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Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in June

For many Japanese people, June is the rainy season with lots of rain and no public holidays—so aside from things like the “June bride,” the month might carry a slightly negative impression.

Looking abroad, though, in places like Europe June often brings mild weather and a comfortable time of year.

So this time, under the theme “Western songs to listen to in June,” we’re picking out tracks across genres that are directly about June or feature June as a keyword in the lyrics!

While sensing the different images of June in Japan and overseas, we’ve also selected songs that can lift your spirits even through day after day of rain—so don’t miss it!

Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in June (11–20)

JunePete Yorn

A captivating number featuring a simple, acoustic guitar–driven sound and delicately emotive vocals that seep into the heart.

It’s a track from American singer-songwriter Pete Yorn’s 2001 debut album, musicforthemorningafter, notable for its nostalgic reflections on past love and lost time.

This ambitious work saw the artist himself playing many of the instruments and taking part in production, and after its release he embarked on an 18-month tour.

It’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet, rainy-season night, and highly recommended for music fans who love acoustic performances and an indie-folk vibe.

Don’t Check on Me (ft. Justin Bieber, Ink)Chris Brown

Chris Brown – Don’t Check On Me (Audio) ft. Justin Bieber, Ink
Don’t Check on Me (ft. Justin Bieber, Ink)Chris Brown

This is a track from Chris Brown’s June 2019 album Indigo, featuring a collaboration with Justin Bieber.

The song portrays the pain of heartbreak and a resolve to move forward, with an acoustic guitar-driven melody beautifully blending the two singers’ voices.

Its lyrics speak to the listener’s heart and seem likely to give courage to anyone struggling with love.

The line conveying the nuance that “the season for heartbreak isn’t necessarily June” also feels somewhat poetic.

Be sure to check out the lyrics as well.

JuneFlorence & The Machine

Florence + The Machine’s new song is a must-listen for June.

It’s a track from their fourth album, High as Hope, released in June 2018, where Florence Welch’s lyrical vocals and richly expressive sound blend perfectly.

The poetic lyrics are woven from her own experiences, beautifully capturing the nuances of love and human relationships.

Her words resonate quietly yet powerfully with listeners.

It’s an inspiring song that blows away the gloom of the rainy season.

A masterpiece recommended not only for longtime Florence + The Machine fans but also for those discovering their music for the first time.

Watermelon SugarHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar (Official Video)
Watermelon SugarHarry Styles

The British singer-songwriter Harry Styles, who sings of sensual beauty with a groovy beat, delivered a 2019 hit that uses bold fruit-based metaphors to express sexual themes while celebrating the joy and intoxication of love.

The sweet-and-tart flavor of romance evokes the early-summer brightness when peonies burst into full bloom.

Included on the album Fine Line, this track brims with refreshing energy—its lustrous guitar sound and upbeat melody blowing away the gloom of the rainy season.

It’s a positively charged classic, perfect for couples wanting to bask in lovestruck bliss or anyone hoping to shake off the dreariness of the monsoon rains.

Havana (ft. Young Thug)Camila Cabell

Camila Cabello – Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Havana (ft. Young Thug)Camila Cabell

One of the signature songs by Havana-born singer-songwriter Camila Cabello, this track is what made her known worldwide as a solo artist.

June is the most pleasant season of the year in Europe, but listening to this song conveys the passion of Havana, Cuba—her cultural roots—and brings out the cheerful vibe unique to Latin music.

It beautifully captures the feelings of a woman who has recovered from heartbreak and is looking forward to new love, making it a perfect tune to enjoy in the fresh June breeze.

Released in August 2017, it is included on the album Camila.

ProceedThe Roots

The Roots – Proceed (Official Music Video)
ProceedThe Roots

The Roots are highly acclaimed in the 1990s American hip-hop scene for their originality and innovation.

Their sound, which skillfully weaves in elements of jazz, made a major impact on the music landscape of the time.

“Proceed,” included on the album Do You Want More?!!!??! released in January 1995, can be considered one of the standout tracks that distills their musical identity.

Lyrically, it conveys a positive message, and its themes of self-expression and growth reflect a strong determination toward artistic progress—an impressive aspect.

It’s a track that feels perfect for June, a rainy season, and one you’ll want to sit with and listen to closely.

Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in June (21–30)

A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna FallBob Dylan

Bob Dylan has long exerted a profound influence beyond music as a poet for the ages—transcending the boundaries of a globally renowned singer-songwriter, and even becoming the first singer to receive a Nobel Prize.

Among Dylan’s early masterpieces, and often cited as one of his signature songs from his debut as a rising folk artist, is A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.

Being a Dylan song, it’s not a straightforward ode to rain; its suggestive, richly layered lyrics invite many interpretations.

Still, listened to in June during the rainy season, the song may feel especially resonant.