Lovely summer song

[2026] A Roundup of Classic Western Songs and Popular Summer Anthems to Listen to in August

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.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

In recent years, Japan has seen record-breaking heat waves every summer, and August in particular is packed with parties, leisure activities, and music festivals—events where people get pumped up listening to music.

Creating a driving playlist to color your summer memories is one of the season’s pleasures—there must be plenty of music fans who do it every year.

In this article, we’re showcasing a slew of Western summer anthems perfect for August, focusing on the latest hits and popular tracks.

From uptempo numbers to mellow tunes that suit a summer sunset, enjoy these classics that fit a variety of moments.

[2026] A roundup of classic Western hits to listen to in August: popular summer anthems (91–100)

Follow YouImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Follow You (Official Music Video)

Follow YouImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons is an alternative rock band based in Las Vegas.

While rooted in alternative rock, they also incorporate pop and R&B elements, and have fans all over the world.

Among their songs, the one I recommend for August is Follow You.

Its upbeat melody is striking, and the energy stays high from start to finish.

If you’re looking for songs that boost your mood in summer, definitely give it a listen.

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In Da GettoJ. Balvin, Skrillex

J. Balvin, Skrillex – In Da Getto (Official Video)

In Da GettoJ. Balvin, Skrillex

Skrillex and J Balvin’s collaboration “In da Getto” samples David Morales’s “In De Ghetto,” which was released in 1993.

It’s a remix that makes the most of the original’s house sound, and the track’s distinctive vibe really grows on you the more you listen.

Released in 2021, it reached No.

1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

The music video even features fireworks, so be sure to check it out in the summer!

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SummertimeJanis Joplin

Janis Joplin – Summertime

SummertimeJanis Joplin

Janis Joplin, the legendary singer who died at just 27.

Originally composed for opera and later becoming a jazz standard, this song is delivered in her own bluesy interpretation.

Although it’s themed around summer, her phrasing is full of coolness, as if it could soothe a body heated by the summer heat.

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Lifestyle feat. Adam LevineJason Derulo

Lifestyle (feat. Adam Levine)

Lifestyle feat. Adam LevineJason Derulo

Jason Derulo is an R&B singer whose high-quality performances have earned him widespread acclaim around the world.

He’s an artist known for dance moves reminiscent of Michael Jackson and a classic 2000s R&B sound.

A perfect song of his for August that I’d like to recommend is “Lifestyle feat.

Adam Levine.” It’s a collaboration with Maroon 5’s lead vocalist, Adam Levine, and it delivers an upbeat R&B sound that’s ideal for summer.

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Burnin’ Up The CarnivalJoe Sample

Joe Sample – Burnin’ Up The Carnival

Burnin' Up The CarnivalJoe Sample

Joe Sample, the legendary pianist of the fusion world who sadly passed away in 2014.

While he played instrumentals with his band The Crusaders, this song was released as his first track featuring vocals.

In Japan, it was released under the straightforward title “Moeru Carnival” (“Burning Carnival”).

Joe Sample has many other Latin-tinged pieces, but since this track includes vocals, it’s also recommended for those who don’t usually listen to fusion or are just getting into it.

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Only HumanJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Only Human (Official Audio)

Only HumanJonas Brothers

When the temperature starts to rise, don’t you find yourself looking for songs that evoke hot countries? Jonas Brothers’ “Only Human” is perfect for you! It’s not full-on folk music, but it’s a track that conjures images of hot places like South America.

Since their 2019 reunion, they’ve been on an unstoppable roll, and this song lets you hear a different side of them.

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What A Man Gotta DoJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – What A Man Gotta Do (Official Video)

What A Man Gotta DoJonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers are a pop-rock band made up of the eldest son Kevin, the second son Joe, and the youngest son Nick.

Although they’re labeled as a pop-rock band, they release songs across virtually any genre, and the differing vibes from one release to another are part of their charm.

A track by the Jonas Brothers that I’d recommend as perfect for August is “What A Man Gotta Do.” It’s not a tropical-sounding song, but its uptempo feel makes it a great fit for summer.

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