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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter—many music lovers keep playlists of songs they want to listen to when each season comes around.

In this article, under the theme “Rock Songs to Listen to in Summer,” we’ve compiled recommended summer tracks spanning the 1960s to the 2020s—from recent hits and fan favorites to timeless classics.

Of course, “rock” covers a wide range of styles, so you’re sure to find summer songs you’ll love.

Be sure to check it out and enjoy it as your soundtrack for this summer!

[2025] Songs You’ll Want to Hear This Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Rock Tracks (11–20)

Girls Of SummerAerosmith

Aerosmith – Girls Of Summer

Girls Of SummerAerosmith

A catchy number with pop-rock elements that sings of summer romance and allure.

Even within Aerosmith’s long career, it drew attention as a track pointing in a more pop direction.

Released in 2002, the song charted in multiple countries, including Canada and Italy, and was especially well received on the Mainstream Rock chart.

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry participated as producers, and the music video directed by Dave Meyers also made waves.

With lyrics that capture moments like summer magic and Aerosmith’s signature, compelling sound, it resonates comfortably as the perfect BGM for the hot season.

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Into The SummerIncubus

Incubus – Into The Summer (Official Music Video)

Into The SummerIncubus

A breezy summer tune with a lively beat and impeccably polished vocals that makes you want to head out on the town! This track, released in August 2019, comes from the celebrated American band Incubus.

It’s a song that showcases the band’s refined pop sensibilities, following their breakthrough with the album Make Yourself.

The lyrics, which reflect regret and longing after a breakup, symbolize the freedom and adventure of summer—perfect for a stylish summer drive.

The music video even includes an homage to 80s teen vampire films.

This piece highlights the band’s musical versatility and might just leave you counting down the days until summer.

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All Summer LongKid Rock

Kid Rock – All Summer Long [Official Music Video]

All Summer LongKid Rock

A classic packed with summer memories, its pop-rock sound exudes a nostalgic vibe that’s irresistible.

Included on Kid Rock’s seventh album, “Rock n Roll Jesus,” released in October 2007, it became a popular single the following year.

Set in the summer of 1989, the lyrics portray lakeside romance and good times with friends, resonating deeply with listeners.

The track samples songs by Bob Seger and Lynyrd Skynyrd, blending nostalgia with freshness.

It’s the perfect BGM for enjoying the outdoors, like summer drives or seaside BBQs.

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You’re So Last SummerTaking Back Sunday

Taking Back Sunday – You’re So Last Summer

You're So Last SummerTaking Back Sunday

An emotional track where summer’s heat intersects with the pain of youth.

Featured on Taking Back Sunday’s debut album, “Tell All Your Friends,” this song has captured the hearts of many young listeners since its release in March 2002.

The lyrics candidly portray the agony of heartbreak and the process of self-growth, making it perfect for that bittersweet end-of-summer mood.

Energetic guitars and Adam Lazzara’s impassioned vocals brilliantly convey the intensity of adolescence.

Why not add this song to your drives or seaside memories? It’s sure to bring a special splash of color to your summer.

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True Blueboygenius

boygenius – True Blue (official music video)

True Blueboygenius

True Blue is a great fit for late summer or twilight.

It’s a track by boygenius from their album The Record.

The song depicts a man and woman visiting the seaside at dusk.

Beyond its beautiful imagery, it also weaves in words that hint at an impending breakup—something to pay attention to.

It’s also said that this song’s world connects with other tracks on the album.

Be sure to listen all the way through.

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Summer SongForever the Sickest Kids

Forever the Sickest Kids – “Summer Song”

Summer SongForever the Sickest Kids

A pop tune with a snappy beat and impeccably polished vocals that will make you want to head out in a great mood! This track is included on the self-titled second album, “Forever the Sickest Kids,” released in 2011 by the American pop-punk band Forever the Sickest Kids.

Its refined pop sensibility—sure to appeal to fans of Maroon 5—pairs with a stylish vibe that’s perfect for summer drives.

The lyrics reflect a youthful, free-spirited attitude, and the catchy melody leaves a lasting impression—you might find yourself counting down the days to summer just by listening.

This song is highly recommended not only for pop-punk fans but also as a perfect track for making summer memories, appealing to a wide audience.

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[2025] Songs You’ll Want to Hear This Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Western Rock (21–30)

Paint A PictureThe Hives

The Hives – Paint A Picture (Official Video)

Paint A PictureThe Hives

Sweden’s proud champions of garage rock, The Hives, unleashed a truly exhilarating track in June 2025.

Serving as the lead single from their forthcoming album “The Hives Forever Forever The Hives,” the song crackles with their signature fuzzy guitar riffs and impassioned vocals—an energetic blast of rock ’n’ roll.

Fearlessly stepping outside society’s established boundaries, it boldly celebrates the value of being unapologetically yourself—an anthem in every sense.

Produced by the likes of Beastie Boys’ Mike D, it made its debut on the UK music program “Later… with Jools Holland” in June 2025 to great acclaim.

It’s the perfect pick-me-up for anyone craving a jolt of energy or looking to shake up the status quo.

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