Ballads to Listen to in Summer | Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Bittersweet Longing
Going to the pool or the beach, having barbecues, heading to music festivals… summer is full of fun things, isn’t it? Precisely because it’s such an open, joyful season, there are moments when you suddenly feel lonely or a touch of wistfulness.
In this article, we introduce mellow ballads that will stay close to those bittersweet summer feelings.
From songs that capture the sadness of summer’s end to tracks themed around love and heartbreak, these warm tunes will wrap you up whenever a sentimental mood unexpectedly arrives.
Give them a listen!
Ballads to Hear in Summer | Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Heartache (1–10)
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
Speaking of summer songs, we definitely can’t leave this one out.
It became a beloved summer classic across generations after being used as the theme song for the TV drama series “Kids War” and the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” While it was originally a song themed around a friend transferring schools, it can also be heard as a friendship song—or even a love song, depending on the lyrics’ perspective.
It has a mysterious power that brings back countless memories of summers past just by listening to it.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
One of Southern All Stars’ signature songs and an absolute classic that always comes up when people talk about summer ballads, Manatsu no Kajitsu (Mid-Summer Fruit).
Keisuke Kuwata’s husky, wrung-out vocals further highlight the helpless sense of wistfulness woven into the song.
The arrangement, rich with gentle tones, is also incredibly soothing, and the more you listen, the more it heals you.
A supreme love ballad perfect for a summer night—if you’re reading this, it’s a must-listen track.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku
The masterpiece themed around the end of summer, Fuji Fabric’s “Wakamono no Subete.” The words scattered throughout the lyrics, the depictions of the town and fireworks, Shimura’s vocals, and the warmhearted performance—no matter where you focus, it evokes melancholy and youth.
Among their songs, this one is especially well-known and popular; it even appeared in the drama “SUMMER NUDE,” so many people across generations may be familiar with it.
That feeling of your chest heating up just by listening—you feel it too, don’t you?
Drunken SummerNEW!murasaki ima
A song by Shion that portrays an earnest love at summer’s end.
Featured on the album “Gallery,” released in May 2023, this track is characterized by a style that brings emotion to the forefront.
Throughout, it evokes the atmosphere of a ’90s ballad.
Husky vocals and sections mixing in whistle tones are used in various places.
The way the falsetto envelops subtle shifts of feeling is astounding, making it a perfect piece for those who want to linger in the afterglow.
Its distinctive sense of rhythm is also a highlight!
fireflyFukuyama Masaharu
A gentle yet powerful ballad, this piece resonates with the heart through Masaharu Fukuyama’s soft and passionate vocals.
Like fireflies faintly glowing on a summer evening, it depicts the fleeting passage of time and bittersweet feelings for someone dear, reminding us of the importance of living fully within our limited time and loving someone deeply.
Released in August 2010 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 26th single, it was also selected as the theme song for the NTV drama “Mioka: The Days You Were Here.” When you’re longing for something to accompany the loneliness and sentimentality felt at the end of summer, listening to this song will wrap you in warmth.