[2025 Updated Edition] Western songs to listen to in summer: recommended summer tracks

Doin’ TimeLana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey – Doin’ Time

Lana Del Rey, a popular singer-songwriter who continues to create with a richly original musical sensibility, describes her own style as “sadcore.” This track is included on her 2019 album Norman Fucking Rockwell! and drew attention from devoted music fans for being a cover of Sublime.

While retaining the original flavor of a band that epitomized the West Coast in the ’90s with their deft blend of ska, reggae, and punk, Lana gives the song a trip-hop-tinged interpretation and makes it thoroughly her own.

Be sure to listen while imagining a distant California summer.

Big Energy (Remix) ft. DJ KhaledLatto, Mariah Carey

Latto, Mariah Carey – Big Energy (Remix (Official Audio)) ft. DJ Khaled

The iconic female rapper representing Atlanta, Latto, teams up with Mariah Carey for the classic track “Big Energy (Remix) ft.

DJ Khaled.” While Mariah Carey might make you think of winter songs, she’s released tracks that fit the summer vibe too.

This one is crafted as a pop-leaning R&B piece, radiating a mood that’s perfect for summer beaches.

Mariah Carey’s whistle register, in particular, even brings a sense of coolness.

It’s also a work that showcases the impressive skill of Khaled, who composed and brought this lineup together.

Despacito ft. Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi

Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee

Luis Fonsi is an artist from Puerto Rico.

He is one of the most famous artists in the Spanish-speaking world, and almost every song he releases ranks high on the charts.

His biggest hit is Despacito ft.

Daddy Yankee.

It was already a hit, but after Justin Bieber released a remix, it gained international popularity.

Since it’s a reggaeton track, it’s perfect for summer when you want to get pumped up!

FollowMartin Garrix & Zedd

Martin Garrix & Zedd – Follow (Official Video)

The song “Follow,” a masterpiece by globally active music producers Martin Garrix and Zedd, is a full-fledged EDM track, yet it stands out with an exceptionally distinctive melody compared to typical EDM.

Built on a track that uses an Oriental scale with an Arabian flavor, the piece features a melody imbued with a sultry heat that evokes tropical nights—quite different from standard EDM.

If you want to experience the breadth of their musicality, this is a must-check.

Sweetest PieMegan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa

Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – Sweetest Pie [Official Video]

Megan Thee Stallion, a female rapper who had a major breakthrough in 2020, continues to light up the scene with collaborations alongside many rappers and artists.

One such collaboration is Sweetest Pie with the British songstress Dua Lipa.

It falls under the R&B subgenre known as slow jam, and the overall vibe is polished and sweet.

With its cool, cohesive melody, it’s a track you might enjoy even more while listening on a summer night or watching the sunset.

In the summertimeMungo Jerry

Mungo Jerry – In the summertime

It’s a carefree, feel-good summer song with a laid-back vibe.

Despite what the upbeat style might suggest, Mungo Jerry is a band from the UK in the 1970s.

With a simple rhythm and melody repeating, it’s a truly carefree tune that sings, “Summer is here, this is fun.”

In The MorningNia Sultana

Nia Sultana – In The Morning (Official Music Video)

Nia Sultana is a female singer drawing attention in today’s R&B scene.

Known for a sound that blends R&B and neo-soul, she’s received high praise from critics for the consistently polished quality of her tracks.

Among her work, the piece that especially fits a summer vibe is “In The Morning.” While it’s structured like neo-soul, the heavy use of programmed production gives it a smoother feel than typical neo-soul.

This smooth atmosphere is sure to cool down the heat of summer.

Be sure to give it a listen.