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 collection of music to help you cool down (31–40)
city lightRuLu
If you’re looking for a stylish summer song, this is the one.
It’s a track by the Vocaloid producer RuLu, known for hits like “Utakata Kingyo,” released in 2020.
The sound is a gorgeous blend of coolness and sparkle, and it’s wonderful.
The bassline and synth phrases all feel so pleasant.
The lyrics, which liken the feeling of being in love to the atmosphere of a summer night, are also outstanding.
It’s a great recommendation when you want to heighten that romantic mood—perfect for listening as a couple, too.
Summer has come.≠ME
This song evokes the refreshing breeze of early summer, featuring the energetic vocals that are so characteristic of ≠ME.
Released in July 2024 as their ninth single, it centers on the growing sense of anticipation that comes with the arrival of summer.
The lyrics capture the excitement of making memories with friends and the thrill of new encounters.
It’s a track packed with the charm of ≠ME, produced by Rino Sashihara.
With its poppy, catchy melody and depiction of youthful brilliance, it’s perfect as background music for a drive with friends or a date with your partner.
Summer Beachsuiɴya
“Summer Beach” is characterized by crisp guitar tones, percussive rhythms, and a tropical vibe.
It was released in 2016.
The steady four-on-the-floor beat makes it easy to groove to and lifts your spirits, but the lyrics tell a one-summer love story that adds a touch of wistfulness.
The detailed variety of fills keeps it engaging from start to finish.
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.
COCONUTNiziU
Perfect for the season when the summer sun is dazzling, this is a summery track from NiziU’s album “COCONUT.” Just listening to it lifts your spirits, evoking a refreshing scene of blue skies and the sea.
Its vibrant sound makes summer memories with friends shine, and the nine members’ vocals convey the openness and positive energy of summer.
The album “COCONUT,” which includes this song, was released in July 2023 and debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Albums Chart with 142,000 copies sold in its first week.
The album also features the movie theme song “Paradise” and the drama theme song “LOOK AT ME.” It’s a perfect pick to elevate karaoke, road trips, and all your summer outings—highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy the season.
Refreshing songs to listen to in summer: A roundup of cool-down music (41–50)
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.
Summer Darlingchay
From the very start, the song has a great tempo and a lively groove that feels like it could help you power through the midsummer heat—a must-listen for girls and a classic summer hype track.
Chay’s clear, pure vocals seem like they could blow away the blazing sun.
Invite someone on a drive with a song like this, and your summer romance might just go perfectly.