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 you want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (81–90)
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
This is a classic Ketsumeishi song whose somewhat wistful yet warm melody seeps into the heart, evoking the days of summers gone by.
Casual conversations on trips with friends and those sudden moments of excitement come vividly back to life, as if they happened just yesterday.
Released in July 2003, the track reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s also included on the acclaimed album “Ketsuno Police 3,” became widely known as a Vodafone commercial song, and has even been selected as the official song for the Japan Camping Car Show 2025.
Beyond its popularity on TikTok, it’s the perfect tune for belting out together on a summer drive or for walking alone along the beach at dusk, lost in memories.
ReunionVaundy
This is a number by singer-songwriter Vaundy.
It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” and is set for release in July 2025.
Vaundy himself delved into the original work and created the song based on a sense of “unease about not knowing what will happen next.” The rock sound, tinged with a foreboding atmosphere, is distinctly Vaundy.
The lyrics reflect the joy of a long-awaited reunion while projecting an unshakable doubt and loneliness—the fear that the other person may no longer be the same.
It meshes seamlessly with the original’s raw, prickling mood and its delicate, complex emotional nuances.
Summer of UniformsMayo Okamoto
It’s a fresh, bittersweet song by Mayo Okamoto that unfolds scenes of youth before your eyes—summer sunshine and the sea glimpsed from the window of a swaying train.
It delivers the thrill we felt rushing around in our school uniforms, carried by a crisp acoustic sound.
The quickening heartbeat for the person who just happened to sit beside you, the wordless, frustrating feelings—don’t they overlap with the precious memories everyone keeps tucked away inside? When you want to linger in the shining memories of your school days, why not gently open the album of your heart with this song?
Every time summer comesatarayo
Atarayo, a three-piece band that captivates fans with its lyrical worldview under the tagline “a band that feeds on sorrow.” The track Natsu ga Kuru Tabi from their concept album Kioku no Hako features a brisk, translucent ensemble that feels wonderfully refreshing.
Its lyrics, which depict bittersweet memories that resurface with the arrival of summer, are likely to resonate with many listeners who see their own experiences reflected in them.
It’s a refreshing yet sentimental number that showcases the expressive range of their male–female twin vocals.
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika
Yorushika is a two-piece rock band that has gained popularity, especially among younger listeners, for songs that set story-driven lyrics to rock sounds.
“Tada Kimi ni Hare,” included on their second mini-album, ‘Makeinu ni Encore wa Iranai’ (No Encore for the Loser), is a major hit whose YouTube music video has surpassed 100 million views.
Though the melody is simple, it features many falsetto leaps, so take care when singing it at karaoke.
It’s a pleasant pop tune marked by a subtly nostalgic guitar riff.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
Ai Otsuka is known for her energetic, cheerful songs like “Sakuranbo” and “SMILY.” But you can enjoy a different side of her with “Planetarium.” The lyrics, which hint at the bittersweet inability to say “I love you” outright—lines like “When I look up at the summer night sky, I remember you; even now the summer sky is the same planetarium as back then”—still feel fresh today.
It was released in 2005, so those born in the Heisei era might not be as familiar with it, but it’s a wonderful summer ballad I’d love you to hear at least once.
Give it a listen and you’ll surely want to recommend it to someone!
Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (91–100)
Live the summerRyokushokushakai
Ryokuoushoku Shakai, a four-piece rock band that made waves with their 2022 smash hit “Michi wo Yuke,” has released a moving track called “Natsu o Ikiru,” which, true to its title, celebrates the joy of living summer to the fullest.
The vocals by Haruko Nagaya are especially captivating; despite the melody being quite challenging, her overwhelming vocal prowess makes it sound effortless.
The music video, featuring distinctive hand-drawn style illustrations, is also really fun—why not give it a watch?
