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 | A Nostalgic Look at Classic Summer Tunes! (41–50)
Yeah! Super HolidayMatsuura Aya
Aya Matsuura, a former Hello! Project member who has captivated many fans under the nickname “Ayaya.” Her 2022 release, “Yeah! Meccha Holiday,” is irresistibly catchy—the kind of tune you’ll remember after just one listen.
It’s a great pick to hype up a summer karaoke session, so I highly recommend it.
The music video is also cute, with a poppy, colorful, summery vibe, so why not check it out at least once?
SUMMER TIME LOVEEXILE
EXILE made their debut in 2001 with the single “Your eyes only ~Aimai na boku no rinka ku~.” Released in 2007, “SUMMER TIME LOVE” is a dance-pop track highlighted by EXILE TAKAHIRO’s cool vocals—he had just joined the group in 2006.
Its irresistibly sing-along, catchy melody pairs perfectly with the crystal-clear synthesizer arrangements characteristic of early EXILE, making it a great fit for summer drives and more!
Squid SUMMERORANGE RANGE
ORANGE RANGE is a five-member rock band that made their major debut with the single Kirikirimai.
In the 2000s, a genre called mixture rock—rap blended with rock—was popular, and they were one of its representative bands.
Packed with the appeal of that mixture rock sound is 2007’s Ika SUMMER.
As the title—meaning “Killer, SUMMER”—suggests, its upbeat rap and exhilarating, summery vibe are simply irresistible!
Shanana☆MINMI
MINMI is a singer-songwriter known for her signature sound that blends reggae-based musicality with elements of R&B and soca.
Her 9th single, “Sha na na☆,” is a Japanese arrangement of “Sha na na ~Japanese wine~,” which was produced for the Soca Monarch competition.
Its swiftly unfolding ensemble rides on a heart-thumping beat that echoes the hectic pace of summer.
With its exhilarating melody and richly layered arrangement, it’s a passionate, high-energy tune you’ll want to play when summer rolls around.
tropical nightRIP SLYME
Released by RIP SLYME in July 2007, this track is a summer tune with a mature vibe that captures the passion of the season.
It features energetic beats and playful lyrics that are sure to lift your spirits just by listening.
Included on the album “FUNFAIR,” this song is guaranteed to heat up the dance floor! It’s also perfect as background music for summer drives or BBQs.
marbleOtsuka Ai
A message song overflowing with self-affirmation that helps you regain the confidence and sparkle you’re prone to losing! Ai Otsuka’s gentle vocals and the comfortable mid-tempo melody quietly nestle close to your heart.
The unique Japanese phrases that appear in the instrumental break are addictively charming, too.
Released as a double A-side single in May 2005, this track also drew attention as the CM song for Lion’s “Shokubutsu Monogatari Herb Blend,” in which Ai Otsuka herself appeared.
When you’re feeling a bit down or want to take a fresh look at yourself, listening to it will surely lift your spirits.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
“Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing) is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s third single, released in 2001.
It was used as an insert song for the drama of the same name, Tentai Kansoku, and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Thanks to the success of this track, BUMP OF CHICKEN joined the ranks of popular bands, and in 2021, the music video posted on YouTube surpassed 100 million views.
It’s the perfect song to listen to while heading out to observe the summer constellations!
