Songs You Want to Listen to in Summer: Girls’ Bands Popular Song Ranking [2026]

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS22rank/position

Princess Princess 'Diamonds <Diamond>'

PRINCESS PRINCESS is an essential band when talking about girl bands in the J-POP scene.

Their major hit “DIAMONDS,” released in 1989, was featured in a Sony “Audio Tape” commercial.

Its light, catchy band sound set to a Motown-style rhythm leaves a strong impression.

The song portrays themes of love and life, expressing cute yet passionate emotions.

The chorus work by vocalist Kaori Kishitani and the rest of the band shines brilliantly.

Why not give this uplifting summer tune a listen and let it brighten your spirits?

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mutō

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The End of SummerPRINCESS PRINCESS23rank/position

Princess Princess 'End of Summer'

The time to part ways is something you can’t avoid when you’re in love.

This is a bittersweet breakup song that sings about the “end of summer,” in other words, the end of a romance.

It’s a track by Princess Princess, released in 1996 as their 21st and final single before disbanding.

It opens with a chorus-drenched guitar arpeggio, and the layered synthesizer tones leave a strong impression.

The melancholic sound arrangement is part of its charm.

Even though it’s a summer song, it somehow feels cool and refreshing.

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Araki Jakkan

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Summer endsPapaya Paranoia24rank/position

Papaya Paranoia – This Is the End (FULL ALBUM)

It’s by a girl band and does include some summer-related keywords, but can we really call it a summer song? It’s an unconventional track.

I’m captivated by its mysterious, ghost-story-like, distinctly Japanese-feeling sound and effects—strange and eerie in the best way.

You can even hear voices like seagulls.

It might be perfect for people who are tired of the typical summer songs!

August IfPoppin’party25rank/position

August If

When it comes to summer anime songs that make you grateful for meeting friends or a lover, “August’s if” comes to mind.

It was released in 2017 by Poppin’Party, the girls’ band featured in the multimedia project BanG Dream!.

The track resonates with a straightforward and passionate rock sound.

Their emotional choral work, with members taking turns on different parts, is moving.

It’s a rock number I recommend even to those who don’t usually listen to anime songs.

A perfect anime tune for a summer evening!

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mutō

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Summer boom!Poppin’party26rank/position

Summer boom!

If we’re talking about a song with a heart-thumping pop sound that colors the summer night sky like brilliant fireworks, it has to be that up-tempo number by Poppin’Party, doesn’t it? The worldview painted by the lyrics is masterful: you can practically see the bittersweet youthfulness of two people seeking a secret moment together amid the bustling clamor of a summer festival, hearts fluttering in their yukata.

You can feel the protagonist’s earnest feelings and rising excitement, as they layer their hopes and wishes for the future onto the grand fireworks blooming across the night sky.

This track was included as a coupling song on Poppin’Party’s seventh single, “Time Lapse,” released in September 2017, and was later featured on the album “Breakthrough!” It’s also familiar to fans as an event theme song in the game “BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!” and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser live—at a 2018 concert the entire venue twirled towels in unison, and the Taiwan show thrilled fans with water-gun effects.

It’s perfect for times when you want to feel the full-body rush of a festival, or when you want your heart to twinge with the fleeting memories of a summer romance.

It’s also ideal for cranking the festival mood to the max with friends, brimming with a mysterious charm that brings a smile to everyone who listens.

After the Rain, With YouPoppin’party27rank/position

After the Rain, With You

A heartwarming number that opens with a wistful scene reminiscent of the rainy season skies, this song colors the story of the smartphone game “BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!” and showcases Poppin’Party’s delicate performance.

Included on the album “POPIGENIC,” the track centers on themes of positivity and hope, portraying the resolve to overcome difficulties and move toward the future.

While rooted in pop rock, its melodic development blends perfectly with a powerful band sound.

Since its release in February 2025, it has continued to captivate many fans.

Its refreshing, uplifting message and friendly melodic lines blow away the gloom of rainy days, making it perfect for karaoke during the rainy season.

It’s a recommended song for when you want a change of pace or to sing together with your close friends.

If in AugustPoppin’party28rank/position

August If

A refreshing pop tune that plays in a scene from the BanG Dream! anime OVA.

The bright, soaring lead guitar and sparkling piano melody pair perfectly with the cute twin vocals, creating a wonderfully breezy feel—summer vacation and youthful energy encapsulated.

Even without the visuals, just listening conjures up a scene of girls performing by the seaside.