[2026] Must-Listen Western Rock: Popular and Recommended Classic Songs for Summer

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.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter—many music lovers keep playlists of songs they want to listen to when each season comes around.

In this article, under the theme “Rock Songs to Listen to in Summer,” we’ve compiled recommended summer tracks spanning the 1960s to the 2020s—from recent hits and fan favorites to timeless classics.

Of course, “rock” covers a wide range of styles, so you’re sure to find summer songs you’ll love.

Be sure to check it out and enjoy it as your soundtrack for this summer!

[2026] Songs You’ll Want to Hear This Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Western Rock Tracks (81–90)

Why Bother?Weezer

Why Bother?

Why Bother?Weezer

Weezer, a power pop band emblematic of the 1990s.

“Why Bother?” is included on their 1996 album Pinkerton.

The song captivates with lyrics that express the pain of a man who’s been rejected and a rock sound that’s energetic and full of drive.

The band has had a major impact on Japan’s rock scene as well.

If you listen to Weezer before heading to a summer festival, you might catch a glimpse of that power in the performances of Japanese band members.

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It’s Summertimeflaminglips

It’s Summertime

It's Summertimeflaminglips

The Flaming Lips, an American psychedelic rock band active since the 1980s, created a dreamy track with “It’s Summertime,” whose floating soundscapes color the arrival of summer brimming with the radiance of life.

It appears on their 10th album, released in 2002, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

The concept album centers on a Japanese woman named “Yoshimi” (said to be inspired by YOSHIMIO from Boredoms, who also contributed to the album) battling pink robots.

It not only became a hit but also earned high praise from critics, and is remembered as one of the defining rock masterpieces of the 2000s.

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Apologizegrandson

grandson: Apologize [Official Audio]

Apologizegrandson

Grand Sun, who carries the title of alternative singer-songwriter.

Having grown up immersed in a wide range of genres and striving to forge new sounds from them, simply calling him a singer-songwriter doesn’t quite suffice.

The track we’re featuring here, “Apologize,” is a song he released in 2019.

Its ragged guitar tones and languid vocals are perfect for those sweltering summer days when it feels like everything might melt away.

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Surfin UsaThe Beach Boys

Beach Boys – Surfin Usa HD

Surfin UsaThe Beach Boys

I bet many of you can recognize it from the intro alone.

A must-listen rock track for summer is the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” It’s a feel-good song that conjures up images of a sparkling ocean under a clear blue sky.

The clean-toned, surf-rock guitar sound is perfect for the season.

Many people may know it from the “Suzuki Xbee” commercial, too.

It’s a peaceful summer song with the message that “everyone’s surfing, just like in California.”

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No Erasin’Steve Perry

Steve Perry – 2018 – No Erasin’

No Erasin'Steve Perry

Armed with his soaring high-tone voice, singer Steve Perry has been at the forefront of the American rock scene since the 1980s.

He’s best known as the original lead vocalist of Journey, the rock band famous for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Featured here is “No Erasin’,” which Steve released in 2018.

Its bright, expansive highs ring out like a clear summer sky—perfect for a drive under sunny, cloudless skies!

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