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!
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Ballads to Hear in Summer | Exquisite Summer Songs that Embrace Heartache (101–110)
Ephemeral FireworksKami wa saikoro o furanai
God doesn’t roll the dice, but he gifts a bittersweet summer love song.
Titled with the word “utakata”—a term used to describe things fleeting—this track portrays a romance that flares like fireworks, shining only for a moment.
The lyrics depict a couple in yukata waiting for the fireworks to launch, while the woman senses that “this relationship won’t last long.” Even so, she can’t extinguish her feelings for him.
Many listeners will likely be moved by the ephemerality and poignancy of this one-summer love.
Released on July 17, 2020, this song became their major-label debut first digital single.
fireworksAAA
This song by AAA portrays summer scenery and the many emotions that come with it.
Its rhythm carries an R&B sensibility, while the blend of piano and traditional Japanese instruments creates a striking sound that heightens the sense of poignancy.
A notable feature is the use of words that evoke the Japanese summer, which makes the song’s story feel even more vivid.
The lyrics convey the sadness of a fleeting season slipping away, while also suggesting a wish for moments of happiness to last.
With a calm atmosphere that invites you to face your own feelings, it’s a track that truly stirs the heart.
HimawariBBY NABE
Rapper and producer BBY NABE, who spent his childhood in New York and writes songs for major artists, released Himawari digitally on September 2, 2020.
Unlike his previous, rap-centered works, this track showcases BBY NABE’s strong singing ability.
The lyrics liken a precious, lost presence to a sunflower, tightening the chest as they echo the bittersweet feeling of summer coming to an end.
It’s a soulful, pleasantly sentimental ballad marked by an unforgettable vocal performance.
Sparklers feat. Lila IkutaSato Chiaki
One of the most talked-about tracks from this star-studded collaboration is “Sparklers (feat.
Lila Ikuta).” This piece is a collaboration between Chiaki Sato, known as the vocalist of Kinoko Teikoku, and Lila Ikuta, known as the vocalist of YOASOBI.
It’s a mid-tempo ballad with a striking, strings-forward sound.
The lyrics portray a bittersweet summer night romance through the metaphor of sparklers.
Give it a listen while paying attention to its richly emotive imagery.
Fireworks MagicAnsako
When it comes to the bittersweet feelings of summer, you can’t leave out songs about unrequited love.
This track by singer-songwriter Ansako is exactly that—a love song set in summer.
As the title suggests, it’s themed around fireworks, and the lyrics depict a scene where a small group of close friends—both guys and girls—get together to set off fireworks.
The female protagonist seems to be in love with one of the men in the group, and many listeners will probably relate to the fluttery excitement of this situation.
It’s a song that brings back sweet and sour summer memories as you listen.
Ballads to Listen to in Summer | Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Bittersweet Longing (111–120)
Layering summersImai Miki
Released in 1988.
This is the first track on the album “Bewith,” which was created around a summer theme.
The percussion rhythm in the intro evokes a resort-like atmosphere, capturing the feel of summer beautifully.
It portrays a laid-back holiday of an adult romance.
Miki Imai’s cool, breezy voice glides pleasantly and makes you forget the heat.
A perfect song for summer.
GarnetOku Hanako
A heartwarming ballad that gently embraces the bittersweetness of summer love is sung by Hanako Oku.
Chosen as the theme song for the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, this gem captures the fleeting nature of youth and the beauty of first love.
Oku’s delicate vocals and the piano’s melody blend beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.
The single, released on July 12, 2006, also includes the film’s insert song, “Kawaranai Mono” (The Unchanging).
This work is recommended for those who feel nostalgic for days gone by or want to hold on to precious memories.
It’s the perfect song for that sentimental feeling at summer’s end—please give it a listen.