[2026 Updated] Western songs to listen to in summer: Recommended summer tunes

SomebodyLatto

Latto – Somebody (Official Video)

Latto’s latest track cleverly samples Aaliyah’s 1998 classic “Are You That Somebody?” The Atlanta-born rapper first proved her talent by winning the 2016 reality show The Rap Game, and has continued to rise, notably reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Big Energy.” Released in May 2025, this new song is a mellow love track themed around trust and passion in relationships.

The music video, shot in Jamaica, shows her drifting down a river on a bamboo raft, delivering full-on summer vibes.

Perfect for in-car listening on a drive or unwinding on a summer evening, it’s an irresistible blend of ’90s R&B atmosphere and contemporary sensibilities.

Love Me JeJeTems

Tems – Love Me JeJe (Official Video)

It looks like Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems’s April 2024 release is destined for this summer’s playlist.

Blending Afrobeats and soul, its groovy sound perfectly showcases her expressive vocals—a track that feels just right for the moment.

The lyrics, tracing her growth and discoveries from childhood to now, convey a deep respect for her roots.

Watching the music video—with scenes of cruising on a tricycle and partying with friends—will have you longing for summer.

It’s an approachable yet powerful song, perfect for a drive—definitely give it a listen.

SummerGood Kid

Good Kid – Summer (Official Video)

“Summer,” a song by Toronto-based indie rock band Good Kid, is a powerful, hope-filled track about facing uncertainty and adversity head-on.

Set to lively, energetic instrumentation, it sings of finding a glimmer of hope amid hardship and the courage to rise again.

With guitar riffs and vocals that reflect influences from 2000s indie rock and J-rock, plus a forward-looking, empowering message, it’s perfect for a summer drive.

Featured on their latest EP, Good Kid 4, released in March 2024, the song comes from a band that was also nominated for the Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year that same year.

As summer draws to a close, why not let this track give you a boost?

JumpTyla, Gunna, Skillibeng

Tyla, Gunna, Skillibeng – Jump (Official Music Video)

The latest track “Jump” by Tyla, a standout new-generation singer-songwriter from South Africa, featuring Gunna and Skillibeng, is a confident, high-energy cut.

It paints a striking picture of a woman reveling in a luxurious lifestyle, with Tyla’s powerful vocals riding the beat to create a vibrant sense of motion.

Gunna’s melodic rap fits the mood perfectly, and Skillibeng’s verse adds a sharp accent to the song.

It’s an upper tune that seamlessly blends Afrobeats, dancehall, and hip-hop—ideal for summer.

The kind of track you’ll want to play on a drive or at a party, and one that’s pure fun just to listen to!

Flava (ft. Coi Leray)Shenseea

Shenseea – Flava ft. Coi Leray (Official Music Video) ft. Coi Leray

Shenseea’s track “Flava” is an upbeat, high-energy dancehall tune that’s perfect for summer.

Hailing from Jamaica, Shenseea has captivated many fans with her sexy, powerful vocals and commanding presence, and this time she takes it to the next level by teaming up with American rapper Coi Leray.

The lyrics are packed with female power, portraying a confident woman, and the duo’s tight, synced-up performance is nothing short of breathtaking.

This is the kind of song that will make anyone want to let loose on the dance floor.

It’s perfect for a drive on a hot summer day or dancing the night away at the club.

Be sure to check out her second album, “Never Gets Late Here,” released in May 2024!

Offa MeDavido

Davido – Offa Me (Official Video)

This track offers an enchanting blend of Afrobeats and R&B that resonates on summer nights.

A collaboration between Nigerian star Davido and American R&B singer Victoria Monét, it was released in April 2025 as the fourth single from the album “5ive.” Born from their meeting at the 2024 Grammy Awards, the song achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

2 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

Its sensual melodic lines and soothing groove are perfectly balanced, making it ideal for summer drives or relaxing at dusk.

It’s also recommended for those who want to experience the harmony between African rhythms and Western sounds.

WaterTyla

Tyla – Water (Official Audio)

Tyla is a singer-songwriter from South Africa.

She debuted in 2020 with “Getting Late,” and its music video won a South African music award.

In July 2023, she released the single “Water.” It’s a track that channels the rhythms of her home country, South Africa—before you know it, you’ll be moving your hips as you listen.

Riding on a refreshing, summery melody, the lyrics passionately capture the memories of a hot, unforgettable night.

Be sure to give it a listen!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem