[2025] Recommended popular melancholic summer classics in Western music

Surfer GirlThe Beach Boys

The Beach Boys ~ Surfer Girl

In the 1960s, the Beach Boys were synonymous with the “summer sound.” Surfer Girl is featured as the first track on the album of the same name, released in 1963.

In less than two and a half minutes, the song is packed with summer symbols—beaches, girls in swimsuits, surfing, and station wagons.

Sunshine BabyThe Japanese House

The Japanese House – Sunshine Baby (Live)

The Japanese House is a music project started by Amber Bain.

One of the tracks on their album “In The End it Always Does” is “Sunshine Baby.” This song drew attention in part because members of the rock band The 1975 took part in it.

Its lyrics are based on Amber Bain’s real experiences and depict a summer heartbreak.

However, it isn’t a somber song; the lyrics are crafted to encourage someone who’s gone through a breakup.

Suddenly Last SummerThe Motels

The Motels – Suddenly Last Summer

The Motels are an American band.

They debuted in 1978, characterized by a sound with strong new wave colors.

The Japanese title “Omoiide no Last Summer” is a work released in 1983.

The husky voice of their sole female vocalist, Martha Davis, suits the mood of this song very well.

The End Of The SummerTom Odell

The End Of The Summer

A moving ballad that weaves bittersweet memories of summer’s end has arrived.

With crystalline piano tones and understated vocals, it leaves an indelible impression.

Delicately portraying the pain of heartbreak and the passing of the seasons, it is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

The song is included on the album “Black Friday” and was released in January 2024.

Tom Odell has said that the track expresses “the finality of love.” Recommended for anyone who has gone through a breakup at the end of summer or wants to sink into a nostalgic mood.

sad girl summer (not again)VICTORIA

VICTORIA – sad girl summer (not again) | Official Visualizer

A single from Bulgarian artist VICTORIA that distills the bittersweet feeling of summer.

Centered on the pain of heartbreak and breaking free from cyclical, fruitless relationships, it portrays her mustering the strength to move on.

Behind the upbeat, fun dance beat lies a weave of inner conflict and growth, and VICTORIA’s emotive vocals strike a chord.

Released in July 2024, the track has been widely embraced as a summer anthem.

Drawing on her Eurovision Song Contest experience, it delivers an alluring blend of pop and electronic elements.

Perfect for a sunset drive or a quiet moment on the beach.

sunburnalmost monday

almost monday – sunburn (Japanese Lyric Video)

Almost monday is a rock band that skyrocketed to fame after releasing their debut single “broken people” in 2019.

Their summer heartbreak song is “sunburn.” The word “sunburn” means a severe burn from the sun, and the song overlays that stinging sensation with the pain of a breakup.

This time, the music video for “sunburn” even comes with Japanese-subtitled lyrics! It’s a delightful surprise for international music fans who are curious about the song’s words.

Beach Housedaydreamers

daydreamers – Beach House (Visualiser)

This is a poignant summer classic released in May 2024 by daydreamers, a young indie rock band from the UK.

Dreamy and introspective in mood, the track portrays a dialogue between two people grappling with complex emotions, exploring themes of love, honesty, and emotional vulnerability.

The beach house setting is deftly used as a metaphor for finding clarity amid uncertainty and hesitation.

The song ranked high on the UK Official Singles Chart and has gained popularity on social media as a summer anthem.

It’s a perfect track for making bittersweet summer memories—ideally listened to on the beach at sunset.