[2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music

BIRDS OF A FEATHERBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Official Music Video)

A poignant love song by Billie Eilish themed around deep love and an eternal bond.

Released in 2024 from her album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, this track, by the American artist, is rooted in synth-pop and features melodies reminiscent of the 1980s.

The lyrics, which yearn for everlasting love and express affection that continues even after death, beautifully portray a dark, romantic worldview.

It surpassed 175.

5 million streams on Spotify in 2024 and reached No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a bittersweet and beautiful love song you’ll want to listen to alone on a hot summer night while thinking of someone.

Perfect for those who want to resonate with the feeling of being in love, or as a companion for summer night drives.

SummerCalvin Harris

Calvin Harris – Summer (Official Video)

It’s a landmark of summer dance music, brimming with exhilaration and energy.

Crafted by Scottish artist Calvin Harris, this track brilliantly translates the dazzling sunlight and sense of freedom into sound.

The bright synthesizers and catchy melodies weave a perfect harmony, making it ideal for summer parties or drives.

Released in March 2014, it debuted at No.

1 on the UK Singles Chart and sold over one million copies in the United States within four months.

Included on the album “Motion,” its music video also features actor Jason Statham.

A song that colors summer resort scenes—from poolside parties to beaches at sunset—it sets listeners free and lifts their spirits.

Rather Be ft. Jess GlynneClean Bandit

Clean Bandit – Rather Be ft. Jess Glynne [Official Video]

This is a gem of a dance track crafted by the British electronic music group Clean Bandit.

Released in January 2014 as a lead single from their debut album New Eyes, it features an innovative sound that brilliantly fuses classical music with electropop.

Jess Glynne’s clear, luminous vocals intertwine with elegant violin and cello melodies to create a tune brimming with the breezy freshness of a summer sky.

The song drew worldwide acclaim, topping the UK Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks and winning the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.

It’s a perfect choice for road trips and travel, as well as a refreshing listen on hot summer days.

TasteSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Taste (Official Video)

A song that transforms the pain of love into a refreshing sound.

Sabrina Carpenter from the United States delivers a provocative yet humorous message to her ex’s new partner.

Taken from the album “Short n’ Sweet,” the track incorporates elements of pop, glam pop, and pop rock for a richly textured sound.

The music video, released in August 2024, drew attention for her co-starring appearance with actress Jenna Ortega and shines with direction that effectively pays homage to horror films.

Passionate enough to rival the summer heat, this work sings positively about the complex emotions of romance, making it perfect for those looking to overcome heartbreak or power through the hot season with high spirits.

On The BeachChris Rea

Chris Rea : On The Beach

Chris Rea is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom.

Known for his deep, husky voice, he broke through with the 1978 hit “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).” “On the Beach” is one of his signature songs.

His voice evokes an image of a summer beach as the sun begins to fade.

The song became a hit in Japan as well, in part due to its use in commercials.

Summer MadnessKool and The Gang

Kool & The Gang – Summer Madness

Kool & the Gang is a band from the United States.

They primarily worked in soul, R&B, and funk music.

Their signature songs include Joanna, Cherish, and Fresh.

All of these were released in the 1980s, while Summer Madness, released earlier in the mid-1970s, was an instrumental track without vocals.

It’s an instrumental number that skillfully captures the languid atmosphere of summer.

Summer LoveOne Direction

One Direction – Summer Love (Audio)

“Summer Love,” included on One Direction’s globally acclaimed 2012 album Take Me Home.

It’s characterized by a sound that moves from the timbre of acoustic guitar into a dramatic development.

The lyrics, depicting a farewell scene with someone you spent a summer with, are deeply moving.

Centered around the vocals, the melody lets you fully savor their rich choral work.

A quintessential summer song where fresh, breezy sounds carry an expanding wave of emotion.