Trending Music [September 2023]

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

A fresh breeze is blowing through the music scene right now! In September 2023, new forms of expression that transcend traditional genres and unexpected hits born from social media are changing the way we enjoy music.

From the countless new songs released every day, we’re bringing you tracks that are rapidly gaining popularity at this very moment.

The flow of music changes from moment to moment, but discovering songs that shine right now will surely remain in your heart as special memories.

Trending Music [September 2023] (21–30)

escape (feat. Kankan)Natsunose

[Official Music Video] escape feat. Kankan

escape (feat. Kankan)Natsunose

Escape, produced by Natsunose, who rose to prominence after a song posted on YouTube drew attention.

The vocals are by singer Kankan, and it’s a sentimental track that portrays moments when feelings of love for someone special overflow.

Her crystal-clear singing etched into the rhythmic track is striking, with a voice that conveys a love that doesn’t fade with time.

Set against an urban-tinged beat, this number captures the fleeting moments when night turns into morning.

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A city that belongs to no oneHiguchi Ai

Ai Higuchi / A Town That’s No One’s [Official Video] | Ai Higuchi ‘Daredemonai Machi’ [Limited-Time Version]

A city that belongs to no oneHiguchi Ai

Singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi wrote “Dare Demo Nai Machi” (“A City Belonging to No One”) as the theme song for the film The Great Detective of Joshi-Daikōji.

From a woman’s perspective, the song portrays the sorrow of not being able to be with the one you love.

Its piano-led, jazz-tinged, sultry sound amplifies the song’s world.

Another appeal is how it takes on a different resonance once you know the film’s story.

If you’re curious, give it a listen.

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Trending Music [September 2023] (31–40)

nectarinemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Nectarine” MV

nectarinemakaroni enpitsu

This song is a self-cover version of a piece originally written as the 2023 theme song for NHK E-Tele’s “Tensai TV-kun.” It has a fairy-tale-like atmosphere with a mid-tempo groove, resulting in an uplifting anthem that encourages you to move forward confidently as yourself.

While the version sung by the TV Warriors is used on the program, this self-cover by Macaroni Empitsu has a different charm of its own.

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Love Dryeryangusukinii

Young Skinny – Love Dryer [Official Music Video]

Love Dryeryangusukinii

Young Skinny is a rock band that enjoys overwhelming support, especially among young people.

Their 2023 release, “Ai no Kansouki” (“Love Dryer”), is a song that portrays facing the reality of a cherished person disappearing from right before your eyes.

Matching lyrics that express helpless emotions and anxious feelings, the band delivers a thrilling, fast-paced performance.

Many listeners may resonate with the everyday language that evokes daily life.

It’s a track you’ll want to pay attention to for its richly developing guitar riffs and the emotional vocals of Kayayu, the band’s singer.

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ActiveMiura Daichi

Active

ActiveMiura Daichi

Daichi Miura, known as a singer and dancer, is showing a new side of himself with “Nodō,” which has become a hot topic.

It’s a track released ahead of his album “OVER,” which dropped in January 2024.

While Miura has long been associated with a stylish and refreshing image, this work features him rapping in an ultra-deep voice.

What’s more, the lyrics take a hard-hitting approach as he sings about his own identity.

A must-check for hip-hop fans, too.

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Neighborwanuka

Neighbor-san / Wanuka [Music Video]

Neighborwanuka

It’s a track included on singer-songwriter Wanuka’s album “Shinbigan,” released in August 2023, and the music video posted on YouTube quickly surpassed one million views.

Among fans, many say, “This is my favorite song on the album,” and it’s been drawing a lot of attention.

The piano accompaniment, the cajón rhythm, and above all, Wanuka’s distinctive vocals and melodic lines are highly addictive.

It has a mysterious charm that makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

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New Stylefukurō note

New Style – Music Video / Owl note

New Stylefukurō note

New Style, released in 2023 by Fukurou Note, who rose to prominence through his work as a vocalist, showcases his skillful singing over a lively, upbeat track.

The song highlights the importance of staying positive even when days don’t go as planned.

His rich mixed voice, carried by an urban-tinged sound, offers a soothing experience.

With its rhythmic arrangement, it’s a track that will make you want to move your body.

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