Cool songs to listen to in summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down
What kind of songs do you feel like listening to when summer comes?
When we think of summer songs, the usual image is bright, heated themes like the blazing sun, the sea, and romance.
But since summer brings a string of hot days, some of you might be thinking, “I want to listen to songs that make me feel even a little cooler…”
So in this article, I’ll introduce songs—based on their sound, lyrics, and overall vibe—that feel refreshing and can cool you down a bit!
I’ve selected a wide range of tracks, so please try listening to a variety of them.
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Cool, refreshing songs for summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down (1–10)
Pretenders feat. C.O.S.A. & Yo-SeaSTUTS
A perfect BGM to soak in on a summer night is this track where the talents of STUTS, C.O.S.A., and Yo-Sea blend seamlessly.
Set over a mellow beat that makes you forget the bustle of the city, it paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of people wearing masks, hiding their true feelings, and surrendering themselves to a fleeting night.
It may well draw listeners into a pleasantly extraordinary world.
The song is included on the album “Orbit,” released in October 2022, and it also has a music video featuring striking night views of Chatan, Okinawa.
Give this refined sound a spin during a drive or while relaxing at home—it’s sure to enrich your summer nights.
So it’s summer.↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
This is one of THE HIGH-LOWS’ songs that evokes summer.
The title “Natsu Nanda na” is repeated over and over, and while it feels a bit sweltering, that’s exactly what makes it good.
I remember that summer being energized by this song.
Come on, let’s head into a hot summer together.
half moonHirai Dai
A romantic medium-tempo ballad that likens unrequited feelings to a waning moon.
Released by Dai Hirai in May 2025, it’s the fourth installment in a series of four consecutive digital singles produced to coincide with his beach festival, THE BEACH TRIP 2025.
The lyrics were co-written with EIGO, and the composition and arrangement were a collaboration with Haruto Nishi.
It’s a perfect track for a summer night drive.
sparklermoon drop
This song is themed around fireworks launched into the summer night sky.
It’s a bittersweet summer tune that depicts fleeting memories of youth and feelings that couldn’t be put into words.
Its emotional, melodious tone brings back memories of summers gone by.
Released in June 2024, the track showcases moon drop’s musical maturity.
The lyrics are sprinkled with nostalgic scenes—summer twilights, sandy beaches, memories of yukata.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on summer night drives, or when you’re carrying the ache of a tender, unspoken love.
everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrelKREVA
A healing summer song by KREVA that blends the languid feel of a hot afternoon with a refreshing breeze.
You dream of a resort, yet end up relaxing at home after all.
It conjures up an unpretentious snapshot of summer.
And maybe being with someone special is enough to make you happy, even without anything extraordinary—that’s the kind of love-filled touch KREVA brings to this track.
Released in June 2005, it was also used as a TV show ending theme.
Its comfortable beat and smooth rap make it a perfect number for summer drives or moments of quiet reflection.