[2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music

Sad Songs In The SummerOlivia O’Brien

Olivia O’Brien – Sad Songs In The Summer (Official Video)

Some of you may be heartbroken and looking for a poignant ballad.

If that’s you, I highly recommend “Sad Songs In The Summer.” It’s a work by Olivia O’Brien, known for her clear, airy vocals.

The song tells the story of a woman who, after a breakup, tries to listen to love ballads associated with summer but gives up because they threaten to bring back memories of her ex.

As you listen, pay attention to whose songs she’s about to play, and give it a try.

Against All Odds(Take A Look At Me Now)）Phil Collins

Phil Collins – Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Official Music Video)

Japanese title: “I Want You to Look at Me.” This song is a single released in 1984 by the British singer Phil Collins.

It was used in the film “Against All Odds” (Japanese title: “A Hot Night in the Caribbean”).

The movie is set in the Caribbean, featuring plenty of beautiful ocean scenery.

Phil’s song became a hit and added luster to the production.

Baja CaliforniaReik

Reik – Baja California (Video Oficial)

Reik’s new song, perfectly suited to tropical seas, is a moving piece themed around love and memory.

While depicting happy moments by the shores of Baja California, it sings of a love that doesn’t fade with time—sure to resonate with anyone nostalgic for a past romance.

Released in April 2024, the music video—paired with stunning imagery of a crimson sunset—seems to have captivated many listeners.

In less than a month, the song has soared to No.

5 on Mexico’s pop charts.

It’s a perfect track not only for fans of love songs, but also for those moments when you want to look back on life’s cherished memories.

Summer SongRemy Bond

Remy Bond – Summer Song (Official Music Video)

Remy Bond’s track is a bittersweet summer anthem inspired by late-1960s to early-1970s American culture.

Created in collaboration with the French electronic duo Air, its sound feels nostalgic yet fresh.

The lyrics evoke summer road trips and the freedom of youth, reminding listeners of fleeting moments of adolescence.

Released on June 28, 2024, the song drew significant attention, surpassing one million streams on Spotify.

Inspired by Sofia Coppola’s 1999 film The Virgin Suicides, it’s best enjoyed while driving at dusk.

augustTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – august (Official Lyric Video)

Taylor Swift, an American singer with many fans in Japan.

The song that drew attention when she performed at the 2021 Grammy Awards was “august.” As the title suggests, it’s a love song about a romance in August.

The track is highly narrative, portraying with realism the feelings of a woman struggling in a love triangle.

With guitar and synthesizer at its core, the music has a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for when you want to cool down.

Be sure to check out the unusually wistful music video for a Taylor Swift work, too.

Not Your SummerThe Academic

The Academic – Not Your Summer

The Academic is a rock band from Ireland.

Their album Community Spirit includes a bittersweet song that’s perfect for summer: Not Your Summer.

It’s a breakup track set to a rhythmic sound.

The title phrase is repeated throughout, and how you interpret it can change the song’s impression significantly.

Be sure to listen while reflecting on its meaning.

Don’t Answer MeThe Alan Parsons Project

The Alan Parsons Project – Don’t Answer Me (Official HD Video)

The Alan Parsons Project is a band from the United Kingdom.

It is a project by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson.

“Don’t Answer Me” is a song included on the 1984 album Ammonia Avenue.

Its music video, styled like an American comic, attracted attention at the time.