Resonance of Twilight: Emo Western Songs Echoing at Summer’s End
Don’t you ever feel strangely sentimental at the end of summer? Blue skies and white clouds, the sea at dusk, listening to the sound of the waves… We’ve selected classic Western songs that perfectly match that mood.
From tracks you’ll want to listen to while basking in summer memories to slightly emotional ballads and melodies that resonate especially in this season, you’re sure to find a song that speaks to your sensibilities.
Why not savor the bittersweet feelings of summer’s end together with some wonderful Western music?
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Afterglow of Dusk: Emo Western Songs That Resonate at Summer’s End (21–30)
Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadElton John
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a single released in 1973 by British singer-songwriter Elton John.
It is also included on the album of the same name.
A worldwide hit, the song is rich in lyricism and features the beautiful, characteristically Elton John piano sound.
A Summer WastingBelle & Sebastian
Belle and Sebastian are a large ensemble from Glasgow, Scotland, centered around frontman Stuart Murdoch.
For over 25 years they’ve enjoyed a cult following on the indie scene with a sound that achieves a miraculous balance, as if sprinkled with pop magic.
Affectionately known in Japan as “Beruseba,” they boast many ardent fans; beyond their beautiful sound, they’re distinguished by richly poetic, literary lyrics that hint at influences like The Smiths and resist easy interpretation.
This aspect is especially strong in their early work, and since we’re talking end-of-summer songs, I’d like to introduce A Summer Wasting, released in 1998.
Known in Japan by the title “The Summer I Did Nothing,” this track is a bittersweet gem with a naive melody and vocals and a delicate band ensemble.
Taken at face value, it portrays a protagonist lamenting having “wasted the summer,” yet it also contains expressions that can be read as ironic, which makes it intriguing.
It might be nice to listen to this song while recalling what kind of summer you spent.
Afterglow of Dusk: Emo Western Songs Echoing at Summer’s End (31–40)
Didn’t We Almost Have It AllWhitney Houston
Whitney Houston, the American songstress who shone brilliantly in the 1980s.
Among her many hit songs, a considerable number of people say their favorite is Didn’t We Almost Have It All.
Released in 1987, the song reached number one on the U.S.
charts.
With her powerful voice and expressive delivery, she sings of lingering feelings toward a lover on the verge of parting.
Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For YouGeorge Benson
For those who spent their twenties or thirties in the ’80s, many probably listened to this song as the soundtrack to the end of summer.
Also known in Japan by the title “Unchanging Feeling,” the track originally appeared on popular fusion guitarist-vocalist George Benson’s 1984 album 20/20.
Written by the golden duo of Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser, it’s a sweet, mellow ballad whose wonderful melody continues to shine with an evergreen glow.
Later, Hawaiian singer Glenn Medeiros covered it and turned it into a hit.
Just imagine the scenes of summers gone by as you play this song while driving—it doesn’t get any better!
(Just Like )Starting OverJohn Lennon
(Just Like) Starting Over is a song released in 1980.
It was issued as the lead single in October of that year, and in November the album Double Fantasy, which includes the track, was released.
Lennon, who had been actively promoting the new work with his wife Yoko, was shot dead by an obsessed fan on December 8 at the age of 40.
Ironically, this song expresses Lennon’s desire to “start over again.”
Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters
The Carpenters are a brother-and-sister duo who still have many devoted fans in Japan.
Their calm, wholesome image is likely a key reason they’ve enjoyed long-lasting support among Japanese listeners.
Among their many hit songs, one of the most singable and memorable is “Yesterday Once More.” It was released as a single in 1973.
Love Will Lead You BackTaylor Dayne
Taylor Dayne is a singer who produced several hit songs during the heyday of the 1980s disco sound.
“Love Will Lead You Back” is a track that proved that Taylor—who had mostly released up-tempo, powerful songs up to that point—could also sing a tender love ballad.
It was released in 1989.