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 and popular summer anthems to listen to in August (131–140)

Under The BoardwalkThe Drifters

The Drifters – Under the Boardwalk

Under The BoardwalkThe Drifters

Known in Japan under the title “Nagisa no Boardwalk,” this song is one of the signature tracks by the group that featured R&B singer Ben E.

King, famed for the hit “Stand by Me.” With its cool-sounding guitars and strings that evoke midsummer beaches and poolside scenes, the song was later covered by many bands and singers, including the Rolling Stones and Yukadan.

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TempleThe Fugees

The Fugees – Temple

TempleThe Fugees

Are you familiar with the movie “Sister Act 2”? To summarize briefly, it’s about troubled kids who turn their lives around by singing in a church choir.

Lauryn Hill, who played one of the troubled girls in the film, was a member of the 90s hip-hop group the Fugees.

Compared to today’s polished hip-hop, the Fugees’ music admittedly has a rough-around-the-edges feel, but it’s groovy with a lot of tracks that naturally make your body move to the rhythm.

This song has a reggae vibe, so it’s one you especially want to listen to in the summer!

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Time Of The SeasonThe Zombies

The Zombies – Time Of The Season (with lyrics)

Time Of The SeasonThe Zombies

Known in Japan by the title “Futari no Season,” this song is a signature track by The Zombies, a rock band formed in the UK in 1962.

Its organ-centered arrangement still sounds cool and timeless today, and it was even used in a Nissan commercial in 2004.

In the lyrics, the “season when love rises” likely refers to the height of summer, doesn’t it?

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Don’t Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Tiësto & Karol G – Don’t Be Shy (Official Music Video)

Don't Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

“Don’t Be Shy” is a track by world-renowned Dutch DJ Tiësto featuring Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G.

Released as a single in August 2021, it reached No.

4 on the U.S.

Billboard Dance chart.

In the music video, Karol G appears in an outfit reminiscent of Egypt’s Cleopatra, creating a vibe that evokes the heat of the desert.

Be sure to check it out.

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Can’t Help Falling In LoveUB40

UB40 CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE

Can't Help Falling In LoveUB40

UB40 is a band that emerged in late-1970s Birmingham, where reggae and punk intersected.

With reggae and ska trending among punks at the time, they enjoyed overwhelming support from British youth from their debut.

As you know, this song is a cover of a massive hit by Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic singers of the ’50s.

It was also used as a movie theme song, reached number one on the charts in both the UK and the US, and became a signature track for UB40.

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