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 (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.

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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.

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She’s Like A StarTaio Cruz

Taio Cruz – She’s Like A Star (Official Video)

She's Like A StarTaio Cruz

It’s a beautiful love ballad by British singer-songwriter Taio Cruz, his 2008 hit that sings of love and admiration for a special woman who shines like a star.

It was released as a single from Taio’s landmark debut album, “Departure,” and its lyrical lines comparing her to the morning light and an angel are striking.

The repeated references to stars brilliantly convey her radiance and the magnitude of her presence.

I think this song is a lovely piece that teaches us to appreciate the ones we love.

It’s a classic I highly recommend for a quiet night with someone special.

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Wishing On A StarCover Girls

The Cover Girls – Wishing On A Star | OFFICIAL VIDEO

Wishing On A StarCover Girls

Speaking of Tanabata, one of the fun traditions is writing wishes on tanzaku.

That’s why I want to introduce you to Cover Girls’ “Wishing On A Star.” It’s a ballad about a woman making a wish upon a star—but rather than a hopeful wish, she longs to be reunited with a lost love.

This bittersweet story is perfect for Tanabata.

By the way, it’s a cover of the song of the same name released by Rose Royce in 1978.

That version leans more into R&B—be sure to check it out too!

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A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton

This is Vanessa Carlton’s debut song, notable for its beautiful piano melody and clear, transparent vocals.

It expresses the bittersweet feeling of lost love, sung against the backdrop of an urban landscape.

Released in 2002, it became a worldwide hit and was nominated for a Grammy.

It’s also known for being covered by ONE OK ROCK.

It might be nice to listen to it while remembering a lover you’ve been separated from.

How about humming it on the night of Tanabata, making a wish as you do?

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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.