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 (31–40)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Constant As The Stars AboveJessica Brown

Barbie – “Constant As The Stars Above” (Official Audio)

Constant As The Stars AboveJessica Brown

A moving song that graces the ending of the film Barbie as Rapunzel.

American singer Jessica Brown’s striking vocals leave a strong impression.

Comparing eternal, unchanging love to the stars, its lyrics portray a mother’s unconditional love for her child, evoking deep emotion.

Since its 2002 release, this ballad has continued to resonate with many.

Accompanied by the beautiful performance of the London Symphony Orchestra, it powerfully expresses the film’s themes of dreams and hope.

It’s a perfect song to listen to on Tanabata night while thinking of someone special.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Spaceship CoupeJustin Timberlake

Spaceship Coupe

Spaceship CoupeJustin Timberlake

“Spaceship Coupe” is a thrilling pop number by American multi-hyphenate Justin Timberlake, included on his 2013 album The 20/20 Experience.

Comparing a lovers’ elopement to a spaceship, its lyrics paint a romantic world that feels like the two of you are traveling through the Tanabata night sky—fantastical and dreamy.

Its distinctive sound and Timberlake’s sultry vocals whisk listeners away to a far-off galaxy.

The album was a smash hit, debuting at number one on the U.S.

charts.

Why not add this song to those special moments you spend with someone special?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

You Were Meant For MeLalah Hathaway

You Were Meant For Me

You Were Meant For MeLalah Hathaway

Lalah Hathaway is an American soul singer and the daughter of vocalist Donny Hathaway.

Her 2011 release, “You Were Meant For Me,” is a song filled with romantic feelings for a loved one.

Its soft, R&B-inflected melody is striking, and you can also experience classical elements that unfold alongside her soulful vocals.

It’s a love song with a message that resonates whether you’re in love or not.

Give it a listen on Tanabata, a day when everyone makes heartfelt wishes.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Better DaysLiam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher – Better Days (Official Video)

Better DaysLiam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher, a singer-songwriter who is also known for serving as the frontman of Oasis—an indispensable band when talking about the UK rock scene.

His 2022 track Better Days is a song that evokes the beginning of a new chapter.

The expansive, grand band sound leaves a strong impression, and his one-of-a-kind cool vocals are a highlight.

Spurred by Tanabata wishes, it’s a number that might make you want to fall in love again—be sure to give it a listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to on Tanabata: love songs about stars and the Milky Way (41–50)

Lucky StarMadonna

Madonna – Lucky Star (Official Video)

Lucky StarMadonna

Madonna’s “Lucky Star,” released in 1983, became her first Top 10 hit, reaching No.

4 on the Billboard chart in the U.S.

It was also used in the 2000 film Snatch.

The title can mean “someone who brings good fortune,” and the song is about the protagonist’s own “lucky star” mentioned in the lyrics.

Songs that evoke stars are perfect for Tanabata, after all.

Orihime and Hikoboshi were surely each other’s “lucky star,” too.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hopeless RomanticSam Fischer

Sam Fischer – Hopeless Romantic (Official Video)

Hopeless RomanticSam Fischer

Sam Fischer is an Australia-born singer-songwriter known for crafting modern tracks reminiscent of neo-soul and R&B.

His 2021 release “Hopeless Romantic” is a song that sits close to the feelings of a hazy, restless love.

Its airy melody line carried by a breezy beat leaves a strong impression, and many listeners may find comfort in his conversational vocal delivery.

It’s a deep track that honestly expresses the anxiety of a love that isn’t going smoothly.

If you’re feeling lonely on the romantic night of Tanabata, give it a listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem