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)
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.
Emotional songs you want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (51–60)
SummertimeFIVE NEW OLD
This song, with its striking guitar sound and exhilarating melody, is a number by the Kobe-born band FIVE NEW OLD.
The lyrics, blending sweet bitters and a touch of wistfulness as they look back on the days of summer gone by, are filled with a nostalgic summer atmosphere.
Their sound, infused with a love for the 2000s rock they grew up on, feels both familiar and fresh.
The track was used in a KOSÉ commercial and included on their April 2021 album “MUSIC WARDROBE.” It’s an emotional rock tune, perfect for a drive under blue skies or a memorable moment with friends.
Slow & EasyHirai Dai
This is one of Dai Hirai’s classic songs that evokes the easygoing rhythms of the tropics and the breeze of Hawaii.
The title track included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015, carries the message: “Don’t rush—live at your own pace.” It was also featured in Sumitomo Forestry’s ‘Sakimachi Arai-Minami Sustainatown’ commercial, soothing the hearts of many.
The pleasant tones of the acoustic guitar and Hirai’s gentle vocals create a liberating feeling, as if you’re relaxing on a white sandy beach.
This is the kind of music you’ll want to listen to when you need a break from a busy daily life to calm your mind.
In June 2022, total streams surpassed 100 million, and the song continues to be loved by many as a summertime staple.
Sound of SummerGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s “Natsu no Oto” portrays a faint yet bittersweet story set against the backdrop of a summer festival.
Written as a campaign song for Kirin’s “Nama-cha,” it was released as a digital-only lead single ahead of its inclusion on the 2015 album “C, D desu to!?” From the intro, the song already feels heartrending, as if it tightens your chest the more you listen.
“Natsu no Oto,” or “the sound of summer,” likely refers to fireworks, with the fleeting fireworks mirrored against the transience of the singer’s own love.
NatsuneYuuri
Singer-songwriter Yuuri, whose 2020 release “Dry Flower” became a massive hit.
His 2021 track “Natsune” is a top recommendation as an emotional, heartrending summer song.
Beginning with his gentle voice and a breezy, summer-like electric guitar sound, the piece alone conjures vivid scenes of summer as you listen.
By the way, the song was specially written for the first episode of Hulu’s “Dry Flower – Shichigatsu no Heya -,” a drama based on the worlds of hit songs like “Dry Flower,” so if you’re interested, be sure to watch the series as well.
I remember youYUI
As summer draws to a close, it’s only natural to want to listen to one of YUI’s classic songs.
Released in September 2006, this piece is deeply connected to the film “Midnight Sun” (Taiyo no Uta), in which YUI herself starred.
It was produced during the film’s preview tour and is said to have been written with the image of a character reminiscing about a beloved person.
The unforgettable feelings for someone precious who can no longer be seen are sung with a heartrending melody that truly tightens the chest.
The song is also included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” among others.
How about it for a long autumn night spent basking in memories of summers past, or as a companion for a slightly sentimental drive?
Coastline CiderKetsumeishi
A melody reminiscent of the sound of waves brings back memories of summers gone by.
It’s a track from Ketsumeishi’s digital single released in June 2025, chosen as the theme song for ABC-MART’s “SUPER SUMMER SALE” commercial.
Set to a comfortable rap, it vividly portrays the bittersweet memories of youth.
Within it lies the mindset of a protagonist who, while immersed in reminiscence, strives to look ahead.
Listening to it while driving along the coastline at dusk might just put you in a nostalgic mood.