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

Out of TimeThe Weeknd92rank/position

The Weeknd – Out of Time

Japanese city pop often gives the impression of having many songs themed around “summer,” and it’s easy to find tracks that perfectly suit resorts, blazing sunshine, and the seaside.

But there are also surprisingly many city pop classics you want to hear at the melancholic end of summer.

One such song is Tomoko Aran’s “Midnight Pretenders,” composed by Tetsuro Oda, which was sampled in The Weeknd’s 2022 hit “Out of Time.” Because of that, “Out of Time,” which boldly quotes the main riff that creates the mellow groove of “Midnight Pretenders,” also feels like a track well-suited to the end of summer.

There’s no doubt it would be the perfect soundtrack for a late-summer night drive as the midsummer heat begins to ease.

Including the lyrics—which could be read as the anguished cries of a protagonist who seems to realize his mistakes—the song, as its title suggests, conveys a sense of being “out of time,” a feeling of finality.

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KOH-1

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The Way I Are ft. Keri Hilson, D.O.E., SebastianTimbaland93rank/position

Timbaland – The Way I Are ft. Keri Hilson, D.O.E., Sebastian

It’s a catchy, high-energy number made for the dance floor.

Timbaland’s distinctive synth sound and Keri Hilson’s plush vocals blend in perfect harmony.

Released as a single from Timbaland’s 2007 album “Shock Value,” it became a global hit, peaking at No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The lyrics, celebrating pure love, are another draw, and the breezy, summer-ready feel makes it a great pick for a driving playlist.

What’s Love Got To Do With ItTina Turner94rank/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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Long As I LiveToni Braxton95rank/position

Toni Braxton – Long As I Live

Toni Braxton, who has had a remarkably long career in the R&B scene.

This is the song with which she returned to the Billboard charts, after having devoted herself to R&B since the ’80s.

With her compelling vocal power, she sounds not only unchanged from those days but even more captivating with the richness that comes with age.

And hats off to her for stepping onto the same stage as the younger generation, singing while dancing at the forefront.

Ice Ice BabyVanilla Ice96rank/position

Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby (Official Music Video)

Vanilla Ice was one of the best-selling rappers of the ’90s.

He broke through by turning Hip Hop—then dominated by slang-heavy and explicit lyrics—into something poppy and accessible to the mainstream.

He’s also known as a pioneering white rapper.

His big break came with 1990’s “Ice Ice Baby.” The “Ice Ice” in the title doesn’t refer to Vanilla Ice himself; it means “super cool.” It’s an irresistibly upbeat track, perfect for a drive.

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yamamoto

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Men In BlackWill Smith97rank/position

Will Smith – Men In Black (Official Video)

A track that marked Will Smith’s solo debut.

Released in June 1997 as the theme song for the film Men in Black, it shot to the top of charts worldwide.

The lyrics, which depict the exploits of agents in a secret organization that protects Earth, faithfully reflect the movie’s world.

Encounters with aliens, black suits, and the memory-erasing device—key elements from the film—are woven throughout.

Will Smith’s charismatic rap and the catchy melody create a refreshing vibe that blows away the summer heat.

It’s a must-listen not only for movie fans but also for anyone with a soft spot for ’90s music.

Roll UpWiz Khalifa98rank/position

Wiz Khalifa – Roll Up [Official Music Video]

It has a light, reggae-tinged hip-hop vibe.

Among today’s youth, lighter, stylish hip-hop is more popular than heavier hip-hop.

The breezy sound is pleasant to listen to and never gets old.

Of course, it’s also perfect as summer music.