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)
Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song, crafted by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, features a breezy band ensemble and crystal-clear harmonies that are truly beautiful.
The lyrics, imbued with a sense of late summer, portray a feeling that pins unspoken excitement and hesitation on “the fault of summer,” a sentiment that is sure to move many listeners with its poignancy.
You’ll be drawn into a world that gently captures the fleeting loneliness of growing up.
Released in August 2025 as the song for the “Kirin Gogo no Kocha” commercial, it also drew attention as the band’s first summer-themed work in about seven years.
Put it on during a sentimental night, and it will surely stay close to your heart.
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
Are there people out there imagining what it would be like to go to a summer music festival with that special someone they adore? This song by the three-piece girls’ band SHISHAMO is packed with that kind of sweet, bittersweet youth.
The track is set around a festival date with someone you’re interested in.
It captures both a passion for music and the delicate emotional ups and downs of worrying about how the other person sees you—guaranteed to make your heart flutter.
Released in July 2014, the song is also included on the album “SHISHAMO 2.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” reaching many listeners.
If you want to start a summer romance, this song will surely give you the courage you need.
It’s also highly recommended for couples to listen to together!
Emo Songs to Listen to in Summer: Masterpieces by Rock Bands and Singer-Songwriters (31–40)
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
It’s a memorable masterpiece with a melody that makes you want to hum as you look up at the night sky.
In this work woven by BUMP OF CHICKEN, the protagonist gazes at the stars while reflecting on their future, the anxieties they carry, and a faint glimmer of hope.
Even as they struggle with questions that have no answers, their determination to move forward is something that deeply resonates with listeners.
Released in March 2001 as their third single, it drew major attention as an insert song for the drama “Tentai Kansoku” that same year.
It’s also included on the album “jupiter.” When you’re lost or need a gentle push, listening under the starry sky will surely give you the courage to take a new step.
Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu
Powerfully voicing the anxiety of summer and the defiance of fate, this track is a true masterpiece of fast-paced summer rock.
Released by Macaroni Enpitsu in April 2022, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” The lyrics portray feelings for a lost loved one, a sense of bereavement, and the struggle to confront destiny, carrying a profound message centered on a fate that vanishes fleetingly like fireworks.
With its robust rock sound, the song evokes the beginning of a story and a sense of uplift, making it a guaranteed mood-booster when listened to in the summer season.
Trace that dreamYOASOBI
YOASOBI is a music duo that made a striking debut with their smash hit “Yoru ni Kakeru” and has gained popularity both in Japan and abroad, especially among younger listeners.
Their second digital-only single, “Tracing That Dream,” based on the short story The Droplet of a Dream and a Star’s Flower, later drew attention again when a ballad version was released.
Its liberating melody over a driving piano phrase feels perfect for a summer road trip.
The lyrics, which make you want to head somewhere far away, lift your spirits—it’s a refreshing pop tune through and through.
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.
