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 Listen to in Summer | Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Heartache (41–50)
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
If you’re a fan of Eikichi Yazawa, you can’t skip this one as a summer song, can you? “Jikan yo Tomare” (Time, Please Stop) was his fifth single, released in 1978.
At the time it was used in a Shiseido commercial, and many people probably also remember hearing it in a Suntory BOSS commercial in 2017.
While Yazawa is known for songs that exude a masculine vibe, this track captures the bittersweet, slightly sentimental feelings of a man in summer.
It’s a song that will resonate not only with men of Yazawa’s generation but likely move younger listeners as well.
Ballads to Hear in Summer: Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Heartache (51–60)
Summer HornsInagaki Junichi
Junichi Inagaki is a singer who produced hit songs in the 1980s and 90s, beloved for his bittersweet and relatable music.
His song “Natsu no Claxon” (Summer Claxon) was released in 1983 as his fifth single, was featured in a commercial, and is also known for having been covered by numerous artists.
The lyrics portray someone reminiscing about a former girlfriend and sinking into summer memories—a heartrending track that many will surely find relatable, evoking memories of someone they parted with in a fleeting summer scene.
Cold fireworksKami ga nokoshita yume o kuu.
This song is a heartbreaking breakup ballad that overlays the dazzling burst of fireworks with a love coming to an end.
Though they stand side by side, their hearts no longer connect.
That frustrating relationship is portrayed against the backdrop of a late summer night.
The emotional vocals convey the painfully raw feeling of wanting to cling to memories while knowing there’s no going back.
It resonates deeply with anyone carrying an unforgettable love.
rememberUru
Uru is a singer whose voice moves people to tears and shakes their hearts.
Her song “remember” was chosen as the theme for the anime film Natsume’s Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond.
Rather than a ballad that makes you feel sad, it’s sung with someone supportive in mind, and by the end it leaves you feeling refreshed and positive.
The way it evokes summer scenes with a gentle nostalgia that anyone can relate to is also deeply moving.
Embracing SummerTUBE
It’s no exaggeration to call TUBE the very symbol of summer.
Their song “Natsu wo Dakishimete” (Embrace the Summer) was released in 1994 as the first single marking the band’s 10th year since debut—a ballad packed with feelings for a beloved person.
True to TUBE’s style, it’s a love song brimming with summery scenes, portraying summer lovers, and it became a huge hit.
For those who listened back then, it will feel nostalgic and bring back memories.
It’s a summer song you’ll want to hear while thinking of someone special.
sunflowerAdo
Speaking of songs that capture the bittersweetness of summer, this track is also highly recommended.
Created as the theme song for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together,” it features Ado’s powerful vocals that leave a strong impression.
The sunflower-themed lyrics convey a firm resolve to accept oneself and keep moving forward.
Perfectly aligned with the drama’s storyline, the song shot up the music charts upon its release on July 11, 2023.
It’s a must-listen for anyone trying to face forward despite carrying a sense of sorrow.
Ado’s voice will surely give you a gentle push from behind.
Goodbye, Summer DaysYamashita Tatsuro
The song “Sayonara Natsu no Hi,” said to be based on Tatsuro Yamashita’s own memories, is a wonderful love song that brings back recollections of a sweetheart from one’s youth.
Looking back now, those youthful romances may seem immature, but at the time we were completely serious.
Perhaps they linger even more vividly than the romances we have as adults.
It’s a classic summer ballad you’ll want to listen to while remembering your former love.
Apparently, all of the instruments and performance on this track were done by Tatsuro Yamashita himself.
