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.

Playlist

Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Summer IllusionOmoinotake		Summer memories, a bittersweet love song
2	Magic of a Summer Nightindigo la End		A bittersweet song of memories at the end of summer
3	All of the YouthFujifaburikku		Melancholy at summer’s end and a bittersweet state of heart
4	Emo-ish summerLucky Kilimanjaro		A summer tune depicting a summer romance
5	Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako		A ballad that gently accompanies Okuda Hanako’s heart
6	Ghost in the FlowersYorushika		A wistful melody that paints memories of summer
7	Because of the summerRADWIMPS		A masterpiece that evokes the freedom of summer and the spirit of youth
8	Blues in the Closetzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.		A poem of emotions imbued in jazzy piano
9	Night journeyYorushika		A soul-stirring song: Yorushika’s moving masterpiece
10	rememberUru		A song that sings of the bittersweet feelings at the end of summer
11	Summer Time MagicAme no Parēdo		The sweet music of love at the summer sea
12	Boy, the breeze is fragrantatarayo		A heart-touching song that delicately depicts the emotions of youth
13	Chronostasiskinoko teikoku		Express the quietness and emotional vibe of a summer night
14	love hotelkuriipuhaipe		A song that portrays CreepHyp’s nighttime emotions
15	The summer you gave meieiri reo		Summer romances: singing of a love with no regrets
16	End of SummerShimizu Shota		A wistful singing voice that echoes at summer’s end
17	August Is My Namekururi		The warmth of universal rock at the end of summer
18	fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi		An enchanting symphony woven by summer and fireworks
19	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		Heartbreak emotions swaying like waves
20	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		Farewell at Summer’s End and a Vow to Meet Again
21	The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro		A song that gently reminisces about the end of summer
22	That summer is becoming an addiction.Jenīhai		A nostalgic song that depicts the end of summer
23	A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo		A passionate dance tune for a summer night
24	All of the Youthsuis from Yorushika		Suis’s cover song that brings back memories of summer fireworks
25	Drowning in summerBocchi		A bittersweet summer love song that's trending on social media
26	cotton candyback number		The appeal of the summer song “Watagashi”
27	sodasumika		sumika's bittersweet and exhilarating love song
28	Sunflower FireworksAile The Shot		A sentimental song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of summer love.
29	Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A poignant song that evokes the end of summer
30	You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO		SHISHAMO, a youthful summer-festival love song
31	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		A song of starlit skies and hope, the courage to move toward the future
32	Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu		Singing of summer feelings and defiance against fate
33	Trace that dreamYOASOBI		YOASOBI, a refreshing summer song
34	Youth and youth and youthaimyon		Aimyong, a classic song themed around youth
35	First NightYorushika		A bittersweet song that reminisces on a summer night
36	NatsumiAKASAKI		A poignant song that evokes the end of summer
37	Baby BabyKami wa saikoro o furanai		A soulful singing voice and a bittersweet song of summer
38	Front Memory feat. ACA-ne (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.)Shinsei Kamattechan		A poignant coming-of-age song of the holy summer that resonates with the heart
39	Let’s Go to the Sea (feat. PES)Lisa Halim		The pleasant rhythm of surf music
40	End of the Summer RetreatWurtS		A WurtS song that depicts the poignant scenery of summer
41	Crazy SummerKIRINJI		A late-summer classic, for a sentimental night
42	Blue SummerTRACK15		Singing of a frustrating love at summer’s end
43	melt summersatō moka		A fleeting love song that colors the end of summer
44	silver vineSato Chiaki		Chiahi Sato’s film theme song sings of summer memories
45	Rainy WednesdayOhtaki Eiichi		Eiichi Ohtaki’s summer classic, a piece of music brimming with emotion.
46	The Last Song of MidsummerAratani Shota		A bittersweet farewell song that feels like the end of summer
47	Writing down the summerrokudenashi		A song that gently weaves together memories of summer
48	Summer nuisancebokula.		A rock song depicting love and scenes at a summer festival
49	Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS' summer song for September
50	Nagisaimase		imase's summer song that became a big hit on TikTok
51	SummertimeFIVE NEW OLD		An invigorating rock song that colors the memories of summer
52	Slow & EasyHirai Dai		Hirai Dai’s soothing classic with a laid-back vibe
53	Sound of SummerGReeeeN		Bittersweet love music of a summer festival
54	NatsuneYuuri		Yuri’s summer song “Natsune” has a bittersweet charm.
55	I remember youYUI		YUI’s classic songs to listen to at the end of summer
56	Coastline CiderKetsumeishi		A soothing rap that colors the memories of summer
57	Tropical TherapyONE OK ROCK		A song that expresses a desire to escape to a tropical paradise and to free the heart
58	You’re 1000%1986OMEGATRIBE		A famous song by Omega Tribe, a summer youth anthem
59	sunflowerAge Factory		A poignant summer song by AgeFactory
60	WeakendsDef Tech		Expressing the feelings of a late-summer crush with a ukulele
61	Good Luck in Summer and AutumnRA MU		RA MU’s classic song “Good Luck in Summer and Autumn”
62	Summer loverSHISHAMO		SHISHAMO’s Summer Lover depicts the story up to the breakup.
63	sea glassSaucy Dog		Saucy Dog’s bittersweet summer pop song
64	STAY TUNESuchmos		Suchmos captivates with an urban sound
65	Embracing SummerTUBE		TUBE's Summer Love Love Song
66	At the mercy of the seaYOASOBI		A song by YOASOBI, created based on a novel, that depicts summer scenes
67	Chasing summer againatarayo		A lyrical song that laments the end of summer and the end of a romance
68	summer hazeatarayo		The appeal of Atarayo, a three-piece band that sings about emotions
69	Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi		A classic by Eleka-shi (The Elephant Kashimashi), a masterpiece that depicts summer nights
70	Nagisasupittsu		A mystical song by Spitz that evokes the feeling of summer
71	Summer Speed feat. OkiishiNatsunose		Natsunose’s summer track “Natsusoku” is making waves.
72	Transparent, Far Too Transparent feat. Shoka MizutoNatsunose		Natsunose’s summer song, a blend of poignancy and freshness
73	Heat haze of Augustmakaroni enpitsu		A Macaroni Enpitsu song that sings about the loneliness at the end of summer
74	August nightyangusukinii		A bittersweet summer love rock song by Young Skinny
75	left-right confusionYorushika		A song that depicts summer memories and heartbreak
76	Sparklers (feat. Lila Ikuta)Sato Chiaki		A legendary collaboration between Rira Ikuta and Chiaki Sato
77	A midsummer passing showerUtada Hikaru		A profound summer song that reflects Ms. Utada’s life
78	Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu		Summer classic by Magokoro Brothers: “Summer Nude”
79	Ramuneindigo la End		A poignant song that portrays the end of summer
80	Summer Vacationsloppy dim		A chill rap track that weaves summertime memories
81	The End of Summeraibii karaa		Fireworks watched with someone you love are unforgettable.
82	Harmony at the End of SummerInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai		A poignant love song by Yosui Inoue and Anzen Chitai
83	Fireworks MagicAnsako		An emotional song that portrays the feelings of summer love
84	Ephemeral FireworksKami wa saikoro o furanai		A classic song that sings of a bittersweet summer night’s love.
85	Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi		A moving classic that colors summer memories
86	ReunionVaundy		Vaundy's theme song for the anime “The Summer Hikaru Died”
87	Summer of UniformsMayo Okamoto		A classic song that sweetly and bittersweetly colors the memories of youth
88	Every time summer comesatarayo		A song that depicts Atarayo's summer memories
89	Only for you, clear skiesYorushika		Yorushika’s smash-hit song “Just a Sunny Day for You.”
90	planetariumOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s bittersweet summer planetarium
91	Live the summerRyokushokushakai		Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s moving song “Natsu wo Ikiru” is captivating.
92	Our DiaryME:I		A refreshing song that paints memories of summer.
93	ciderThe Birthday		Lyrics that uniquely capture everyday urban life
94	fireworksaiko		Aiko’s heartrending love echoing through the summer night sky
95	Lamp starharuka nakamura + suis from Yorushika		A film theme song whose delicate music envelops the heart
96	summer shelterŌgami Mio		A bittersweet song of parting at summer’s end
97	sparklerInoue Sonoko		Sonoko Inoue's youth anthem resonates with the heart.
98	SUMMER SONGYUI		YUI’s summer song “SUMMER SONG” is refreshing.
99	Quiet seamakaroni enpitsu		A track that harbors powerful strength within its tranquility
100	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		A nostalgic melody echoing at the end of summer
101	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s warm ballad resonates in the heart.
102	Fish’s LoveSuper VHS		A bittersweet summer romance, urban electropop
103	sunflowerAdo		A song that sings of warmth and delicate emotions
104	NatsuneGLAY		A moving ballad where summer romance and scenery intertwine
105	Words Bubble Up Like Soda Popnever young beach		A refreshing song that suits the summer sunshine
106	Marigoldaimyon		Aimyong’s masterpiece: the bittersweet feelings of summer
107	sea glasssutoreitenaa		Melancholic music at the end of summer
108	A Midsummer NightHatsukoi no Arashi		A bittersweet summer-night ballad of first love
109	Summer GhostI Don’t Like Mondays.		A perfect track for a refreshing summer drive
110	GarnetOku Hanako		The theme song of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, a track that resonates with the heart
111	Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number		A refreshing cheer song about a summer crush
112	Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya		A moving song that portrays the sense of lost youth and friendship
113	Mahoro in SummerHarukamirai		A song of summer youth, a nostalgic memory
114	Our Summer DreamYamashita Tatsuro		Tatsuro Yamashita’s moving summer classic
115	mixMarushii		Google Pixel CM song, Marcy's heart-touching track
116	Blue JeanGLAY		GLAY classic: a poem of summer youth and a bittersweet love
117	fragrant oliveorenji supainikurabu		A classic song that sings of the bittersweetness of youth
118	Chilled Soba with Green OnionsCody Rī (Ri)		A song where memories of summer intersect with the city
119	The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children		A refreshing classic that colors the memories of youth
120	You’re not here.Saucy Dog		A summer dusk, memories of a bittersweet love
121	sparklermoon drop		Summer magic, a bittersweet story of love
122	Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai		A fateful encounter: a love song of two who support each other
123	Ambiguous SongShonan no Kaze		A poignant love-themed medium-tempo ballad by Shonan no Kaze
124	A Phantom on the Shoreindigo la End		A sentimental ballad that sings of memories by the seaside
125	Summer WindowYuga		Summer scenery and Yuga’s delicate singing voice
126	Just a Kiss feat. AimyonSuda Masaki		Sing of a bittersweet love at the end of summer.
127	rainbowAqua Timez		A moving song woven from hope and bonds
128	You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS		A song brimming with passion that empowers challenges
129	Beautiful finsupittsu		An ocean-inspired worldview, a Detective Conan theme song, and a classic by Spitz
130	Rainy Driverimase		Bittersweet love painted on a rainy drive
131	NEW ERANulbarich		A wave-like bass and a light, lively sound
132	Paradise BabyRIP SLYME		A free-spirited love felt on a summer beach
133	Life is wonderfulRickie-G		Heartwarming reggae, hope and happiness in life
134	DRAMATENDRE		Shonan afternoons, the sophisticated music of TENDRE
135	Summer Colorsyuzu		A moving summer youth anthem about racing down hills on a bicycle
136	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A positive rock song about summer youth
137	voiceHitsuji Bungaku		Moeka Shiotsuka’s musical style and achievements
138	Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu		A heartbreak love ballad at summer’s end
139	Let’s meet at the beach.Laura day romance		Guitar pop that evokes the bittersweet feeling of summer
140	Everywhere I GoNovelbright × Eric Nam		A song that portrays a summer farewell and feelings of love
141	Dawn in Summeratarayo		A heartfelt farewell ballad
142	Foam Maidenmisekai		A song that depicts the bittersweetness of youth at the end of summer.
143	cheat dayNogizaka 46		A song that sings of the bittersweetness and sense of freedom of summer
144	August 5840th.Rinu		A classic that bittersweetly colors summer memories
145	Words I Love -Summer Children-kānēshon		A melodious song filled with the bittersweetness of summer