Masterpieces in 3/4 Time: That Hit Song Too!? A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese and Western Tracks
When you think of hit songs in triple meter, what kind of tracks come to mind?
Triple meter is known as the waltz rhythm and is popular in classical music; it’s also commonly used in other genres, especially in Western music.
Interestingly, it’s often said that Japanese listeners are not as comfortable with triple meter, so it doesn’t appear much in J-pop hits.
In this article, we’ve selected songs in triple meter from Japanese and Western pop and rock.
From timeless favorites to lesser-known hidden gems, we’ve got a wide-ranging playlist for you!
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Masterpieces in Triple Meter: That Hit Song Too!? A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese and Western Tracks (51–60)
For youTHE BLUE HEARTS
THE BLUE HEARTS’ ‘Kimi no Tame’ is captivating for its simple guitar, bass, and drums paired with straightforward, lyric-driven vocals, creating a passionate song that stirs the emotions.
Despite the intense vocals, doesn’t the track somehow feel nostalgic? A waltz-like 3/4 rhythm is very similar to a heartbeat and is said to instinctively evoke a sense of comfort.
That might be why this song feels so nostalgic!
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural WomanAretha Franklin
Also known in Japan by the title “Natural Woman,” this 3/4-time masterpiece is a love song whose truly “natural” beauty, just like the title says, brings tears to your eyes.
Released as a single in 1967 by the world’s most famous and greatest soul singer, Aretha Franklin, this classic—one of her signature songs—has been covered by many artists and continues to be cherished across generations.
The song was written by the formerly married songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and King included a self-cover on her landmark 1971 solo album Tapestry.
The version Aretha performed to honor King at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, which we featured in this article, is such an outstanding performance—please be sure to watch it!
Let me peek into the depths of your eyes.Porunogurafiti
Since their major-label debut single “Apollo” became an instant smash hit, the two-piece rock band Porno Graffitti has remained at the forefront of the J-pop scene.
Their 30th single, “Let Me Peek into the Depths of Your Eyes,” was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Shukumei 1969–2010 – Once Upon a Time in Tokyo.” The contrast between the relaxed waltz (3/4) rhythm and the intricate melody, together with lyrics evoking a forbidden love, tightens your chest.
It’s a sentimental number marked by a memorable string motif that lingers in your ears.
Chim Chim ChereeJohn Coltrane
“Chim Chim Cher-ee” is one of the songs from the musical Mary Poppins.
In Japan, it was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and covered by artists such as Peggy Hayama, so many people may be familiar with it.
This version is included on the 1965 album The John Coltrane Quartet Plays—aptly named—recorded by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane with his own quartet.
Coltrane, who left an immeasurable legacy as a jazz musician and saxophonist, unleashes his signature, buoyantly floating solo style to full effect on this track as well.
Masterpieces in Triple Meter: That Hit Song Too!? A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese and Western Tracks (61–70)
Close To The EdgeYES
Yes, a British progressive rock band that is extremely popular in Japan.
This track is the title tune from their fifth album, released in 1972, and it’s an epic that runs over 18 minutes.
The album was titled “Kiki” (Crisis) in Japan, and it is often cited as an essential progressive rock work alongside King Crimson’s “In the Court of the Crimson King” and Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon.” True to prog form, its structure is complex so you don’t always notice it, but the fundamental rhythm of the piece is in triple meter, and when filtered through Yes’s style, it exudes a clever sophistication.
AmyChihara Minori
Minori Chihara is a singer active in various fields, including as a voice actress and YouTuber.
Her 26th single, “Amy,” was written as the theme song for the animated film Violet Evergarden Gaiden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll.
Inspired by the film’s ballroom scene, the arrangement was crafted in triple meter, and together with its string-featured sound, it creates a classical atmosphere.
It’s a lyrical pop tune whose pleasant melody evokes vivid imagery.
Good nightkyarī pamyu pamyu
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a singer who began her career as a reader model in 2009 and has earned support both in Japan and abroad for her distinctive fashion and catchy songs.
“Oyasumi,” a track from her first album Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, is a memorable number featuring a cute vocal and sound.
Its waltz-like triple meter paired with a complex melody evokes, just as the title suggests, the feeling of a day coming to an end.
It’s a heartwarming pop tune perfect for listening to as you drift off to sleep after a fun-filled day.