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

The First Steprakkuraifu50rank/position

Luck Life / The First Step [Music Video] (TV Anime 'Cheer Boys!!' Opening Theme)

This upbeat, exciting track that gets you hooked from the sparkling intro is Haji no Ippo (The First Step), which also served as the opening theme for the anime Cheer Boys!!.

It’s performed by Luck Life, a rock band from Osaka.

Their songs resonate deeply, driven by their motto: “We don’t want to sell a million copies; we want to reach a million hearts.” It takes a lot of courage to take that very first step when you’re starting something new, doesn’t it? This is a song I hope you’ll listen to while thinking of the friend who gave you that push when you needed it most!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

Report a problem

Eddie in SummerRīgaru Rirī51rank/position

Eddie in Summer

Let me introduce a song that awakens that unique mix of excitement and wistfulness at the very moment summer begins.

Featured on Regal Lily’s album “kirin,” released in August 2024, this track delicately depicts summer scenes and the subtle sway of the heart through Honoka Takahashi’s poetic lyrics and crystalline vocals.

It captures the fresh innocence of sensing the start of summer through details of a crush’s outfit, and trying to connect by sharing the music they love, all while expressing—over Regal Lily’s signature alternative sound—the brilliance of irreplaceable summer memories, as if “a single instant could last a lifetime.” The song was also performed at their 2025 summer solo concert “Summer Triangle,” captivating many in the audience.

It’s a perfect number for a summer drive or for quietly slipping into thought at dusk.

Don’t say “lazy”Hōkago Tī Taimu52rank/position

Don’t say “lazy”

A song by the in-story music unit Ho-kago Tea Time, used as the ending theme for the TV anime K-ON!.

Its fast-paced, aggressive rock sound feels cool enough to transcend the boundaries of typical anime songs.

While it features a lot of root-note playing, the tempo is quick, so focus on keeping your note attacks consistent without slipping out of the groove.

Also, the bass line in the interlude involves fairly large position jumps; practice it thoroughly so you can play it cleanly and bring out the song’s natural drive.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

ciderakai kouen53rank/position

Akai Koen live Cider (Passionate Singing Festival)

It’s a love song that captures youthful romance, as if even your feelings are heated by the summer heat! It’s a track by the girl band Akai Koen, known for songs like “Zettaiteki na Kankei” and “Orange,” included on their second album, “Mouretsu Rhythmic,” released in 2014.

From the sound alone, it feels like it expresses emotions popping like fizzy soda bubbles! There are probably people who find themselves following their crush with their eyes without even realizing it.

Even if you’re not aware of it, this song might jolt you into recognition.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

a lantern in the dark (night)akai kouen54rank/position

Akaikoen – “A Lantern in the Dark Night” Music Video

As the first installment of their three-month consecutive release, Akai Koen dropped Yami yo ni Chochin.

True to its title, it’s a killer tune wrapped in the sultry heat and slightly mysterious air of a summer night festival.

The ensemble—featuring a guitar riff that weaves in traditional Japanese melodies from Misa Tsuno, a heaving, serpentine bassline, and tight drums—is nothing short of breathtaking.

The dizzyingly shifting song structure feels like wandering a summer night road lit by flickering lanterns.

It’s a track whose performance radiates such intensity you can almost break a sweat just listening.