[2026] Perfect for walks and drives! A roundup of sunny Western music to enjoy on a clear day

Suddenly I SeeKT Tunstall

KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See (Larger Than Life Version)

This song by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall was included on her 2004 album Eye to the Telescope and later released as a single in 2005.

Inspired by the powerful female figure on the cover of Patti Smith’s album Horses, it captures the moment when meeting a role model makes your own path come into sharp focus.

Its bright, bouncy guitar riff and her soaring vocals perfectly evoke a clear, sunny atmosphere.

Featured in the opening of the film The Devil Wears Prada, it vividly colored the exhilaration of stepping into a world you’ve always admired.

A perfect track for days when you want to face forward or when you’re taking a new step.

Solar PowerLorde

Lorde – Solar Power

It’s the lead track from Lorde’s third album, Solar Power, which transforms a pleasant sense of liberation and the sun’s energy into sound.

Released in June 2021.

Marking a departure from her previously electro-centric style, it features a breezy indie-folk sound with organic instrumentation like acoustic guitar, trumpet, and saxophone.

The lyrics, set on a beach, depict the joy of freeing oneself under the sun—away from everyday stress and the digital world—making it perfect for a clear, sunny day.

The cool harmonies featuring Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo are lovely, too.

The music video, nominated for Best Cinematography at the MTV VMAs, pairs white sandy beaches with blue skies for an expansive feel that makes you want to head to the seaside just by listening.

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

Set to a disco beat and delivered with pop flair, this Maroon 5 track puts love front and center.

Released as the third single from their 2014 album V, it straightforwardly sings about craving a lover’s sweetness.

The sparkling synths and funky guitar chops weave a groove that’s perfectly complemented by Adam Levine’s falsetto.

It peaked at No.

2 on the U.S.

charts and was certified Diamond in 2022.

The music video—featuring the band’s surprise appearances at weddings around Los Angeles—became a sensation, racking up over 4 billion views on YouTube.

It’s an ideal song for a sunny-day drive or a picnic.

SunroofNicky Youre, dazy

Nicky Youre, dazy – Sunroof (Official Music Video)

A collaboration between California-born singer-songwriter Nicky Youre and Los Angeles-based producer Dazy.

Released digitally in December 2021, the track went viral on TikTok and climbed to a peak of No.

4 on the U.S.

charts in 2022.

It’s a bright pop number that channels the thrilling feeling of someone you can’t get out of your head, carried by a bouncy guitar riff and a breezy beat.

The surge of euphoria packed into its brief 2 minutes and 43 seconds is irresistibly addictive—once you hear it, you won’t forget it.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to roll the windows down and hit the road on a sunny day.

Best Thing I GotSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Best Thing I Got (Audio Only)

Sabrina Carpenter, widely known as an actress who played Maya Hart in the popular Disney Channel series, also made her mark in music with the release of her debut album “Eyes Wide Open” in April 2015.

This song is one of the album’s most memorable tracks, where the gentle sound of the piano blends pleasantly with jazz elements.

It carefully sings about accepting an imperfect self and the joy of meeting a new version of yourself—something you’ll want to listen to by a sunny window.

Filled with a positive spirit that affirms who you are, it’s perfect for starting a fresh morning.

Why not welcome a calm day, wrapped in a quiet sense of openness?

Body Like A Back RoadSam Hunt

Sam Hunt – Body Like A Back Road (Official Audio)

A breezy blend of country and R&B that feels refreshingly upbeat! It’s a track by Sam Hunt, who brought innovation to the country scene in the 2010s, released as a single in 2017.

The lyrics liken the winding scenery of rural roads to a lover’s allure, overflowing with a Southern kind of romance rooted in drive culture.

The minimal 808-style kick and catchy, whistle-like riff are so satisfying they make your body sway without thinking.

It became a record-breaking hit, topping Billboard’s country chart for 34 weeks, and even earned Diamond certification in 2023.

A perfect summer tune for a drive—best enjoyed with the windows down, feeling the wind.

Beautiful GirlsSean Kingston

Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girls (Official HD Video)

A signature track by Sean Kingston where bright reggae-fusion vibes intertwine with a sweet, nostalgic melody.

Quoting the bassline from Ben E.

King’s classic “Stand by Me,” the song voices a bittersweet crush on an impossibly beautiful girl, charming listeners with teen-like innocence and boldly expressive emotion.

Released in May 2007 from his debut album Sean Kingston, it topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first artist born in the 1990s to reach No.

1 in the U.S.

It also held No.

1 in the UK for four consecutive weeks, hit the top spot in Australia and New Zealand, and became a beloved summer anthem worldwide.

Mid-tempo and easy to sing along to, it’s perfect for sunny-day drives or leisurely strolls.