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)

Levitating Featuring DaBabyDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Levitating Featuring DaBaby (Official Music Video)

Levitating Featuring DaBabyDua Lipa

If you’re looking for a sing-and-dance-ready track for Tanabata night, “Levitating (Featuring DaBaby)” is a great pick.

It was created by Dua Lipa, the UK-born singer-songwriter known as a UK pop icon, and DaBaby, a rapper from the United States.

The song is a dazzling electro-pop piece built on a funky rhythm.

Its lyrics—about driving with a loved one all the way to the galaxy and dancing—are super cool.

Their rhythmic vocals will have your body swaying before you know it.

Give this danceable number a listen to light up your Tanabata evening.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

StarEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – Star

StarEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire is an American funk band that enjoyed great popularity in Japan during the disco boom.

Their 1979 single “Star” is a mid-tempo, mellow soul number.

The lyrics about a bright, shining star and the band’s signature falsetto vocals create a somewhat mystical and sacred atmosphere.

That mystical image is a perfect match for Tanabata, so it’s a song I really recommend listening to in July.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

PhotographEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Photograph (Official Music Video)

PhotographEd Sheeran

“Photograph” is a song by the hugely popular British artist Ed Sheeran, included on his 2014 album × and released as a single the following year.

It’s said to capture how Ed felt when he had to leave his then-girlfriend to go on tour.

The lyrics, which ask to “keep our love in a photograph,” are heartbreakingly poignant.

Perhaps Hikoboshi, who must part again once Tanabata ends, feels something similar.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Can You SeeFifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony – Can You See (Lyric Video) – from The Star

Can You SeeFifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony, a girl group with an overwhelming presence, released the moving ballad “Can You See” in 2017.

Featured on the soundtrack for the film The Star, the song stands out for its star-themed lyrics.

The stars light the way, offering a glimmer of hope even in the darkness—an inspiring message woven throughout the piece.

With beautiful harmonies and powerful vocals, it’s a deeply affecting track that stirs the listener’s heart.

It’s a perfect song to listen to while gazing at the Tanabata night sky, and sharing it with a loved one might bring you even closer.

Open your heart and give it a listen!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Falling Like The StarsJames Arthur

James Arthur – Falling Like The Stars

Falling Like The StarsJames Arthur

James Arthur is a British singer-songwriter who made a spectacular debut on the music scene after winning The X Factor in 2012.

Falling Like The Stars, released as a single in 2019, is a grand, cosmic-scale love song that likens a lover to the stars.

While depicting the small joys of everyday life—like the line about “four kids and sleepless nights”—it impressively conveys the depth and timelessness of love through expansive imagery.

Released as a lead single from the album YOU, it became a popular track that reached the UK Top 25.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to under the starry sky with someone special on the night of Tanabata.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

New Articles

: Instagram Stories that pop! A fresh, summer-perfect track

: [Summer Songs] Stylish Japanese Hits: A Collection of Masterpieces That Bring a Refreshing Breeze

: A song that brings a summer vibe to Instagram Reels

: Buzz-Worthy Summer Classics on YouTube Shorts [Viral Tracks Special]

: Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation

: Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z

: Summer songs sung by idols: a roundup of classic hits about the sea and love

: An uplifting love song. A recommended love tune for when you want to do your best.

: [No Going Back] A Love Song About Regret

: Love songs I want to listen to in spring

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.