[Summer Songs] Summer tracks recommended for teens: A roundup of the latest and classic hits

Drifting with the wavesAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Namimakase / Drifting (Lyric Video)

Born in 2006, AKASAKI’s track—one that carries a pleasantly breezy feel perfect for summer drives—is his second single, released in July 2024.

Its irresistibly charming city-pop-inspired sound instantly conjures up scenes of racing along the coast in a retro car, an exhilarating vibe through and through.

In the song’s lyrical world, tender feelings for someone who shines even brighter under the sun are depicted with a sweet-and-sour touch.

Like drifting with the waves, the romance unfolds naturally, and it’s sure to make your heart skip a beat.

The fact that the lyrics were featured in an Asahi Shimbun web column speaks to AKASAKI’s flair for word choice.

Whether you’re cruising the seaside with a lover or savoring a sentimental moment alone, this song makes for the perfect soundtrack.

LOVERAAA

AAA / 「LOVER」Music Video

AAA’s 49th single, released on July 29, 2015.

It’s a double tie-in song, serving as the theme for Ito-Yokado’s “Beverage Summer Campaign” commercial and a promotional song on TV Asahi.

A lively, refreshing summer tune with a stylish reggaeton flair.

The pop, bouncy rhythm will lift your spirits.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

The piece by Tatsuya Kitani that captured many hearts as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death,” is this work.

It vividly portrays the pain of youth: how a once-unobstructed, pure relationship changes over time; the frustration of trying to draw close but never quite reaching; and the unspoken feelings that carve themselves deep into the heart like a “curse.” Even so, the blue-tinged memories that remain in the heart—both sweet and bitter—seem to carry the artist’s message that they become a source of support in adulthood.

It’s an emotional track that brings back memories of summers gone by.

Flowing voicemei-chan

Flowing Voice / Mei-chan

Meichan is a singer who made his major debut in 2017 and is also active as a Vocaloid producer and YouTuber.

His digital-only single “Ryūsei,” released on August 23, 2023, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Our School Broadcast.” The lyrics, which evoke a summer romance, pair with a brisk, exhilarating ensemble to lift your spirits.

It’s an upbeat track with a soft yet resolute vocal tone that leaves a strong impression—highly recommended for karaoke, too.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Summer Time Cinderella' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Summer Time Cinderella

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-member co-ed rock band that’s expanding its fanbase with powerful high-tone vocals and songs brimming with fresh pop sensibility.

Their 7th single, “Summertime Cinderella,” was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Midsummer Cinderella.” The arrangement moves from a sentimental intro featuring piano and strings into a light, breezy A-melody, making you feel refreshed just by listening.

True to its title, the summer-evoking lyrics convey the arrival of the hot season, delivering a refreshing, upbeat tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sea Breeze and SelfishnessHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Sea Breeze and Selfishness” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a coming-of-age love song set on a summer beach, portraying the feelings of a guy who’s constantly thrown off by the person he likes.

It’s a Hinatazaka46 track included on the single “Love yourself!” released in May 2025.

The lyrics capture the boy’s conflicted yet affectionate feelings toward a free-spirited girl—she dashes around the sandy shore, refuses to go home until the wind dies down… he’s exasperated, but finds her innocence adorable.

With its breezy pop sound, the song exudes a resort vibe.

Play it on a summer drive or a seaside date, and it’s sure to make your heart skip a beat!

Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Summer Shadow” Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Natsu no Kage” is popular across generations and has a calm, slightly bittersweet vibe.

It’s the kind of song you’d want to listen to through your earphones on the way home with friends.

Since the range is B2 to A4 and not too wide, those trademark ultra-high notes from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE barely appear.

It may feel a bit low for women, but it’s a relaxing number to sing.

The key points when singing are, of course, the low notes and the switch into falsetto.

The melody starts mostly in the low range and might be hard to produce, but try singing like Omori-san: raise your eyebrows and imagine sending a lot of breath forward toward your eyebrows.

When switching from chest voice to falsetto, you’ll want to keep the resonance in the same place.

Similarly, use plenty of breath and aim to resonate around your eyebrows and head—sing gently and softly with a floating feel, and the transition will be smoother.

Keep that in mind!

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Kubota Mami

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