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

sea glassSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Sea Glass” Music Video <4th Mini Album “Take Me” Released on 2020.9.2>

With its catchy melody that evokes the summer sun, this Saucy Dog track preserves the band’s signature warmth even after their major-label debut.

The song paints bittersweet memories of two people spending time together by the seaside in summer.

For anyone who’s experienced heartbreak, it tenderly captures the desire to keep both the ordinary days and the special moments with a lover forever in your heart.

Released on July 15, 2020, the song became one of Saucy Dog’s signature tracks, fueling anticipation for their nationwide headlining tour in the fall.

As summer draws to a close, it’s the perfect song for those who want to bask in memories of love and youth.

fireworksaiko

aiko - “Hanabi” music video

Here is a poignant love song by aiko, themed around a classic symbol of summer, as suggested by its title “Fireworks.” The lyrics are striking in how they portray the frustration of being unable to express one’s feelings to someone they love, and the fleeting nature of that love, which may end one day like fireworks fading in the sky.

Released in August 1999, the song was included on the album “Under the Cherry Tree.” It’s a track we especially recommend to teenagers who, amid the festive sparkle of summer festivals, find themselves gazing nervously at the person they like.

mixMarcy

Marcy – Mix (Official Music Video)

Known as the song from the Google Pixel 7a web commercial, this track by Marcy has captured the hearts of many.

Its delicate, emotional melody creates an atmosphere where the bittersweetness and warmth of late summer coexist.

It carefully depicts the subtle movements and tremors of the heart in love, gently resonating with listeners.

Released in August 2023, the song is also included on the album Candle.

Summer Love SensationMacaroni Enpitsu

macaroni empitsu “Summer Love Sensation” MV

This song by Macaroni Enpitsu is a work steeped in the bittersweetness of summer.

Its richly emotional melody conjures up young love set against the familiar sights of summer festivals.

You can vividly picture a boy and girl, hearts pounding, trying to draw closer to each other little by little.

Released in August 2017, the music video was filmed on a beach in Chiba.

The whole band appears in yukata, making it irresistibly watchable.

As summer draws to a close, this is a track especially for teens wrestling with matters of the heart—one that will surely give courage to your fresh, tender feelings of love.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

This song portrays unrequited love, with a protagonist who lacks self-confidence pouring out bittersweet feelings for an unattainable, out-of-his-league woman.

Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics that dwell on his own inadequacies.

Set to an up-tempo melody that conveys both heartache and hope, the contrast between the music and the lyrics is one of the track’s key charms.

Released on March 26, 2014, it’s also included on the albums “Love Story” and “Encore.” It has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube and was performed at the 73rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who has experienced unrequited love or feels the pangs of a wistful summer romance.

A Shortcut to SummerSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Short Cut to Summer'

Its sweet-and-sour, refreshing melody is striking, as if capturing the tender feelings of first love that blossom with the arrival of summer and the casual yet sparkling moments with friends.

This track is included on the fifth single, “Sakurazuki,” released in February 2023.

A love song perfect for summer, coloring a page of youth.

Be sure to listen to it in your favorite scene!

Hi-FiveME:I

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Hi-Five” Official MV

The title track of ME:I’s second single, released in August 2024, leaves a vivid impression with sweat glistening under the sun and the refreshing zest of lemonade.

The lyrics, depicting the fun of summer festivals and moments with someone special, sparkle in the heart like diamonds.

Topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100, the song channels the rising tide of friendship and budding romance—symbolized by a simple high-five—through an energetic sound.

Its world, singing of seaside moments and feelings that sway like a summer heat haze, is perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke.

It’s a song that makes you want to high-five with everyone and create unforgettable summer memories.