[2025] Songs You’ll Want to Listen to This Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Rock Tracks from the West

HolidayVampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend – ‘Holiday’ (official video)

Holiday, released in 2010 by American indie rock band Vampire Weekend.

Its lyrics about summer vacations are delivered with the band’s signature sophisticated pop melodies and breezy sound.

The music video—featuring the members dressed like 18th-century aristocrats cavorting around on holiday—is a must-see.

It’s the perfect track for summer break! Be sure to check it out on their second album, Contra.

Island In The SunWeezer

Weezer – Island In The Sun (Official Music Video)

Set to a lively guitar riff and a comfortable beat, this track beautifully captures the liberating feeling of summer.

The lyrics, which sing of a desire to spend time with someone on an island, depict a universal wish for escape from everyday life and carefree fun.

Featured on Weezer’s third album, Weezer (Green Album), released in 2001, the song charted in multiple countries including France and the UK.

Frequently used in films and commercials, it has become a beloved summer staple across generations.

Perfect for relaxation or a drive, it’s a song that instantly lightens your mood.

Add it to your playlist to help create unforgettable summer memories.

Why Bother?Weezer

Why Bother?

Weezer, a power pop band emblematic of the 1990s.

“Why Bother?” is included on their 1996 album Pinkerton.

The song captivates with lyrics that express the pain of a man who’s been rejected and a rock sound that’s energetic and full of drive.

The band has had a major impact on Japan’s rock scene as well.

If you listen to Weezer before heading to a summer festival, you might catch a glimpse of that power in the performances of Japanese band members.

It’s Summertimeflaminglips

It’s Summertime

The Flaming Lips, an American psychedelic rock band active since the 1980s, created a dreamy track with “It’s Summertime,” whose floating soundscapes color the arrival of summer brimming with the radiance of life.

It appears on their 10th album, released in 2002, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

The concept album centers on a Japanese woman named “Yoshimi” (said to be inspired by YOSHIMIO from Boredoms, who also contributed to the album) battling pink robots.

It not only became a hit but also earned high praise from critics, and is remembered as one of the defining rock masterpieces of the 2000s.

Apologizegrandson

grandson: Apologize [Official Audio]

Grand Sun, who carries the title of alternative singer-songwriter.

Having grown up immersed in a wide range of genres and striving to forge new sounds from them, simply calling him a singer-songwriter doesn’t quite suffice.

The track we’re featuring here, “Apologize,” is a song he released in 2019.

Its ragged guitar tones and languid vocals are perfect for those sweltering summer days when it feels like everything might melt away.

Surfin UsaThe Beach Boys

Beach Boys – Surfin Usa HD

I bet many of you can recognize it from the intro alone.

A must-listen rock track for summer is the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.

S.

A.” It’s a feel-good song that conjures up images of a sparkling ocean under a clear blue sky.

The clean-toned, surf-rock guitar sound is perfect for the season.

Many people may know it from the “Suzuki Xbee” commercial, too.

It’s a peaceful summer song with the message that “everyone’s surfing, just like in California.”

No Erasin’Steve Perry

Steve Perry – 2018 – No Erasin’

Armed with his soaring high-tone voice, singer Steve Perry has been at the forefront of the American rock scene since the 1980s.

He’s best known as the original lead vocalist of Journey, the rock band famous for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Featured here is “No Erasin’,” which Steve released in 2018.

Its bright, expansive highs ring out like a clear summer sky—perfect for a drive under sunny, cloudless skies!