[2025 Edition] Western songs to listen to in May: A roundup of recommended popular tracks

Third of MayFleet Foxes

Third of May / Ōdaigahara (Edit)

Fleet Foxes are a band from Seattle.

Their music is rooted in styles like folk rock and baroque pop, and they enjoy international popularity in those genres.

Above all, their allure lies in their harmonies—the band is renowned for exceptionally high-caliber choral work.

Their track “Third of May” is known as one of their signature songs, crafted with ethereal harmonies and melodies.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Beautiful DayU2

U2 – Beautiful Day (Official Music Video)

U2 is a rock band from Ireland.

They are one of the most famous rock bands in the world and have won the Grammy Awards 22 times to date.

Incidentally, this is the record for the most awards by a group artist.

Their song “Beautiful Day” is one of their hits, and its lyrics—encouraging people starting out in new environments—have resonated widely.

May is said to be a tough time for new employees.

If that’s you, why not listen to this song and give yourself a fresh reset?

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

Bon Jovi, the hard rock band with a crisp sound that racked up huge hits from the 1980s through the 1990s.

Their song “It’s My Life,” featured here, is one of their hits and is well known in Japan as the background music for comedian Nakayama Kinnikun’s routine.

While the melody often steals the spotlight, the lyrics are also highly regarded in English-speaking countries.

It’s a perfect pick for May, when moods can easily dip.

Be sure to give it a listen.

I Feel Like DancingJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – I Feel Like Dancing (Official Music Video)

In May, there are likely many moments when you want to boost your mood—before heading out or when you’re feeling down with the May blues.

That’s why I’d like to recommend “I Feel Like Dancing.” It’s a song by singer-songwriter Jason Mraz.

The upbeat, feel-good vibe that makes you want to start dancing is sung over a disco-style sound.

It’s quite poppy, so it lifts your spirits whenever you listen to it.

Be sure to check out the music video, too, where he shows off some dance moves.

Walking On SunshineKatrina and The Waves

Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine (Official Music Video)

Katrina and the Waves is a rock band from the United Kingdom.

In Japan, they’re better known under the title Katrina to the Waves.

The band was active from the late 1980s through the 1990s and disbanded in 1999.

However, they reunited in 2013 and have since been actively working to return to the forefront of the music scene.

Their song “Walking on Sunshine” is one of their classics, notable for its lyrics that liken a lover’s importance to the sun.

It’s recommended listening for the often gloomy month of May or as driving music.

Broadway Girls feat. Morgan WallenLil Durk

Lil Durk – Broadway Girls feat. Morgan Wallen – (Official Music Video)

May tends to bring on a seasonal dip in mood.

When you’re feeling blue, many people probably want to lift their spirits by listening to something bright and lively.

For those folks, I highly recommend “Broadway Girls feat.

Morgan Wallen.” It’s a track by Lil Durk—one of the most prominent rappers in the world—featuring country singer Morgan Wallen, and it blends country and hip-hop into a truly glamorous sound.

If you’re into hip-hop, definitely give it a listen.

Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

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

Singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, who gained international fame with “Call Me Maybe.” With her catchy musical style and charming persona, she’s become popular in Japan as well.

This collaboration with Adam Young’s solo project, Owl City, is the song “Good Time.” The lyrics carry a message that it’s okay—not everything requires trying too hard; sometimes things just work out.

It’s a track we recommend to anyone feeling down with the May blues.