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Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in June

For many Japanese people, June is the rainy season with lots of rain and no public holidays—so aside from things like the “June bride,” the month might carry a slightly negative impression.

Looking abroad, though, in places like Europe June often brings mild weather and a comfortable time of year.

So this time, under the theme “Western songs to listen to in June,” we’re picking out tracks across genres that are directly about June or feature June as a keyword in the lyrics!

While sensing the different images of June in Japan and overseas, we’ve also selected songs that can lift your spirits even through day after day of rain—so don’t miss it!

Classic and popular Western songs to listen to in June (31–40)

Rainy Day in JuneThe Kinks

It says, “On this rainy day in June, there’s no hope and no reason,” but the nuance isn’t the same as Japan’s June rain—that is, the rainy season.

As the term “June bride” suggests, June is the driest time of year in much of Europe.

Despite that, the song is about relentless, merciless rain.

It’s saying that rain falling in a season that’s usually sunny has neither hope nor reason.

Space BoundEminem

Since the late 1990s, Eminem has been a rare artist who has set countless legends not only within the hip-hop scene but across genres.

Even in the 2020s, he continues to reign with undiminished presence and talent.

Here, I’d like to introduce a track he released in June 2011.

With the melancholy resonance of acoustic guitar and rap that hammers out urgent emotion, the song brings Eminem’s lyrical side fully to the forefront.

It also drew attention for sampling tracks by R.E.M.

and Nick Cave & Warren Ellis.

There’s a line about turning himself into a rocket ship, likening the heart of the one he longs for to the moon, and traveling 250,000 miles on a clear June night—a sentiment that somehow leaves a trace of sorrow.

UmbrellaRihanna ft Jay Z

Rihanna – Umbrella (Orange Version) (Official Music Video) ft. JAŸ-Z
UmbrellaRihanna ft Jay Z

Originally envisioned for Britney Spears, this song was rejected by her label and ultimately became a massive hit for Rihanna.

It’s a pop R&B track infused with hip-hop and rock elements, expressing the strength of a relationship that is both romantic and platonic.

Did it AgainShakira

Shakira – Did it Again (Official HD Video) ft. Kid Cudi
Did it AgainShakira

This is a single by Shakira, the Colombian-born queen of Latin pop and popular singer-songwriter, released in 2009 and a smash hit.

Its electro-pop sound flavored with samba-style beats feels fresh, doesn’t it? Shakira’s songwriting sensibility shines, as does producer Pharrell Williams’s touch.

The crucial “June” reference appears in the remix featuring popular rapper Kid Cudi.

It comes up in the male-perspective lyrics, so be sure to check out the lyrics yourself!

Johnny Met JuneShelby Lynne

As the title suggests—“I Met Johnny in June”—it’s a song about Johnny and me.

Shelby Lynne’s powerful yet gentle vocals intertwine beautifully with the guitar, creating a deeply moving piece of country music.

Unlike Japan’s damp, muggy image of June, this track has a calm and tender atmosphere.