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’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (21–30)
August Is My Namekururi
A song that blends the bittersweet feeling of summer’s end with the warmth of timeless guitar rock.
Released digitally in September 2022, it was also included on the EP “Ai no Taiyo EP,” released in March 2023.
It served as the theme song for the Amazon Original drama “More Than Words.” Completed based on an earlier idea, the sound evokes nostalgia within its freshness—truly exceptional.
It’s a track that makes you want to sit back and listen while reminiscing about seasons gone by.
That summer is becoming an addiction.Jenīhai
Released in September 2025, this piece is a number that beautifully captures the fleeting nature of summer and the lingering afterimages of memory.
Alongside vivid scenic descriptions, it sings of unforgettable memories being etched ever deeper into the heart over time.
Takashi Niigaki’s crystal-clear piano melodies intertwine with Ikkyu Nakajima’s wistful yet resolute vocals, enveloping the entire track in a nostalgic atmosphere.
It can be described as a work that showcases the band’s ensemble, whose expressive power has grown even further since the album “Jenny Classic.” It’s the perfect song for immersing yourself in cherished memories that resurface at the end of summer.
Drowning in summerBocchi
Let me introduce Drowning in Summer, a track that’s been spreading by word of mouth, especially on social media.
It’s a summer song by the rock band Bocchi.
Set on a summer day, it depicts someone reflecting on a past summer romance.
If you watch the music video along with it, it’s easier to grasp: the song alternates between a past summer and the present one.
This structure really heightens the bittersweet feeling and the fleeting nature of memories.
Also, the overall high-pitched sound palette suits summer perfectly.
Youth and youth and youthaimyon
Aimyon is a singer-songwriter who garners wide support for her quality, melody-driven songs featuring acoustic guitar.
“Seishun to Seishun to Seishun,” included as the B-side to her major-label third single “Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai,” stands out with lyrics that evoke a summery image of youthful days, just as the title suggests.
The simple melody and relaxed tempo make it easy to sing at karaoke, but if you focus on riding the bouncy rhythm of the shuffle beat, you can capture the original vibe.
It’s a refreshing pop tune, with strings adding a sense of clarity to the ensemble.
First NightYorushika
The song “Daiichi-ya” paints summer scenes with emotional depth, and its lyrics are sure to grip your heart.
Many listeners will likely relate to the way it recalls someone who’s no longer by your side, bringing that person to mind in various moments.
Those memories of someone you loved surface at unexpected points in everyday life.
With vocalist sui’s voice and the melody working together, the sense of longing swells even more—making this a ballad you’ll want to listen to on a summer night.
NatsumiAKASAKI
This work is packed with bittersweet memories.
Released in September 2024, the track quickly became a hot topic on platforms like TikTok.
You’ll be drawn in by the words woven with the delicate sensibilities of an 18-year-old.
The combination of lyrics and melody that evokes the end of summer is exquisite—leaving a lingering wistfulness while still carrying a comfortably pop feel.
It’s a song that supports those who’ve experienced heartbreak or want to overcome a farewell with someone important.
Perfect for a quiet night.
End of the Summer RetreatWurtS
WurtS’s work, which deftly paints bittersweet summer scenes, is drawing attention as the perfect choice when you want to sink into an emo mood.
This piece captures the wavering emotions characteristic of one’s mid-twenties and the melancholy of summer’s end, expressed through a sound that fuses polished city pop with alternative influences.
The theme, inspired by Buddhist terminology, adds further depth.
The track is included on the EP “MAGICAL SOUP,” released in June 2021, and WurtS later provided a song for Toyota’s Corolla commercial.
Be sure to savor it alongside the lyrics during a summer sunset or whenever you find yourself seeking a moment of release.