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.
- [The Last Fireworks] An Emotive Song to Listen to at Summer’s End [2026]
- A collection of summer-like songs: tracks that go perfectly with summer, like the sea and the sky.
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- [Summer Songs] Summer tracks recommended for teens: A roundup of the latest and classic hits
- Songs you want to listen to at the end of summer: Late-summer classics to look back on the season
- A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
- [2026] A summer song that tightens your chest with bittersweet feelings. A classic summer tune that touches the heart.
- Youthful songs to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks.
- Cool songs to listen to in summer: a roundup of music to help you cool down
- [Refreshing] A Special Feature on Vocaloid Summer Songs [Nostalgia]
- [Oldies] Summer Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s [2026]
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Unrequited love songs you’ll want to listen to in summer. Classic summer hits and recommended popular tracks.
Emotional songs to listen to in summer: Masterpieces by rock bands and singer-songwriters (111–120)
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
This is a song sung by Tatsuya Kitani that awakens the brilliance of youth—something many of us have experienced at least once—and the bittersweet memories that come with it.
The sense of loss when friendships that once felt like they would last forever change shape over time and become something you can never touch again.
Those complex feelings ride on a fresh yet faintly melancholic melody that is sure to sink deeply into listeners’ hearts.
This track is the title song of an EP released in July 2023 and was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.” It also received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a perfect song to hum along to with friends on a summer drive or to sing at karaoke while pouring in the emotions of those days.
Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai
This is a song you’ll want to listen to on a hot summer day, the kind that makes you suddenly drift into memories of the past.
Images of summer heat, a baseball field with white balls zipping through the air, and the 5:00 p.m.
siren evoke the sweet-and-sour memories of youth, giving you the courage to walk toward the future, tinged with a touch of regret.
The track appears on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and its music video—based on the December 2019 live performance at Makuhari Messe—also leaves a strong impression.
It was selected as a recommended song by the music channel MUSIC ON! TV.
Whether you play it as background music on a summer drive or belt it out at karaoke, those fiery feelings from back then are sure to come rushing back.
Give it a listen!
Our Summer DreamYamashita Tatsuro
This is a song by Tatsuro Yamashita that evokes a nostalgic feeling, like a summer evening.
The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings makes it feel as if you’re watching a film from start to finish.
The lyrics seem to carry images of Japan’s lost pastoral landscapes and a gentle wish for the future, and listening to it may slowly warm your heart.
It’s a track with a warm theme that conveys bonds with loved ones and a sense of hope.
Released as a single in August 2009, it moved many people as the theme song for director Mamoru Hosoda’s animated film “Summer Wars.” It’s perfect for a summer drive with the windows down, feeling the breeze, and just as fitting for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to resonate with everyone.
mixMarushii
Known as the song from the Google Pixel 7a web commercial, this track by Marcy has captured the hearts of many.
Its delicate, emotional melody creates an atmosphere where the bittersweetness and warmth of late summer coexist.
It carefully depicts the subtle movements and tremors of the heart in love, gently resonating with listeners.
Released in August 2023, the song is also included on the album Candle.
Blue JeanGLAY
Just hearing the sparkling intro conjures up an endless expanse of blue sky and sea, doesn’t it? Released in August 2004, this GLAY track is a perfect fit for the band’s 10th anniversary—an exhilarating summer masterpiece tinged with bittersweetness.
In the world of its lyrics, one can sense the sweet-and-sour memories of a past love and the faint stirrings of new feelings sparked by an unexpected reunion.
Widely known as the theme for Esthetic TBC’s commercial, the song debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart, marking the band’s 18th chart-topping single—a brilliant milestone.
It’s a song that will keep you company on summer drives and also when you want to bask in a touch of melancholy while watching a beautiful sunset.
fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu
It’s a song by ORANGE SPINY CLUB that carries the sweet-and-sour pangs of youth and quiet heartache hidden in everyday life on a melody that feels somehow nostalgic.
The lyrical world crafted by Naoto Suzuki evokes faint feelings of love and vivid scenes, like the fragrance of fragrant olive, and seems to nestle close to the listener’s heart.
The track is included on the mini-album “Iratsuku Toki wa Itsudatte,” released in January 2020, and has become widely beloved, surpassing 100 million streams in June 2021.
In June 2023, it was also showcased in a special format on THE FIRST TAKE.
It’s the perfect song for those sentimental late-summer moments, when you listen while layering thoughts of someone dear and memories of youth.
Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)
This song by Cody・Lee (李) is a captivating piece where everyday city life intersects with faint summertime memories.
The lyrics mention several specific places in Tokyo, and seem to depict memories of a past romance and the small joys of daily life—listening to it may stir a sense of nostalgia.
Its light sound, evocative of city pop and indie rock, deftly portrays a scene where the languor of summer, the hustle of the city, and a touch of bittersweet emotion all mingle together.
Included on their major-label debut album, “Heartbeat, Love Letters, and Kindness,” released in May 2022, the track is a special one for the band, with drummer Taki Hara taking the lead in crafting the lyrics together with vocalist Hibiki Takahashi.
If you listen to it at summer dusk or when you suddenly find yourself reminiscing, it’s sure to resonate.
Add it to your playlist as a staple for the season.