Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters.
When you think of summer, what kind of image comes to mind?
It’s a season that’s hot and liberating, with lots of fun events, right?
But alongside that glamorous image, don’t you sometimes feel a vague sense of wistfulness—something a bit emo?
In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of emo songs you’ll want to listen to in summer, the kind that resonate with those feelings.
From band tracks to singer-songwriter pieces, we’ve gathered many songs across eras and genres, so be sure to take your time listening while reading the lyrics.
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Emotional songs to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (71–80)
Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu
Formed in 1988 by YO-KING and Hidetoshi Sakurai, Magokoro Brothers released “Summer Nude” in 1995—a pop tune with exhilarating, summer-flavored lyrics and sound.
The friendly vocals make you want to sing along, and the straightforward lyrics about being your true self are a perfect fit for the season.
It’s a top recommendation for anyone looking for ’80s-style summer songs! By the way, they reunited in 2005, so keep an eye on their future activities.
Ramuneindigo la End
A refreshing track that gently soaks the heart with the wistfulness of summer’s end.
The poetic lyrics and melodies woven by Enon Kawatani of indigo la End are striking.
Released as a single in September 2024.
In the music video, summer scenes and a girl’s emotions are beautifully portrayed.
Though the sound is pop, the lyrics carry the struggles of growth and the fragility of young love, stirring listeners’ feelings.
It’s perfect for times when you feel a seasonal shift or are parting from someone important.
This emotional song tenderly accompanies those who want to look back on their summer memories.
Summer Vacationsloppy dim
Set to a wistful melody that weaves together summer memories, this is a chill-rap track by the music duo sloppy dim, included on their album “Coordinate” released in June 2021.
Its breezy sound, infused with synth-pop and indie-pop elements, leaves a strong impression.
And the lyric “I’ll take you outside,” which feels like a direct projection of one’s inner feelings, is so relatable.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to step a little away from the everyday.
Emotional songs you want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (81–90)
The End of Summeraibii karaa
Why is a fireworks festival with someone you love always so moving? This song by Ivy to Fraudulent Game—a piano rock band from Osaka—was included on their second mini-album, “弾けた恋、解けた魔法” (Bursting Love, Unraveled Magic), released in 2018.
Its appeal lies in a spacious sound that blends a sentimental band arrangement with piano drenched in deep reverb.
Packed tightly with the bittersweetness of first love, this is a track you should definitely add to your playlist—especially recommended for teens!
Harmony at the End of SummerInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai
It’s a moving love song that can bring you even closer to your partner.
A collaboration between singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki’s band Safety Zone, it was released as a single in 1986.
The romantic sound is beautifully complemented by the duo’s exquisite vocal harmonies.
It’s a ballad that reveals more depth the more you listen.
Having someone you can feel this straightforwardly about is truly wonderful, isn’t it?
Fireworks MagicAnsako
Fireworks Magic” sings of fleeting yet beautiful fireworks and a love that blazes like flames.
It is the title track of the album released in 2018 by singer-songwriter Ansako, known for creating many songs that accompany everyday life.
Set to driving band instrumentation, the lyrics portray feelings of summer love in the sweltering season.
Her beautiful voice, as if imbued with a wish, conveys the passion of romance.
It’s a track where dynamic, expressive sounds resonate alongside a bittersweet yet heartwarming love story.
Why not listen while imagining an emotional summer romance?
Ephemeral FireworksKami wa saikoro o furanai
Utakata Hanabi depicts a love story set on a sweet, lustrous summer night.
Released in 2020 by the rock band Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai, who drew attention with songs crafted from a unique perspective, it features a sound where crystal-clear strings intertwine with piano.
It passionately sings of a love that makes the heart burn, longing to stay by the side of the one you love, even just a little.
Carried by lyrics that evoke the bittersweet beauty of summer’s natural scenery, vocalist Shusaku Yanagida’s emotional voice resounds in this grand love song.