[2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music

Summer BreezeSeals&Crofts

Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze (Official Audio)

Japanese title: “Summer Breeze (Memories).” The singers, Seals & Crofts, are a male duo from the United States who enjoyed popularity in the 1970s.

This song is one of their signature works, released in 1972.

Like a cool breeze on a summer evening, it’s a piece that makes you want to listen quietly and peacefully.

Midsummer Madness (ft. Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, AUGUST 08)88RISING

88RISING – Midsummer Madness ft. Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, AUGUST 08 (Official Music Video)

When you’re head over heels in love, it can be hard to notice anything else around you.

Set in the summer, that feeling is captured in “Midsummer Madness (ft.

Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, AUGUST 08).” This piece was produced by 88rising and features the Chinese hip-hop group Higher Brothers and American singer AUGUST 08, among others.

Its multinational vibe—blending languages from different countries—is wonderful as well.

The Summer EndsAmerican Football

The Summer Ends

American Football is an indispensable presence when talking about emo and post-rock.

One of their best-known songs is The Summer Ends.

Set in autumn, it depicts a couple having a breakup conversation.

While it doesn’t delve into the specifics of the situation, it invites you to imagine that the two spent happy days together over the summer—that’s part of its charm.

Give it a listen while reflecting on their past and future.

Sunday GirlBlondie

Blondie – Sunday Girl – HD

One summer day, a beloved presence disappeared.

That bittersweet situation is what “Sunday Girl” sings about.

It’s a track included on Blondie’s album Parallel Lines.

It can sound like a breakup song, but it was originally written about a pet cat that ran away.

That’s heartbreaking in its own way.

By the way, many artists have covered the song, so it’s fun to compare different versions.

Summer FriendsChance The Rapper

Chance The Rapper – Summer Friends ( Coloring Book)

Chance the Rapper, who boasts a stellar résumé including a Grammy win, is not to be missed—especially his song “Summer Friends.” This track is written based on his real-life experiences, singing about a tragic event that took place in Chicago and the feelings he has for the friend he lost because of it.

You can listen to it as if reliving the story, or simply soak in the atmosphere of a Chicago summer.

Also, be sure to pay attention to his masterful flow.

So Long Sweet SummerDashboard Confessional

So Long Sweet Summer – Dashboard Confessional

When you’re feeling melancholy, letting the sound of an acoustic guitar soothe you is a great idea.

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “So Long Sweet Summer.” It’s a song by Dashboard Confessional, known for their acoustic guitar–driven style.

Set to a gentle melody, it sings of a summer romance and a winter goodbye.

Rather than out-and-out sadness, it carries a touch of bittersweetness, so it doesn’t get overly somber.

Also, pay attention to Chris Carrabba’s vocals.

Sad in the Summer (feat. Lily Rose)Diplo

Sad in the Summer (feat. Lily Rose) [Official Video]

Doesn’t the end of summer make you feel a little lonely? That’s why I want you to listen to “Sad in the Summer.” It’s a work by Diplo, a DJ who produces a lot of EDM, and Lily-Rose, known as a model and actress.

The lyrics portray a man who’s on the verge of being dumped, wishing she’d stay with him until summer is over.

Although it’s a sad, heartbreak-themed song, its up-tempo sound keeps it from feeling too somber.