[2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music

I Took A Pill In Ibiza (Seeb Remix)Mike Posner

Mike Posner – I Took A Pill In Ibiza (Seeb Remix) (Explicit)

This is a signature work by American singer-songwriter Mike Posner, a candid portrayal of the loneliness and reality he felt at the peak of success.

The original’s acoustic vibe was elevated by Norwegian producer duo Seeb into a beautiful tropical house sound, becoming a global smash hit in 2016.

Beneath the glittering melody lies a striking mix of complex feelings about fame and introspective messaging, perfectly suited to those wistful, twilight moments.

Reaching the top 10 in 27 countries, this song is especially recommended for people facing a turning point in life or questioning the value of surface-level success.

Summer RainZimmer90

Zimmer90 – Summer Rain (Official Music Video)

Steeped in the tranquil hush of a summer evening rain, this track by Zimmer90 weaves a delicate sonic world that fuses indie pop with electronic elements.

The lyrics, centered on self-reflection and letting go of fear—likening summer rain to a force that washes anxieties away—resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2023, the song is included on the EP “Lake Diaries,” unveiled that September.

It’s a piece that vividly showcases the musical identity of the Stuttgart-based trio.

Perfect for late summer moments when you want to quietly face yourself.

Let yourself be carried by its poignant melodies and words.

Have A Good Summer (Without Me)Valley

Have A Good Summer (Without Me) (Official Lyric Video)

A bittersweet summer song about a breakup, sung by the Canadian indie-pop band Valley.

Included on the band’s second album Lost In Translation, the track was released in June 2023.

Beneath its poppy, energetic sound lies the sorrow of parting and a sense of compassion for the other person.

The message in the title conveys both respect for a past lover and a wish for new happiness.

It’s a perfect end-of-summer song that offers comfort to those who’ve experienced heartbreak or are trying to move on from a farewell with someone important.

Listening to this track while reflecting on tender, painful memories might be just the thing.

Lost in the SummerVidya Vox

Vidya Vox – Lost in the Summer (Official Video)

The song by Indian American singer-songwriter Vidya Vox beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling of summer.

Set to a unique sound that fuses Western pop with Indian music, it evokes scenes like the seaside on a summer night and crimson sunsets, depicting fleeting yet radiant moments with a lover.

Released in September 2020, the track has garnered over one million views on YouTube and gained popularity, especially among young people.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to unwind at dusk or savor the wistful mood at summer’s end.

summerkeshi

keshi – summer (official video)

Singer-songwriter Keshi.

His release “summer” is a love ballad that’s perfect for the season.

The gentle sound of the guitar and Keshi’s soft vocals create a relaxing atmosphere.

What I’d especially like you to notice is the use of negative expressions in the lyrics.

Throughout the song, he portrays the struggle to suppress his longing for the other person.

It’s also notable how he layers this with a depiction of a summer romance.

Cruel SummerTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer (Official Audio)

Cruel Summer, included on the album Lover released in the summer of 2019, took an unusual path to success, reaching No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts in 2023—four years later.

Although Taylor Swift herself and co-writer Jack Antonoff both consider it a favorite, it was never released as a single, and as mentioned, it became a massive hit only years after its debut.

Blending the kind of complicated romantic themes characteristic of Taylor with the mental turmoil she faced at the time—including backlash stemming from her dispute with Kanye West—the somewhat self-deprecating lyrics convey a sense of poignancy that may resonate even more deeply than the sound itself.

I encourage you to look into the song’s creation background and then give it another careful listen.

Summer GirlHaim

HAIM – Summer Girl

I also recommend “Summer Girl,” whose heartrending lyrics will squeeze your heart.

It’s a release by Haim, a rock band formed by three sisters.

The song was reportedly created after middle sister Danielle experienced something sad in her private life.

Because of that, the lyrics, while not explicit, end up depicting a tragedy.

On the other hand, the melody has a soft, jazz-like feel, so it seems perfect for relaxing time as well.