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

Good LifeKanye West57rank/position

Kanye West – Good Life ft. T-Pain

This is a song released in 2007 by Chicago-born rapper Kanye West.

The track drew attention at the time for sampling Michael Jackson’s classic “P.Y.T.” It even entered the charts before its official release, and its achievements were recognized with a Grammy Award.

The anime-style music video is also highly detailed, and it’s fun to look out for Michael Jackson’s appearance somewhere in the visuals.

It’s a refreshing track that’s perfect for summer—great to both listen to and watch.

Not Like UsKendrick Lamar58rank/position

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

The biggest topic in the 2024 hip-hop scene—and one that’s certain to be talked about for years—is the beef battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

Both sides dropped multiple diss tracks; while some questions remain about the content and tactics, the clash between two of today’s biggest rap heavyweights also produced fresh classics.

In particular, Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” became an explosive hit in 2024—despite its scathing lyrics, it’s hugely popular as a summertime anthem that lights up the dance floor.

The music video, released on July 4, 2024 to coincide with U.S.

Independence Day, is rich with material for analysis, yet it also works as a straightforward party tune.

You can’t help but be impressed by that level of talent!

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All The StarsKendrick Lamar & SZA59rank/position

Kendrick Lamar, SZA – All The Stars

A collaboration track by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and the up-and-coming singer-songwriter SZA.

The song was featured on the soundtrack of the 2018 film Black Panther and essentially serves as the movie’s main theme.

Its introspective lyrics convey the importance of staying true to oneself and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.

The sound is highly pop and melodious, with an impressive interplay between rap and soulful vocals.

It creates a romantic mood that makes you want to hold hands with your partner and gaze up at a star-filled night sky.

It’s one of those songs you’ll want to listen to on the night of Tanabata.

FirestoneKygo ft. Conrad Sewell60rank/position

Kygo – Firestone ft. Conrad Sewell (Official Video)

Thanks to the international hit “Firestone,” Norwegian DJ and record producer Kygo became so famous that by 2015 he was regarded as one of the hottest EDM DJs.

It’s a track that energized the Coachella Festival in the United States.

It Ain’t MeKygo, Selena Gomez61rank/position

Kygo, Selena Gomez – It Ain’t Me (Official Video)

It Ain’t Me, by Norwegian DJ Kygo and American singer Selena Gomez, is a breakup song characterized by an empowering, uplifting sound that portrays a woman’s strength in leaving a toxic relationship.

The lyrics depict the regret of a relationship ruined by an ex-lover’s repeated drinking and partying, and they also touch on the serious theme of alcoholism.

While facing the pain of heartbreak, Gomez’s powerful vocals convey her resolve not to bear her partner’s mistakes any longer, resonating deeply with listeners.

For anyone hurt by love, the song carries a message of healing and renewal.

Released in February 2017, it also drew attention as the lead single from Kygo’s EP Stargazing.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on a summer night drive—enjoy Gomez’s captivating vocals over a cool, up-tempo sound.

Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey62rank/position

Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness (Official Music Video)

This song, which sings of the bittersweet yet beautiful feelings etched into the heart at summer’s end, remains beloved by many as one of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey’s signature works.

Released in June 2012 as a single from the album Born to Die, it is a ballad that weaves elements of dream pop and trip hop, poetically portraying a breakup with a lover and the fading of summer.

Its gentle 125 BPM tempo and wistful melody in C-sharp minor beautifully capture the sense of loss that arrives alongside sweet summer memories.

The remix by French DJ Cédric Gervais became a major hit, reaching No.

6 in the U.S., and won a Grammy Award in 2014.

Self ControlLaura Branigan63rank/position

Laura Branigan – Self Control (Official Music Video)

Singer Laura Branigan from Brooklyn gained worldwide popularity with a style of delicate, airy vocals paired with quintessential 1980s sounds like synth-pop and new wave.

Self Control is one of her signature works, released as the lead single from the studio album of the same name.

If you’re in your late 20s, you might recognize it from the radio stations in the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

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