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 songs to listen to in summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down (11–20)
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi creates a truly unique sound through the contrast between their striking tracks and melodic rap.
Released in July 2003, their 10th single has become a beloved summer staple in J-pop.
It resonates with a bittersweet longing for the end of joyful times, paired with a refreshing spirit that looks toward tomorrow.
The song was featured in a Vodafone commercial and included on the acclaimed album Ketsuno Police 3.
With its emotional, memorable chorus, it’s a pop tune perfect for late-summer drives or time spent with friends.
Summer DreamBikkeburanka
An urban, mellow-sounding number that feels wonderfully smooth.
It’s a work by singer-songwriter Vickeblanka, and his signature delicate falsetto accentuates the fragility of summer nights.
The theme is the memory of a fleeting summer romance, and its charm lies in the coexistence of a dreamlike weightlessness and a heart-tightening wistfulness.
This track is one of the double A-side single “Natsu no Yume/WALK,” released in August 2018.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to sink into a slightly sentimental mood at summer’s end.
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.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
A sparkling, youth-infused song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, written as the theme for the film “Blue Summer: 30 Days of Love.” With a driving sound that emphasizes the guitar tones, it conveys the momentum of youth.
The lyrics, which line up quintessential summertime moments, are also striking, directly expressing the joy of summer.
It’s a bright, refreshing track that evokes the image of sprinting full speed through the fleeting season so there are no regrets.
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.
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi
A comfortable number that brings an urban, stylish summer mood.
Created by Quruli, a Kyoto-born band, in July 2016 to mark their 20th anniversary, it features an innovative sound that leans into R&B and hip-hop.
Many listeners have likely been hooked by the contrast between its chic sound and unconventional lyrics.
The catchy chorus refrain is the kind that, once you hear it, you can’t help but hum along.
It’s a stylish track that fits perfectly with a summer drive or a slightly sentimental night.
Cool songs to listen to in summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down (21–30)
The Long and Short FestivalShiina Ringo
I want to sink into a slightly mature, stylish mood that suits a summer night.
For times like that, I recommend this song by Ringo Sheena.
It conveys a strong sentiment: “A woman’s most dazzling, glamorous moment is as fleeting and brief as a scorching summer festival, and that’s exactly why we should savor the present with all our might.” Riding a passionate, samba-like rhythm, she trades sultry lines in a duet with Tokyo Jihen’s guitarist Ukigumo, creating an unforgettable, addictive track after just one listen.
Released in August 2015 as the title track of the double A-side single ‘Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri / Kamisama, Hotokesama,’ it was also used in Coca-Cola’s summer campaign commercial.
It’s a number that coolly sets the mood for a muggy summer night drive.