Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
80s songs—nostalgic for those who lived through the era in real time, and increasingly popular among younger listeners as a fresh sound.
Many people have become captivated by their vividness that triggers instant flashbacks and their glittering production, haven’t they?
In this article, we’re focusing on “summer songs” from the 80s!
We’ve gathered popular tracks with rich soundscapes that are loved across generations.
Enjoy a wonderful summer with timeless classics that never lose their shine, no matter how times change!
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Classic summer hits from the nostalgic '80s: Summer songs roundup (51–60)
Right now, you’re shining brightlySaitō Tetsuo
“Ima no Kimi wa Pika Pika ni Hikatte” is a single by Tetsuo Saito, released in June 1980.
It was used as the song for a Minolta commercial featuring Yoshiko Miyazaki.
The lyrics were written by Shigesato Itoi, known as a copywriter.
The long nights of AugustTM NETWORK
“A Long Night in August,” included on the 1985 album CHILDHOOD’S END.
Its addictive rhythm and bittersweet, tender-hearted lyrics are captivating.
The medium-pop sound and Takashi Utsunomiya’s gentle vocals seem perfect for stylishly coloring a summer night.
Some people might find themselves longing for it when August comes around.
It also has a moist, romantic mood that makes you want to play it on a drive date.
As a rare summer-themed song by TM NETWORK, it’s great for reminiscing about memories or getting excited for the summer ahead!
Hold OnSugi Mari
This was the second single, released in 1980.
It’s a beautiful, pure ballad.
Because of the high, beautiful vocals, some people might mistake the singer for a woman, but “Masamichi Sugi” (pronounced Sugi Masamichi) is a male singer-songwriter.
His signature song is “Whisky ga, Osukidesho” from a Suntory commercial.
He also took part in Niagra Triangle vol.
2, a project music unit organized by Eiichi Ohtaki.
Summer HeroineKawai Naoko
“Natsu no Heroine” is a single by Naoko Kawai, who was very popular as an idol singer, released in June 1982.
It was also a contender for the Grand Prix at the Nippon Television Music Festival.
With this song, Naoko Kawai performed at the 33rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. Summer songs roundup (61–70)
Seaside BalconyMatsuda Seiko
It’s a classic packed with the bittersweetness of youth, evoking the seaside at summer’s end.
Seiko Matsuda’s crystal-clear voice and lyrics depicting a rendezvous on a seaside balcony paint vivid scenes in the listener’s mind.
Released in April 1982, this was Matsuda’s ninth single.
It’s a perfect summer song for those who want to feel the memories of summer and the ache of first love.
Play it on a coastal drive, and it’s sure to become a special track.
Enjoy the world of Seiko-chan as you reminisce about days gone by.
hurricaneShaneruzu
The fourth single by Chanels, later known as Rats & Star.
Released in 1981, it became a big hit, reaching No.
2 on The Best Ten.
It’s a pop chorus number that evokes the American ’50s sound.
At the time, their style—painting their faces black and singing with four vocalists, like foreign Black R&B and doo-wop chorus groups—felt fresh.
Morning of the PegasusIgarashi Hiroaki
Pegasus no Asa (Morning of the Pegasus) was a major hit in 1981 and was also used in a Meiji Seika commercial.
It’s a song by singer-songwriter Hiroaki Igarashi.
The protagonist is a man still hung up on a summer heartbreak, and the lyrics liken the swiftly passing time to a pegasus.
Words that evoke summer—like “heat haze”—are woven in, giving it a strong seasonal feel.
It’s an uplifting song, so it seems perfect to listen to when you’re feeling down.
