger Bang.

Despite the band members’ average age having already reached sixty, the album is known as one of the great records of the 2000s, highly praised for its sound that harkens back to the Stones of yesteryear.

The funky beat, the sprightly guitar backing, and the lyrics depicting gloomy cityscapes and unrelenting rain all exude a distinctly British atmosphere.

On a string of overcast June days in the rainy season, if you deliberately hit the road and play this track, it’s bound to feel even better.

June 5thTroy Ave

Troy Ave “June 5th” (WSHH Exclusive – Official Music Video)

Rapper Troy Ave from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York.

Many people probably associate him strongly with his beefs with Joey Bada$$ and T.

I.

Because that impression tends to come first, it’s easy to forget that he actually has solid, high-level rapping skills.

This track incorporates a trap approach that lets you savor those skills.

Even though it’s trap, it’s not at all hard to get into—the way it’s crafted lets you feel its pop elements, which is a big part of the song’s appeal.

From a Japanese perspective, some parts might feel fairly gritty or carry a tense arrangement.

But at the time of its release in New York, it was embraced as an on-trend rap tune.

It’s approachable too, so once you get used to it, I think you’ll be hooked!

Blue Eyes Crying in the RainWillie Nelson

Willie Nelson – Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

The song was written by songwriter Fred Rose and included on Willie Nelson’s 1975 album Red Headed Stranger.

Both the song and the album have become iconic in the history of country music.

It also marked the turning point that led Willie Nelson—who had previously worked mainly as a songwriter for other musicians—to achieve success as a singer.

RainPatty Griffin

Patty Griffin – Rain

Patty Griffin, known for her beautiful vocals and guitar and piano performances, is an American singer-songwriter.

Her simple songwriting style is popular in the world of folk music.

Many musicians have covered her songs.