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 (41–50)
melt summersatō moka
This is a track by Moka Sato, characterized by a mellow sound woven from shimmering synths and gentle guitars.
Released in August 2018, it was later included on the album “Merry go round.” It’s a song that quietly stays by your side during that indescribable loneliness that arrives at summer’s end.
The lyrics depict a fleeting summer romance that feels like it might melt away and disappear.
Perfect music for savoring beautiful memories while mourning the passing of summer.
silver vineSato Chiaki
Chiaki Sato—known as the former vocalist of Kinoko Teikoku and a multitalented solo artist—released Matatabi in July 2024, the theme song for the film Bake Neko Anzu-chan.
Set to warm, country- and folk-tinged guitar tones, the song gently sings of summer days gone by.
Images like festival sounds and lukewarm ramune soda are sure to stir listeners’ unforgettable memories of summer.
It’s a gem of a track to revisit cherished memories with, especially as the days begin to grow shorter.
Rainy WednesdayOhtaki Eiichi
One of Eiichi Ohtaki’s signature songs, where the gentle, soaking rain conveys the feel of summer.
You can picture yourself quietly gazing at the sea with someone dear, beside a battered old Volkswagen.
Before you know it, as you listen, you’re filled with a sentimental longing for the passing seasons.
The track was included on the classic 1981 album “A LONG VACATION,” and was later released as a single in May 1982.
With its clear, transparent vocals and wistful melody that sinks into the heart, it’s a perfect number for late summer.
The Last Song of MidsummerAratani Shota
As the dazzling sunlight softens and the season begins to feel like summer’s end, this is the perfect song to accompany the moment.
Released by Shota Araya in June 2025, the track features arrangements by ESME MORI and poignantly portrays the scenes of farewells that come with late summer.
The chorus, which calls out “Let’s dance,” even in the midst of parting, really strikes a chord.
It carries both sadness and gratitude for having met, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling just by listening.
A lyrical number perfectly suited for summer’s final days.
Writing down the summerrokudenashi
A song carefully woven like writing a diary entry about an ordinary summer day.
Scenes come to life—the flowers blooming by the roadside, the fireworks rising over the neighboring town’s sky—stirring both tenderness for the shining season and a looming sense of its eventual end.
The appeal also lies in vocalist Ninjin’s steady, resonant voice and the nostalgic rock sound.
Featured on the EP “Hikage,” released in July 2025, this track is a work that will stay by your side throughout your summer.
Summer nuisancebokula.
A refreshing rock tune that brilliantly depicts the lively scenes of summer festivals and the frustration of being in love.
The lyrics are dotted with quintessential Japanese summer imagery—fireworks, yukata, yo-yo balloons—evoking vivid scenes in the listener’s mind.
Released digitally in August 2022 as the first installment of bokula.’s three-month consecutive release project, the track was later included on the album “FUSION.” It’s the perfect song to boost your mood before heading to a summer festival or to use as BGM for making memories with someone special.
Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS
Even though August is over, it’s still sweltering these days, and there are summer songs that fit perfectly in September, too.
“September-san,” included on RADWIMPS’s 2006 album RADWIMPS 3: The One We Forgot to Bring to the Deserted Island, is one such track.
It’s said to be an important song for the band, apparently named in connection with September 3, the date of their first-ever solo concert.
It’s a summer song whose characteristically RADWIMPS emotional, bittersweet sound really resonates with the heart.
