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 want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (51–60)
Tropical TherapyONE OK ROCK
A song that sings of the longing for healing in a tropical paradise, wishing for the liberation of the soul.
Paired with ONE OK ROCK’s signature powerful sound, the heartfelt desire to escape everyday stress resonates deeply.
Through vocalist Taka’s soaring voice, the yearning to flee to a paradise and the glimmer of hope are beautifully expressed.
Featured on the album “DETOX,” this track centers on the theme of freeing oneself from inner conflict and anxiety, offering comfort to listeners.
It’s a perfect song to soothe your heart when you’re worn out by work or relationships, and it’s also great for a drive.
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!
sunflowerAge Factory
Age Factory is a three-piece rock band whose solid yet tricky playing has earned high acclaim, and whose straightforward live performances have also made them popular.
Released on May 31, 2023, “Himawari” is a track with a floating sensation woven into its sense of speed, issued as the second installment in their series of consecutive new releases.
The lyrics, which evoke a parting with someone precious, capture the bittersweet feeling of summer slipping away.
It’s a sentimental rock tune whose powerful yet wistful ensemble pierces the heart.
WeakendsDef Tech
Some of you may feel sad that summer is coming to an end.
That’s why I’d love for you to listen to “Weakends.” It’s a track released by the reggae duo Def Tech.
Set to the gentle sound of the ukulele, it portrays the end of summer and a longing to stay together even after summer is over.
The song has a warm overall feel, so it’s relaxing to listen to and might even blow away those blues.
By the way, the title is a coined word that combines “weekends” and “weak.”
Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: Classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters (61–70)
Good Luck in Summer and AutumnRA MU
RA MU was a band that delivered a unique sound by blending city pop with idol pop.
Fronted by Momoko Kikuchi, who is active as both an actress and singer, their hidden gem is “Natsu to Aki no Good-Luck.” The track was included on their 1988 album THANKS GIVING.
Centered on bright brass and synth tones, with a sinuous bassline added in, it comes together as a breezy, buoyant sound.
Set against the backdrop of the seaside at summer’s end, it’s an urban, soothing song where her translucent vocals poignantly capture a bittersweet romance.
Summer loverSHISHAMO
Many people have either told a partner it’s over or been on the receiving end.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “Natsu no Koibito” (“Summer Lover”).
It’s a song released by SHISHAMO in 2016, depicting the casual scenes of a summer romance and the farewell that eventually arrives.
Because the decision to break up is stated clearly early in the song, the everyday moments that follow feel all the more heartrending.
The section in the latter half that portrays inner conflict, and the transition from there into an a cappella part, are especially emotional.
sea glassSaucy Dog
Saucy Dog, a three-piece rock band that drew attention when their 2021 release Cinderella Boy became a massive hit.
Their sixth major digital single, Seaglass, opens with a poignant vocal line over transparent guitar arpeggios.
The liberating chorus melody and ensemble blend summertime exhilaration with a sentimental atmosphere.
It’s a pop tune with aching lyrics that tighten the chest—one you’ll want to hear at summer’s end.