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 (21–30)
Every time summer comesatarayo
Atarayo, a three-piece band that captivates fans with its lyrical worldview under the tagline “a band that feeds on sorrow.” The track Natsu ga Kuru Tabi from their concept album Kioku no Hako features a brisk, translucent ensemble that feels wonderfully refreshing.
Its lyrics, which depict bittersweet memories that resurface with the arrival of summer, are likely to resonate with many listeners who see their own experiences reflected in them.
It’s a refreshing yet sentimental number that showcases the expressive range of their male–female twin vocals.
A voice that calls summerSizuk/Shunryu
This is a refreshing, fast-paced summer song from Sizuk, a music project by Shunryu, a creator active in anime and idol songs.
The track’s central theme is a “youth song where you can hear summer,” and both the sound and the lyrics convey the exhilarating feeling of youth associated with the season.
A major highlight is the vocals by kotoha, who is also active as a member of Haconiwa Lilliy; her resonant voice, which carries a positive image, enhances the youthful atmosphere.
With its driving sound and lyrics that paint scenes of youth, the song vividly conveys the sense of fully enjoying summertime.
Cool songs to listen to in summer: A collection of music to help you cool down (31–40)
summer stormJenīhai
A song that lets you feel both the exhilaration and the bittersweetness of summer at the same time is “Natsuarashi.” It was released in 2021 by Jenny High, a rock band formed by multi-talented entertainers.
A refreshing melody line rings out over a driving, fast-paced rhythm.
Pay attention to the poetic lyrics that evoke the beginning of a summer romance.
Ikkyu Nakajima’s vocals, tinged with a certain sentimentality, are also deeply moving.
It’s a summer song packed with the sweet-and-sour essence of youth.
Why not give their heartfelt band sound a listen?
Summer Days and Your VoiceChouCho
It’s a summer song that sings of a love that’s pure, straightforward, and sweetly bittersweet.
Sung by ChouCho, the singer known for “piece of youth,” it was used as the opening theme for the anime Glasslip and was released as a single in 2014.
The refreshing melody matches her bright, clear vocals, making it a pleasure to listen to.
How about taking a walk on a summer day when a cool breeze is blowing, with this song in your ears?
Summer-Color Syndrometaira osamu P
A crisp, refreshing electro-rock.
Released on June 5, 2016.
It depicts a scene of a girl painting a summer sky and a man who, unable to say his farewell, looks up at the real blue sky—cicadas, sunflowers… the song portrays street corners just after the rainy season ends.
NatsuneYuuri
This is Yuuri’s rock ballad that captures that heart-tightening sense of longing you suddenly feel at summer’s end.
The pure wish to “stay together forever” flows through his emotive vocals and the beautiful melody, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released as a single in September 2021, the song was created for the Hulu original drama “Dry Flower – Room 707 -.” It reached No.
23 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for the week and is included on the album Ichi.
It’s the kind of song that might really hit home when you’re soaking in a slightly sentimental summer twilight or quietly reminiscing about an old romance.
Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)
This song by Cody・Lee (李) is a captivating piece where everyday city life intersects with faint summertime memories.
The lyrics mention several specific places in Tokyo, and seem to depict memories of a past romance and the small joys of daily life—listening to it may stir a sense of nostalgia.
Its light sound, evocative of city pop and indie rock, deftly portrays a scene where the languor of summer, the hustle of the city, and a touch of bittersweet emotion all mingle together.
Included on their major-label debut album, “Heartbeat, Love Letters, and Kindness,” released in May 2022, the track is a special one for the band, with drummer Taki Hara taking the lead in crafting the lyrics together with vocalist Hibiki Takahashi.
If you listen to it at summer dusk or when you suddenly find yourself reminiscing, it’s sure to resonate.
Add it to your playlist as a staple for the season.