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

Festival MamboIkusaburo Yamazaki

Ikusaburo Yamazaki – “Festival Mambo” Music Video

Here’s a collaboration between singer Ikusaburo Yamazaki and composer Hyadain! If you’re a teenager, you might not have heard it much, but this song is a cover of Hibari Misora’s “Omatsuri Mambo.” The original is enka, but Hyadain has arranged it into an incredibly poppy track.

It even uses sounds reminiscent of Indian music, giving it a summery vibe.

Big GrandmaToshiki Kondo

Bright yet moving to tears. “Big Grandma” Music Video [NHK “Minna no Uta”]

It’s a slightly unusual song with the theme of grandmothers.

It’s a track by Toshiki Kondo, who performs as a ukulele musician.

It was included on the 2018 album “UKULELE DAYS.” After being aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it became a hot topic.

It’s bright yet somehow moving to the point of tears—a song with a mysterious charm.

A wish in summerPenthouse

Penthouse – A Wish for Summer [Official Music Video]

Penthouse is a six-member coed city-soul band formed in a University of Tokyo music club, active under the concept of exploring music that adds a touch of style to everyday life.

Their digital single Natsu ni Negai wo, released for streaming on July 12, 2023, draws you into its world from the opening, featuring a refreshing string sound.

The lyrics portray the feeling of being unable to express your emotions as time slips by, and combined with summer’s sentimental atmosphere, they’re sure to tug at your heart.

With its driving beat and stylish arrangement, this pop tune is a comfortable listen that turns up the heat for the season.

Youth and youth and youthAimyon

Aimyon – Youth and Youth and Youth [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a gentle, mellow song by singer-songwriter Aimyon that evokes the sweet-and-sour feeling of youth.

Sunday Kamide, who also performs as a member of Wonderful Boys and Tensai Band, participates as the producer.

The folk sound centered on acoustic guitar conveys the clumsy yet straightforward spirit of adolescence.

It portrays youthful days and summer love, and its concrete scenic descriptions let you feel the characters’ emotions in a direct, unfiltered way.

DiSTANCEBiSH

BiSH / DiSTANCE [OFFiCiAL ViDEO]

Many people want to listen to hot idol songs in the hot summer.

If you’re looking for a track like that, I recommend BiSH’s “DiSTANCE.” Its authentic rock sound pairs perfectly with the emotional vocals.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to go for a drive while listening to this song?

Sound of SummerGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Summer Sound

GReeeeN’s “Natsu no Oto” portrays a faint yet bittersweet story set against the backdrop of a summer festival.

Written as a campaign song for Kirin’s “Nama-cha,” it was released as a digital-only lead single ahead of its inclusion on the 2015 album “C, D desu to!?” From the intro, the song already feels heartrending, as if it tightens your chest the more you listen.

“Natsu no Oto,” or “the sound of summer,” likely refers to fireworks, with the fleeting fireworks mirrored against the transience of the singer’s own love.

ENDLESS SUMMERKis-my-ft2

Kis-My-Ft2 / 「ENDLESS SUMMER」 Music Video

Not only in music but also on variety shows, Kis-My-Ft2 throws themselves into everything and is hugely popular among teenagers! Their song “ENDLESS SUMMER” is perfect BGM for enjoying the summer.

Released in 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Manatsu no Shonen ~19452020~,” starring their Johnny’s juniors, Bishonen.

The track is filled with elements that recall their debut song “Everybody Go,” making it irresistible for fans.

The lyrics express the feeling that spending summer with someone you love turns every day into something so wonderful that even the bad stuff fades away—and you wish days like these could last forever.

Try listening to it with your close friends or that special someone!