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)
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.
Nagisaimase
Singer-songwriter imase, who uses TikTok as his main platform, has scored massive hits with songs like “Have a nice day” and “Tohikou.” He began writing and composing his own music soon after starting his career, and made his major-label debut in just about a year—a pace that feels very much of the Reiwa era.
“Nagisa” is a summer song he created, marked by his signature high-tone vocals.
The lyrics depict a fleeting summer romance, and as you listen, the story seems to unfold right before your eyes.
Nagisasupittsu
A song by Spitz that evokes a floating sensation as if dazed by the summer heat, with a mysterious worldview.
It’s said that Masamune Kusano created it while experimenting with programming, and the mechanically repeating tones—through which that backstory can be felt—produce a unique sense of weightlessness.
The gradual entrance and assertion of instruments is another highlight, conveying a rising anticipation for summer.
The lyrics focus on words that depict scenery, giving the impression of gentle landscapes that evoke the freshness of summer, along with the accompanying shifts in emotion.
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.
sodasumika
A song by sumika that blends the fizzy, sparkling refreshment of a carbonated drink with a chest-tightening wistfulness.
It’s said that vocalist Kenta Kataoka wrote this passionate piece in almost a single night, channeling regret over a relationship left unresolved by a “misguided sense of kindness.” If you’ve ever struggled to express your feelings, you’ll feel that frustration all too keenly.
The track was included on the mini-album “I co Y,” released by an indie label in November 2014.
It’s a love song that gently stays by your side—whether you’re basking in a joyful summer romance or weathering a slightly bittersweet one.
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.
Let’s Go to the Sea (feat. PES)Lisa Halim
This surf music features a groovy, Latin-tinged rhythm that resonates comfortably alongside the sound of the waves.
Lisa Halim’s husky yet gentle vocals blend seamlessly with PES’s cool rap (formerly of RIP SLYME), vividly expressing a longing for the sea and memories of summer.
Produced by DJ HASEBE, the track was released as a digital-only single in October 2020 and drew attention after being picked up by major Spotify playlists.
It’s the perfect song for a seaside drive or reminiscing about summer.