[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 to Hear in Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Western Rock Tracks (31–40)

Harbor LightsBoz Scaggs

Harbor Lights

Harbor LightsBoz Scaggs

Let me introduce Harbor Lights, whose jacket photo shot by the sea is also striking.

It’s a song by American singer Boz Scaggs, and its sound blends elements of jazz and rock.

The lyrics, on the other hand, depict someone on a foreign shore, reflecting on their homeland.

Though not much is explicitly revealed, the poignantly melancholy atmosphere resonates with listeners.

Familiar place names appear in the song, so keep an ear out for them as well.

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Summer BabyJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Summer Baby (Official Lyric Video)

Summer BabyJonas Brothers

A pop tune with a buoyant beat and polished vocal work that will make you want to head out in a great mood! “Summer Baby” is a track from the Jonas Brothers’ sixth studio album, The Album, by the hugely popular American band the Jonas Brothers.

Its sophisticated pop sensibility—sure to appeal to fans of Maroon 5—and stylish vibe make it perfect for a drive.

The sibling harmonies are gorgeous, too, and just listening might leave you counting the days until summer.

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SUMMERThe Carters

SUMMER

SUMMERThe Carters

If you want to spend a romantic time, I recommend “SUMMER.” It’s a song created by The Carters, the duo formed by Beyoncé and JAY-Z.

It portrays a couple enjoying a seaside vacation, with each of them singing from male and female perspectives.

Listen closely to the back-and-forth between the two; as an actual married couple, their chemistry is perfect.

Another appealing point is the many little Easter eggs, such as the track length being exactly 4 minutes and 44 seconds—matching the title of JAY-Z’s album.

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God’s CountryBlake Shelton

Blake Shelton – God’s Country (Official Music Video)

God's CountryBlake Shelton

This is “God’s Country,” a song released in 2019 by American country singer Blake Shelton.

Blake Shelton is a singer widely recognized in the United States, having been nominated for the Grammy Awards seven times and serving as a judge on the popular American audition show The Voice.

Its slow, groovy vocal delivery is really addictive.

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Sunday GirlBlondie

Blondie – Sunday Girl – HD

Sunday GirlBlondie

One summer day, a beloved presence disappeared.

That bittersweet situation is what “Sunday Girl” sings about.

It’s a track included on Blondie’s album Parallel Lines.

It can sound like a breakup song, but it was originally written about a pet cat that ran away.

That’s heartbreaking in its own way.

By the way, many artists have covered the song, so it’s fun to compare different versions.

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