When summer comes around, don’t you often find yourself wanting summery background music as you head out for drives and enjoy the outdoors more? And when you go to karaoke, many of you probably want to hype things up with songs that capture the season and make you feel the summer vibe.
So in this article, we’ll introduce some popular summer tunes! This time, we’re focusing on songs recommended for people currently in their 20s, gathering a wide range centered on tracks you likely listened to back in your school days.
Use this article as a guide to pick songs you can enjoy when you get together with people from the same generation!
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- [Recommended for your 20s] Songs that get the crowd going at karaoke | From the latest hits to timeless classics
Recommended summer songs for people in their 20s: Famous and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
Supercell is a creative unit led by composer ryo that features guest vocalists for each work.
Their debut single, Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari, featuring singer-songwriter Nagi Yanagi on vocals, is also known as the ending theme of the TV anime Bakemonogatari.
Its lyrics, which portray the heartache of unrequited love, are likely to resonate deeply with people in their twenties who have only recently left their student years behind.
With its gentle melody that colors the summer, it’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep listening to.
cotton candyback number
The three-piece rock band back number captivates fans with bittersweet lyrics that vividly paint a scene and an emotional vocal style.
Their sixth single, “Wata Gashi,” which was used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, is especially memorable for its melody overflowing with a summer-like sense of wistful humidity.
The timid reluctance to take a step forward and the imagination that spins out into daydreams are feelings many listeners—especially men—will find relatable.
It’s a perfect number for a summer moment, with a sentimental story that ends up mirroring your own emotions.
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a rock band that enjoys immense popularity, especially among younger generations.
This song is one of their signature tracks, and it instantly evokes summer and youth! The intro, driven by a sparkling, fast-paced sound, leaves a strong impression, and from the very first notes you can feel the essence of summer and the scent of youth.
Of course, the uplifting lyrics—depicting the struggles and worries unique to young people—are also a major draw.
It’s a song that lets you fully savor summer through both music and words, making it perfect for background music or karaoke.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
A song by female singer DAOKO, chosen as the theme for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”.
The track was produced by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who later made a self-cover version on his own album that also became well-known.
Carried by a blend of piano, strings, and electronic elements, her clear, translucent vocals create an atmosphere that evokes a lively yet somehow wistful summer night sky—making it a perfect number to listen to at summer’s end.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
A classic summer song that most people in their twenties have probably heard.
Beyond the way it captures the loneliness at the end of summer, the chorus melody and lyrics are especially memorable, and many people likely think of this song when asked to name a “summer song.” It’s a karaoke staple as well, but if you listen to the track while reading the lyrics again, you’ll appreciate its appeal even more.
Because of the summerRADWIMPS
I imagine many of you listened to their songs back in your school days.
When it comes to the summer tracks that symbolize the youth of listeners in their twenties, several come to mind, but the one I’d like to highlight is Natsu no Sei, released in 2020.
It’s a beautifully structured piece that features piano tones, perfectly matched by Yojiro Noda’s gentle, beautiful vocals.
Summer songs often evoke high-energy, hype-filled vibes, but I also recommend beautiful tracks like this one that carry a touch of coolness.
Summer SongYUI
A signature summer song by YUI, released in the summer of 2008.
It has the light, breezy feel that’s so characteristic of her music, but it might feel even fresher than usual because it’s brimming with summer vibes.
The must-listen highlight of this track is definitely the memorable chorus, isn’t it? The lyrics, of course, are part of it, but above all the melody line is so catchy that it sticks in your head after just one listen.
Even people in their twenties who didn’t actively listen to YUI at the time may feel a sense of nostalgia when they revisit it now.