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 (1–10)
Blues in the Closetzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
Amid a jazzy piano sound, this track exudes a poignant, sentimental atmosphere.
Packed with the charm of Zutto Mayonaka de Ii no ni, “Blues in the Closet” evokes emotions tucked away in the heart and feelings that can’t be put into words.
Released in June 2024 as an insert song for the film “Even If I Like You, I’m a Contrarian,” it’s a richly layered piece that matches the movie’s worldview.
ACA-ne’s transparent vocals gently envelop the song’s complex emotions.
It’s the kind of track you might want to listen to on a summer evening, when you feel just a touch of loneliness.
Night journeyYorushika
It’s a work that reveals a grand, fantastical world and grips your heart tight.
Created by the band Yorushika, formed by Vocaloid producer n-buna and vocalist suis, it was released as their second single in 2020.
The song was used as an insert track in the animated film “A Whisker Away.” The quiet opening draws you in, and the chorus—where emotions seem to burst—tugs at your tear ducts.
The literary lyrics align perfectly with the musical style.
It feels like a song that suits a summer evening.
rememberUru
A heart-touching ballad that gently wraps the bittersweet feelings of summer’s end.
This song by Uru was released in September 2018.
Written as the theme song for the anime film “Natsume’s Book of Friends the Movie: Tied to the Temporal World,” it features a striking structure in which emotions overflow all at once in the chorus after a soft, gentle beginning.
It sings about the importance of staying connected in our hearts, even when separated from someone precious.
While in harmony with the anime’s worldview, it also shines with Uru’s unique sensibility.
It might be perfect to listen to on a summer evening at dusk.
Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (11–20)
Summer Time MagicAme no Parēdo
This song sweetly portrays the feelings of a summer romance.
It’s a work by ame_no_parade, released digitally in July 2019 and later included on the album BORDERLESS.
Its refreshing electronic sound, danceable rhythm, and catchy melody are captivating.
You can picture two people playing by the seaside under a blue sky.
The inability to express their feelings honestly gives it a bittersweet touch.
It’s perfect for listening to on a summer evening while walking along the beach.
Boy, the breeze is fragrantatarayo
This song is striking for the contrast between a melody that evokes a refreshing breeze and lyrics that seep with wistfulness.
Released in June 2024, it features Hitomi, the vocalist of Atarayo, whose delicate voice beautifully conveys the complex emotions of a protagonist who has grown into adulthood.
The lyrics—interweaving past promises, failures, and hope for the future—resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a recommended track both for those nostalgic about their youth and those living it right now.
Listen to it in the wind-kissed season, and it’s sure to become a special memory.
Chronostasiskinoko teikoku
On summer nights, when it’s a bit muggy and strangely quiet, you can’t help but feel a little emo, right? It’s a track by the rock band Kinoko Teikoku, included on their second album Fake World Wonderland, released in 2014.
Ambient guitar sounds, a chill groove, and a melody line infused with hip-hop elements—the combination just gets you.
It’s like your ears, your head, your whole body start to melt into the sound.
It feels perfect for walking down a nighttime street, just like the world the song evokes.
love hotelkuriipuhaipe
This song vividly and fleetingly portrays a nighttime relationship.
It’s a track by the rock band CreepHyp, also known for songs like “Shiori” and “Oyasumi Nakigoe, Sayonara Utahime,” included on their second album, “Fukikoboreru Hodo no I, Ai, Ai,” released in 2013.
The sentimental guitar phrases really stick with you, and vocalist Ozaki’s gentle voice sinks in, too.
I think it’s a piece that people around 20 years old, in particular, will relate to.