Lovely summer song

[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to on Tanabata: love songs about stars and the Milky Way

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

When it comes to events in July, many people probably think of Tanabata first, but in fact, Tanabata is a Chinese festival that was introduced to Japan during the Nara period.

In the West, it’s said that there are also customs of celebrating Tanabata in places like the United States via Japan, and there are several songs themed around the Milky Way, which is indispensable to Tanabata.

So this time, under the theme of classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to on Tanabata, we’ll introduce tracks that sing about the Milky Way, the starry sky, and the stars.

We’ve also picked songs that mention the Milky Way in their lyrics, so you might make some unexpected discoveries.

[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to on Tanabata: Love songs about stars and the Milky Way (21–30)

Lay UpElla Mai

Ella Mai – Lay Up (Official Music Video)

Lay UpElla Mai

The song I’d love you to listen to on a romantic Tanabata night with a lover or someone you’re interested in is “Lay Up.” It’s an R&B-style track released in 2017 by Ella Mai, a UK-born singer who has received numerous music awards.

The result is a sultry track with a moody atmosphere.

Pay attention to the lyrics, which depict a quietly burning adult romance.

Her passionate yet cool flow conveys deep emotion.

It’s the perfect love song for spending special time with someone important.

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Written In The StarsJohn Legend X WENDY

[STATION X 0] John Legend X 웬디 (WENDY) ‘Written In The Stars’ MV

Written In The StarsJohn Legend X WENDY

“Written In The Stars” is a collaboration between John Legend, a frequent Grammy-winning artist, and Wendy of the popular Korean idol group Red Velvet.

It was released in 2018 as part of a digital distribution project by a Korean label.

The lyrics portray two people bound by the stars, reminiscent of Orihime and Hikoboshi, making it a perfect number for Tanabata.

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We’ll Be the StarsSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – We’ll Be the Stars (Official Video)

We'll Be the StarsSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter is a U.S.-born singer who also thrives as an actress, making the most of her cute looks.

Her 2015 release “We’ll Be the Stars” is a love song themed around “stars.” It boasts a dynamic sound that evokes a vast, grand world.

The choral arrangements unfolding alongside her soaring vocals will resonate with your heart.

The lyrics express a wish to become stars with a loved one, perfectly matching the romantic atmosphere of Tanabata.

Try listening to it by the side of a partner you hope to be with forever.

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YouJesse Powell

Jesse Powell – YOU (1999) HQ

YouJesse Powell

Jesse Powell is an American R&B singer who has been active since the 1990s, known for his masterful command of a wide vocal range.

Among his songs, the one I want you to listen to on Tanabata is “YOU,” released in 1999.

Built around a piano, it has a classical sound that resonates deeply alongside his emotional vocals.

It’s a soulful ballad filled with a pure desire—wanting the one you love to stay by your side.

Listen to it while gazing at the night sky and thinking of the person you love.

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Love On TopBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Love On Top (Official Video)

Love On TopBeyoncé

In today’s music scene, Beyoncé’s presence is overwhelming! The mid-tempo R&B track included on her 2011 album “4” captivates with a sound that feels like classic ’80s soul music reimagined for the modern era.

Beyoncé’s commanding vocal performance rides an exhilarating groove and shimmering synthesizers, delivering a fresh, uplifting ode to the joy of being in love.

The lyrics express feelings for a lover in a straightforward way, brightening and warming the listener’s heart.

This celebrated song—also famous for her pregnancy announcement performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards—is a must-hear for couples who have pledged their future to each other.

Be sure to pay attention to the romantic lines as well, such as “I can see the stars from my window.”

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In producing this article

Editorial Policy

Because festivals like Tanabata, which are celebrated in Japan and other East Asian countries, are not as widespread in the West, I’ve curated a selection of Western songs suited to Tanabata through my lens as a music writer. I strive to create an engaging article that helps readers understand the different perspectives from which the Milky Way and the stars are perceived.

KOH-1 (music writer)

KEI (POPS writer/editor)

[Evidence]

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

June 4, 2025: Added and updated 15 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
June 7, 2024: Added and updated 15 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
July 4, 2023: Added/updated 11 reviews and updated the entire article.
May 13, 2022: Added/updated 10 reviews.
June 1, 2018: Published the article.