Western music singers and artists you want to listen to in summer: Ranking [2026]

Plug WalkRich The Kid78rank/position

Rich The Kid – Plug Walk

It’s a 2018 track with a music video that kicks off with a massive UFO invasion, shows him living with mysterious life forms, and features Rich the Kid mixing colorful liquids in a van—truly entertaining.

The story-driven MV feels just like watching a drama or a short film.

As a so-called next-generation rapper on the verge of a global breakout, he’s worth watching not only for his rap, but also for his fashion and the artwork.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley79rank/position

Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)

Rick Astley’s timeless hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” became a global sensation.

It’s so famous that most people have probably heard it at least once.

There’s even an Instagram Live filter that re-creates the music video, and many younger people might know the song from that.

Musically, it’s grounded in synth-pop, which was mainstream in the 1980s.

Synth-pop is also trending again in the 2020s.

If you want to explore the latest in synth-pop with a nod to the past, this song is a great place to start.

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Ryo

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Livin’ La Vida LocaRicky Martin80rank/position

Ricky Martin – Livin’ La Vida Loca (Official Video)

A quintessential piece of 1990s Latin music, “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” In Japan, more people might be familiar with Hiromi Go’s cover, “GOLDFINGER ’99.” Incidentally, a literal translation of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” is “crazy life.” The lyrics are also quite different from those of the cover.

In any case, it’s been crafted into a Latin track with blazing vibes, making it a perfect fit for the summer atmosphere, don’t you think?

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yamamoto

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UmbrellaRihanna ft Jay Z81rank/position

Rihanna – Umbrella (Orange Version) (Official Music Video) ft. JAY-Z

Originally envisioned for Britney Spears, this song was rejected by her label and ultimately became a massive hit for Rihanna.

It’s a pop R&B track infused with hip-hop and rock elements, expressing the strength of a relationship that is both romantic and platonic.

Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat)Saweetie82rank/position

Saweetie – Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat) [Official Music Video]

Released in 2021, rapper Saweetie’s “Best Friend” is a hit track featuring the hugely popular singer-songwriter Doja Cat, and its music video has racked up over 200 million views on YouTube.

The two of them appear in eye-catching, flashy swimsuits that give off peak-summer vibes, and the shocking final scene leaves an unforgettable impact.

Packed with catchy, pop-friendly hooks, it’s a killer tune that even people who aren’t into hip-hop can enjoy, and it fits perfectly with the hot summer season.

As the title suggests, the lyrics center on the theme of “friendship.” While it includes plenty of provocative words typical of rap, reading the powerful lyrics—Saweetie and Doja Cat’s own expression of strong womanhood—will surely give you a boost of energy!

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KOH-1

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Contra La ParedSean Paul, J Balvin83rank/position

Sean Paul, J Balvin – Contra La Pared

Contra La Pared is a collaboration between Sean Paul, the king of dancehall reggae, and J Balvin, a superstar in the Latin music scene.

This dream collaboration brings together two major Caribbean stars—Sean from Jamaica and J Balvin from Colombia.

The title, in Spanish, means “Against the wall.” The song’s theme is about a man and a woman making love passionately against a wall.

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HATSUMI

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Come & Get ItSelena Gomez84rank/position

Selena Gomez – Come & Get It

This is a summer classic by Selena Gomez that delivers a consistent sound through transparent vocals and a characteristically Western, slightly muffled production.

Its fresh, unpretentious lyrics have a touching quality, and it creates a moody atmosphere perfect for capturing the feel of summer.