Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s | A Look Back at Nostalgic Summer Tunes!
Summer might just be the most exciting season of the year! When you think of summer, you think of outdoor fun like music festivals, the beach, fireworks, barbecues, and road trips.
For students, there’s also the long summer break—there’s no shortage of fun.
And no summer memories are complete without music to lift your spirits even higher.
In this article, we’re focusing on summer songs released in the 2000s and introducing a selection of hit tracks.
Whether you remember those days or aren’t very familiar with music from the 2000s, we hope you enjoy these sparkling summer tunes.
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Summer songs that hit in the 2000s | Introducing nostalgic summer tunes! (21–30)
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars released his sixth solo single, “Naminori Johnny.” Isn’t it a song that everyone knows? With a melody that makes you hum along, it’s the kind of track you want to play on a drive to the beach.
A wonderful song that’s perfect for summer.
LIFEkimaguren
This is a signature song by Kimaguren, a musical duo from Zushi City in Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was even used as the approaching train melody at Keikyu Zushi Line’s Shin-Zushi Station, reflecting the duo’s strong ties to their hometown.
Along with the song’s success, attention also turned to their activities at their beach house—a summer-only live music venue that inspired the group’s formation.
Centered on acoustic guitar and rap, the track has a refreshing vibe that evokes clear summer skies and the sea.
The lyrics, which explore individuality and the meaning of living, are memorable and conjure an image of pouring one’s feelings out toward the vast ocean.
Summer Songs That Hit in the 2000s: Introducing Nostalgic Summer Tunes! (31–40)
Roco LotionORANGE RANGE
This is a song that could be called the band’s signature track and one that helped cement ORANGE RANGE’s image as a summertime band.
While its parody of Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion” drew attention, I think incorporating the original’s catchy vibe was also a key factor in its success.
The powerful band sound evokes the blazing intensity of midsummer, conveying a palpable rush to enjoy the season.
The lyrics string together phrases that may not make literal sense, but that very lightness seems to heighten the feeling of being giddy and carefree by the summer sea.
sparklergagaga supi
A classic youth-punk anthem that overlays a bittersweet summer love with the fleeting glow of a sparkler.
Released by Gagaga SP in August 2001, the song pairs Kozak Maeda’s rugged vocals with a headlong, driving sound to beautifully evoke the ache of young love.
It’s perfect for when you want to look back on nostalgic summer memories or revisit the tender emotions of your youth.
A track that seeps into your heart with every listen—ideal for a summer night.
Music HourPorunogurafiti
Music Hour, released in 2000 when Porno Graffitti was a three-member band.
With its catchy melody that captures the excitement of a dazzling summer romance, this track remains a beloved summer staple.
It’s perfect not only as a nostalgic tune for drives, but also as a foolproof hit for summer karaoke.
Whether you’re from the generation that experienced it in real time or not, it’s a famous song known across age groups, so be sure to check it out.
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
It’s one of BEGIN’s masterpieces and has become a summer staple.
Listening to it vividly brings to mind Okinawa’s blue sea and sandy beaches.
With bits of dialect woven in, it gives you the sensation of a refreshing breeze despite the summer heat—a truly pleasant song.
It also makes you reflect on what your own treasures might be.
Summer IllusionGARNET CROW
This song is filled with bittersweet memories of love, and its lyrics evocatively capture the fleeting nature of late summer.
It delicately portrays the distance and instability between two people, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in January 2001, this track is beloved by many as one of GARNET CROW’s signature works.
It was also used as an ending theme for Detective Conan, making it familiar to anime fans as well.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in summer memories or reflect on a relationship with someone important.
You can fully immerse yourself in GARNET CROW’s unique world—an ideal track to play on a summer night.