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)
NatsuneYuuri
This is a song sung by singer-songwriter Yuuri that carries a fragile, heartrending atmosphere.
It was written specifically for the drama “Dry Flower: Room of July,” which is based on the worlds of Yuuri’s hit songs “Dry Flower” and “Kakurenbo.” While the lyrics depict a happy scene that feels like a snapshot of a summer day spent together, the sound evokes a sense of suffering as well.
The story flows from this song into “Kakurenbo” and “Dry Flower,” so I’d love for you to listen to them in succession to discover the true source of this song’s bittersweet mood.
Ballads to Hear in Summer: Exquisite Summer Songs That Embrace Heartache (51–60)
As long as summer lastsadieu
A song marked by its gentle vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply.
It poignantly captures the loneliness at summer’s end.
Included on adieu’s 3rd mini-album, “adieu 3,” it was released early for streaming on August 17, 2022.
With delicate detail, it portrays emotions that shift as the summer days come to a close, centering on memories of summer and their fleeting nature.
By contrasting youth with a more mature sensibility, it tenderly sings of small moments in everyday life and subtle changes in relationships.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to look back on summer memories, or when you’re ready to take a step into a new season.
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.
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.
I remember youYUI
As summer draws to a close, it’s only natural to want to listen to one of YUI’s classic songs.
Released in September 2006, this piece is deeply connected to the film “Midnight Sun” (Taiyo no Uta), in which YUI herself starred.
It was produced during the film’s preview tour and is said to have been written with the image of a character reminiscing about a beloved person.
The unforgettable feelings for someone precious who can no longer be seen are sung with a heartrending melody that truly tightens the chest.
The song is also included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” among others.
How about it for a long autumn night spent basking in memories of summers past, or as a companion for a slightly sentimental drive?
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.