[2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music

Slow Down SummerThomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett – Slow Down Summer (Official Music Video)

This is a moving ballad that portrays the feelings of a young couple spending their last high school summer together.

Co-written by American country singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett and his father, songwriter Rhett Akins, the song captures the bittersweet desire to cherish the moment as two lovers, headed to different colleges, sense a looming farewell with the changing seasons.

A beautiful arrangement of a 14-piece string section and piano vividly evokes a nostalgic mood.

Released in November 2021, it served as the lead single from the album “Where We Started.” It’s a masterpiece that conveys the precious passage of time—highly recommended for those facing the end of summer or a milestone in life.

Summertime’s CloseZach Bryan

Zach Bryan – Summertime’s Close

Zach Bryan, a singer-songwriter from Oklahoma, began making music while serving in the Navy and, after receiving an honorable discharge in 2021, devoted himself to music full-time, becoming one of the standout artists in today’s country-folk scene.

Blending elements of country, folk, and Americana, his sound is marked by understated acoustic guitar and poetic lyrics.

Featured on his self-titled album “Zach Bryan,” released in August 2023, this song is a superb ballad that delicately captures nostalgia for summers past and a longing for lost love.

True to an artist known for songs expressing deep love for his mother, the track beautifully conveys nuanced emotions rooted in personal experience, making it a perfect choice for spending a quiet moment alone by the seaside at summer’s end.

After The Love Has GoneEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – After The Love Has Gone (Audio)

Earth, Wind & Fire is a soul/funk band from the United States, known for their grand, expansive sound.

They have numerous hit songs, including “September,” “Shining Star,” and “Fantasy.” “After the Love Has Gone” was included on their 1979 album I Am (known in Japan as “Apocalypse”).

It is also recognized as a classic of AOR.

Our Last SummerABBA

Our Last Summer

A gem-like ballad that captures the beauty and bittersweetness of a youthful summer romance.

Crafted by ABBA, the world-renowned group from Sweden, and inspired by a love experience set in Paris, the song carefully portrays romantic scenes such as strolls along the Seine and conversations in cafés.

Frida’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully convey the brilliance of youth and a poignant longing for the passage of time, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in November 1980 as a track on the album “Super Trouper,” it was also featured in a key scene of the musical “Mamma Mia!” Highly recommended for those wishing to reflect on memories of love or to indulge in gentle melancholy on a quiet night.

No Promises ft. Demi LovatoCheat Codes

Cheat Codes – No Promises ft. Demi Lovato [Official Video]

A song celebrated as a quintessential work of tropical house was born from a collaboration between the Los Angeles–based EDM trio Cheat Codes and pop star Demi Lovato.

Released in March 2017, the track portrays uncertainty in love and complex emotions, candidly expressing the struggle of feelings that can’t be promised.

Its catchy tropical beat pairs perfectly with Demi Lovato’s powerful vocals, and it became a major hit, earning gold and platinum certifications around the world.

It’s a track that suits summer drives and beachside relaxation, and one that offers comfort when you’re feeling unsure about love.

Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)OMI

OMI – Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) (Official Video) [Ultra Records]

This masterpiece revives the song released in 2012 by Jamaican singer-songwriter OMI, with German producer Felix Jaehn adding tropical house elements.

The track is a heartfelt ode to gratitude and love for a partner, infused with deep feelings for the person who offers support.

Its lively blend of trumpets, conga beats, and samba-style piano brilliantly captures both the liberating spirit of summer and the bittersweet ache of love.

In 2015, it reached number one in over 20 countries and was featured in the dance game Just Dance 2016.

It’s the perfect song for reaffirming your feelings for someone special, or for sinking into a reflective mood on a summer night.

SeñoritaShawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello – Señorita

This exquisite duet, wrapped in a passionate Latin pop sound, portrays a summer romance.

Performed by Canadian artist Shawn Mendes and Cuban-American artist Camila Cabello, it was released in June 2019 and topped the charts in over 30 countries worldwide.

Sensual guitar riffs and the duo’s interwoven vocals skillfully convey the push-and-pull and passion of love.

The lyrics, which sing of the bittersweet feelings of summer nights and the allure of forbidden love, resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to feel like they’re watching a romantic film or to set the mood for a special moment with someone important.