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)
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.
Emotional songs you want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (51–60)
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!
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika
Yorushika is a two-piece rock band that has gained popularity, especially among younger listeners, for songs that set story-driven lyrics to rock sounds.
“Tada Kimi ni Hare,” included on their second mini-album, ‘Makeinu ni Encore wa Iranai’ (No Encore for the Loser), is a major hit whose YouTube music video has surpassed 100 million views.
Though the melody is simple, it features many falsetto leaps, so take care when singing it at karaoke.
It’s a pleasant pop tune marked by a subtly nostalgic guitar riff.
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.
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.
SUMMER SONGYUI
Singer-songwriter YUI made her major debut in 2005 with the single “feel my soul.” Released in 2008, “SUMMER SONG” is a perfect summer track where the light, acoustic guitar sound blends exquisitely with her gentle voice.
At the time, it was promoted with the tagline “YUI’s Summer Song,” and it must have been quite a challenging work for her.
Precisely because of that, it was created with a strong emphasis on summertime vibes—melody, accompaniment, and lyrics all come together to form a refreshing, truly top-tier summer song!
You’re 1000%1986OMEGATRIBE
Omega Tribe is a music project produced by Koichi Fujita.
Even as the vocalist changed—from Kiyotaka Sugiyama to Carlos Toshiki to Masato Arai—the group left a trail of hits that defined their times.
This song, “Kimi wa 1000%,” released in 1986, is from the era when Carlos Toshiki was on vocals.
With Brazilian roots, Carlos’s clear, crystalline voice is the very pinnacle of purity; you could even say the song’s charm might not have reached listeners the same way without Toshiki’s voice.
The lyrics, themed around “you at 1000%, beyond 100%,” also conjure a refreshing summer vibe.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please do!