Artists and Female Singers in Western Music to Listen to in Summer: 2026 Rankings

No Ordinary LoveSade15rank/position

Sade – No Ordinary Love – Official – 1992

This summer classic by Sade captures the essential allure of neo-soul and ballads through refined, gentle vocals and a comfortably pleasing melodic sensibility.

With lyrics that convey profound compassion, it’s a beautifully atmospheric work with a striking presence.

Girls Need Love Remix (with Drake)Summer Walker16rank/position

Summer Walker – Girls Need Love Remix (with Drake)

This is a remix of Summer Walker’s song “Girls Need Love,” featuring a collaboration with Drake.

Summer Walker, a rising R&B singer from the United States, made headlines by teaming up with the superstar Drake.

Their voices complement each other really well.

The languid mood of the track is perfect for those sweltering summer nights when you just can’t fall asleep.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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What’s Love Got To Do With ItTina Turner17rank/position

Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]

Tina Turner, an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her musical style that added a rock flavor to Black music, had a powerful voice and was also very popular in Japan.

Among her works, a song especially recommended for summer is What’s Love Got To Do With It.

This track strongly reflects adult contemporary and R&B elements, giving it an overall mature vibe.

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Ryo

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Rock The BoatAaliyah18rank/position

Aaliyah – Rock The Boat (Original Video)

Aaliyah delivers a summer classic whose smooth vocals and unmistakable R&B flavor leave a lasting impression.

The lyrics are outstanding—perfectly suited to a setting with boats—and the music video’s summery visuals elevate it to an exceptional finish.

Fire We MakeAlicia Keys, Maxwell19rank/position

Alicia Keys, Maxwell – Fire We Make (Official Video)

The classic “Fire We Make” by Alicia Keys and Maxwell.

Both artists have long been active as R&B singers, but on this track they fully showcase neo-soul, a genre closely related to R&B.

It’s crafted with a very sultry structure, starting off quietly and building toward the end as the guitar intensifies.

It’s a sexy song that’s perfect for getting cozy with your partner on a hot summer night.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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1 ThingAmerie20rank/position

Amerie – 1 Thing (Official Video)

This R&B classic by Amerie sparked a club-centered craze with its piercingly striking high-tone vocals.

With its sophisticated texture and modern vibe, it’s a perfect recommendation for summer.

Sweet Georgia BrownAnita O’Day21rank/position

Anita O’Day – Sweet Georgia Brown & Tea for Two

If you’re a jazz enthusiast, chances are the music documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day, which captures the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, ranks among your favorite music films.

Even among the many historic performances in the film, Anita O’Day’s rendition of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” by one of the quintessential female jazz vocalists, is especially famous as an unforgettable scene.

Anita’s impeccably stylish fashion and her breathtaking vocals have a magnetism that makes you want to watch them over and over.

“Sweet Georgia Brown” is a jazz standard known in many arrangements, but since our theme here is summer jazz, I hope you’ll enjoy it together with the footage from Jazz on a Summer’s Day!

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KOH-1

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