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

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.

Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, known for her eccentric fashion and performances, has been popular since the 2000s and continues to shine at the forefront today.

This collaboration with fellow front-running artist Ariana Grande is the track “Rain On Me.” It’s a refreshing, upbeat dance tune with techno and house vibes—perfect for summer drives and parties.

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

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

A bittersweet summer anthem that portrays the emptiness and loneliness felt at the peak of success.

Crafted by American singer-songwriter Mike Posner, the song candidly reveals the honest feelings behind the glamorous party scene.

In Seeb’s Norwegian producer duo remix, the weight of the lyrics contrasts strikingly with the light, tropical house sound.

Released in March 2016 and reaching the top 10 in 27 countries, it’s a classic you’ll want to listen to alone on a summer night.

Highly recommended for those grappling with life’s uncertainties and complex emotions.

Cheerleader Felix Jaehn RemixOMI

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

This is a captivating track featuring a bright, breezy tropical house sound reminiscent of the summer sun.

Originally crafted in 2012 by Jamaican artist OMI, it was remixed in 2014 by German DJ Felix Jaehn.

Blending trumpet, conga beats, and samba-style piano with a reggae fusion, the song expresses love and gratitude for the special person who supports you.

In 2015, it topped the charts in over 20 countries and was included on the album “Me 4 U.” It was also featured in the popular dance game “Just Dance 2016” and received an MTV Video Music Award nomination.

It’s the perfect track for relaxing by the beach or poolside, or for turning up the energy at a party with friends.

This Summer’s Gonna Hurt Like A Motherf****rMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – This Summer’s Gonna Hurt Like A Motherf****r (Explicit) (Official Music Video)

It’s a summer-themed song by Maroon 5 released in 2014.

Although it’s centered on summer, the lyrics are the opposite of the excitement leading up to the season, expressing the painful feelings of a vulnerable man who’s suffering in love and feels like his chest will ache terribly this summer.

Somebody To You ft. Demi LovatoThe Vamps

The Vamps – Somebody To You ft. Demi Lovato

Since the music video is themed around a summer beach, you could say this song exists to be listened to in the summer.

Of course, the track is good, so I think it fits other seasons too, but above all it’s a rock number you’ll want to blast in the summer and get everyone hyped.