Western Music Summer Songs Ranking [2026]

Endless SummerAlan Walker & Zak Abel8rank/position

Alan Walker & Zak Abel – Endless Summer (Official Music Video)

This work, brought to you by two artists who represent the music scenes of Norway and the United Kingdom, is a track that beautifully captures the bittersweetness of summer.

Born from the collaboration between Alan Walker and Zak Abel, the song was released in July 2023.

Its festival-like sound pairs perfectly with lyrics that depict the moment a lost love returns.

Expressing a sensation akin to the magic of an endless summer, this piece will resonate with those nursing a wistful love or mourning the end of the season.

It’s best enjoyed on a beach at sunset.

The Boys Of SummerDon Henley9rank/position

Don Henley – The Boys Of Summer

Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” is a classic that sings of memories of a love that faded with the end of summer.

Set to a melody that blends nostalgia with bittersweet longing, it expresses an unwavering affection for a former lover.

The lyrics, capturing scenes of 1980s America, symbolically portray shifting values over time.

Centered on the universally felt loss of youth, the song strongly resonates with listeners.

Henley’s vocals, as if mourning a summer gone by, evoke a certain sweet wistfulness.

It’s a perfect end-of-summer ballad—one that makes you want to play it on a drive.

Carry OnKygo, Rita Ora10rank/position

Carry On (from the Original Motion Picture “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu”) (Official Video)

A collaboration between Norwegian DJ Kygo, renowned for his tropical house productions, and Rita Ora, a London-raised singer-songwriter who also works as a model.

It also appears on the soundtrack for the film POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, released on May 3, 2019.

Set by the seaside, the song conveys straightforward feelings, making it perfect for August! Be sure to pay attention to her crystal-clear vocals, too!

Versace on the FloorBruno Mars11rank/position

Bruno Mars – Versace on the Floor (Official Music Video)

“Versace on the Floor” is a 2016 hit by Bruno Mars that lets you revel in a glamorous, sexy vibe—like spending a romantic night with the one you love while sipping champagne.

In the music video, Bruno Mars plays the piano and sings tenderly, revealing a side of him that’s a bit different from his party-loving persona.

The final scene, where Zendaya slips out of her Versace dress, aligns perfectly with the song’s lyrical world and doubles the sensuality.

It’s a romantic love song that evokes an evening under the starry sky with someone special—one you’ll want to savor.

Cruel SummerTaylor Swift12rank/position

Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer (Official Audio)

This song, which explores the complex emotions hidden within a passionate summer romance, is one of the signature works showcased by American artist Taylor Swift on her 2019 album “Lover.” While it outwardly depicts a glamorous summer love, its lyrics deftly weave in the anguish and inner conflict of a secret relationship, vividly expressing the duality of joy and pain in love.

Released as a single in June 2023, it became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a recommended track for solitary summer nights or for those struggling with complicated relationships.

IllusionDua Lipa13rank/position

Dua Lipa – Illusion (Official Music Video)

The world of psychological mind games depicted by UK-born Dua Lipa is as deep and complex as the ocean.

Released in April 2024, this song is an intriguing piece that sings of seeing through the other person’s façade while still having the composure to enjoy the situation.

Produced by Kevin Parker, its sound—skillfully weaving in elements of psychedelia and French house—envelops the listener like waves of emotion from the depths of the heart.

As a track on the album Radical Optimism, it stands as a symbol of her musical evolution.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re worn out by complicated relationships or want to reclaim your sense of self.

Our Last SummerABBA14rank/position

Our Last Summer

A gem-like ballad that captures the beauty and bittersweetness of a youthful summer romance.

Crafted by ABBA, the world-renowned group from Sweden, and inspired by a love experience set in Paris, the song carefully portrays romantic scenes such as strolls along the Seine and conversations in cafés.

Frida’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully convey the brilliance of youth and a poignant longing for the passage of time, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in November 1980 as a track on the album “Super Trouper,” it was also featured in a key scene of the musical “Mamma Mia!” Highly recommended for those wishing to reflect on memories of love or to indulge in gentle melancholy on a quiet night.