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!
- The Appeal of Irregular Time Signatures: A Collection of Songs in 5/4 Time
- Standard songs for ballroom dancing. Popular and well-known tracks.
- Coming-of-age songs for your 50s: heart-thumping × heartwarming classics and popular tracks [2026]
- [Gets you grooving] Upbeat Japanese songs. Tracks that make you feel happy.
- [For Seniors] Have Fun and Relieve Stress! Introducing Dances Everyone Can Enjoy Together
- The Appeal of Odd Time Signatures: A Compilation of Songs That Use 7/4 Time
- Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
- [March 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- [Rhythm] A roundup of popular Japanese songs that use 16-beat [2026]
- [Spring Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s] Carefully Selected Nostalgic Classics & Big Hits
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [Easy to Remember] A Collection of Cool Dances Recommended for Girls
Masterpieces in Triple Time: That Hit Song Too!? A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese and Western Tracks (1–10)
Azure WaltzEVE
A magnificent and graceful waltz in 3/4 time that resonates in the heart—one of Eve’s masterpieces.
Released in December 2020 as the theme song for the animated film “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish,” this gem of a ballad delicately portrays the days of youth where immaturity, hope, and anxiety intersect, beautifully expressing nostalgia for the past and longing for the future.
The majestic resonance of the strings and the gentle melodic lines add depth to the film’s moving scenes.
The song is included on the album “Kaikai Kitan/Ao no Waltz” and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s a highly recommended track for those who want to feel the bittersweetness of adolescence and the joy of growing up, or who are seeking heartwarming film music.
Always With MeKimura Yumi
This song, well known as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s smash-hit film Spirited Away, was composed and performed by Yumi Kimura and released in 2001.
That same year, it won the Gold Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Kimura is a rare singer-songwriter who accompanies herself on the lyre, a type of harp, and the harp accompaniment together with the triple meter creates a striking effect.
The unadorned, simple sound accentuates the film’s atmosphere.
DropletSukima Suichi
Marked by its memorable triple meter, this piece debuted in May 2009 as the opening theme for the NHK Educational TV anime Erin, The Beast Player.
The graceful melody woven by Sukima Switch harmonizes beautifully with profound lyrics themed around lost wings and rebirth.
This gem of a ballad poetically traces the journey of a protagonist who has lost hope, taking a new step forward after a heartfelt reunion with someone precious.
It was also included on the April 2016 album POPMAN’S ANOTHER WORLD, and it continues to move many listeners.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone who has experienced losing something important in life or is trying to take a new step forward.
O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro
Set to a triple-time melody, this song expresses the hope and possibilities that bud with the arrival of spring.
Released in February 2014 as the theme song for NHK’s Sochi Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts, it features Kobukuro’s warmly enveloping vocals that leave a lasting impression.
Included on the album “One Song From Two Hearts,” it reached No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It is an anthem for those moving forward, a song that gives a supportive push to anyone striving toward their goals.
Piano ManBilly Joel
Released in 1973 and becoming his first hit, this song was written based on Billy Joel’s real-life experiences, and the characters are said to be real people as well.
From the jazz-like piano intro to the harmonica-laced prelude, the waltz feel fits perfectly with the image of music in a bar.
As his singing builds, you start to feel like one of the audience yourself, overwhelmed by the vivid sense of presence.
It’s one of those timeless classics that never lose their luster.
We Are The ChampionsQueen
With a song structure that brilliantly combines the resolute, march-like power of forward motion with the tenderness of a ballad, this piece expresses the pride of overcoming life’s trials and the determination to keep fighting alongside one’s companions.
Released from the album “News of the World,” it is marked by lavish piano and vocal harmonies, and, through Freddie Mercury’s exceptional expressiveness, paints a sweeping, moving drama.
Since its release in October 1977, it has been loved around the world as a victory anthem in sports and was even used as an official theme song for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
When you need the courage to face adversity, or when you want to share joy with your friends, this is a song that will surely resonate in your heart.
stick figureRADWIMPS
A song marked by a delicate, profound lyrical world that feels like peering into the human heart.
While pursuing what it means to be human, it carefully portrays emotions that seem on the verge of losing oneself.
Featured on the album “Ningen Kaika,” the track achieves a beautiful harmony between RADWIMPS’ distinctive philosophical perspective and a simple yet resonant melody.
It was also used as the theme song for NTV’s 2017 spring drama “Frankenstein’s Love,” vividly coloring the show’s world.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to reexamine your own worth and the meaning of life, or when you long to be understood by someone.