[Refreshing] A Special Feature on Vocaloid Summer Songs [Nostalgia]

The blue that fades with summerSaika

The summer’s blue fades / Saica feat. Hatsune Miku

From the intro alone, it has a lovely, summery vibe! It’s a track by Vocaloid producer Saika, released in 2020.

The ear-pleasing acoustic guitar, the gritty bass, and the resounding piano are irresistible.

Highly recommended if you like four-on-the-floor tracks.

That said, the lyrics about the loneliness of a summer without someone special really squeeze the heart.

The use of reversed audio creates a magical timbre that effectively feels like it’s voicing the protagonist’s emotions.

Purple sunflowerKashii Moimi

Purple Sunflower / MoiMi Kashii feat. Haru

This song is memorable for its heartrending melody that brings tears to your eyes and lyrics that evoke the pain of heartbreak and parting.

“Purple Sunflower” was released on July 23, 2023.

Built on a piano- and strings-centered electronic sound, Harui’s delicate vocals intertwine to resonate deeply in the listener’s heart.

The melody line—infused with R&B and hip-hop—is also distinctive.

Give it a listen on nights when you can’t recover from the shock of a breakup, or when you want to sink into a nostalgic mood—you’re sure to relate.

short nightNoz.

Noz. – “Taninoyo” (Short Summer Night) / Kagamine Rin

This work captivates with its lyrical worldview, depicting feelings kept deep in the heart.

Vocaloid producer Noz.

released it in August 2024.

The band sound, imbued with a nostalgic atmosphere, pairs perfectly with Kagamine Rin’s resolute vocals.

The delicate acoustic guitar, along with the heartrending melody and lyrics, conveys the brevity of summer nights and a wistful longing for memories that have slipped away.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to immerse yourself in precious recollections, gently accompanying the sense of loss that everyone has felt.

summer festivalHomura Takadō

IA Summer Festival (Original Song)

A track from the album “Maiden Voyage,” themed around summer festivals and the love stories connected to them, just as the title suggests.

Its acoustic sound unfolds at a relaxed pace, offering a calm, warm atmosphere that’s part of its charm.

Odo Robosea tea

Odo Robo / Kotonoha Sisters with Zundamon

The winner of the Rookie division at VocaColle Summer 2023 was Kaicha’s “Odo Robo.” It’s a track with an appealing festival-like vibe in both its melody and lyrics, comically depicting robots enjoying a dance.

The interspersed humorous lines highlight the charm of the characters as well.

Another highlight is the abundance of homages to past popular songs.

The more of a Vocaloid fan you are, the more it’ll make you grin.

Example summerTakoyakiKZY

Example Summer / TakoyakiKZY feat. Hatsune Miku

The gritty band sound is emotional! Created by the Vocaloid producer TakoyakiKZY—whose entry for the 2023 Spring “VocaColle,” Akagan ga Tooru, also drew attention—this track was released in 2022.

It starts with shimmering electric piano and then unfolds into a delay-drenched guitar riff that sounds incredibly cool.

If you enjoy playing instruments, you might find yourself wanting to try it out.

The dynamic ebb and flow of the arrangement is stylish, too.

Give it a listen while reflecting on the relationship with “you.”

Summer IdolOSTER project

[Hatsune Miku / Kagamine Rin] Summer Idol

It’s an upbeat, classic rock ’n’ roll tune.

The track is by OSTER project, also known as Fluffy Cinnamon.

It was released on a video-sharing site in 2012.

The bright sound feels perfect for summer.

It’s included in the VOCALOID-based game “Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA f.”