[For Your Commute] Songs That Get You Pumped – Perfect Tracks to Start the Day
Dear students!
I think many of you pump yourselves up by listening to your favorite music on your smartphone while commuting to school by train or bus.
We all have days when we feel a bit down, right?
I used to be the same.
This time, I’ve selected songs by popular artists and bands—mainly those favored by junior high, high school, and college students—that seem likely to boost your energy when you listen to them.
Since Japanese rock is popular, I’ll introduce a mix of both classic and new tracks!
If you find a song you like, try adding it to your playlist!
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[For Your Commute] Hype Songs and Perfect Tracks to Start the Day (1–10)
Don’t forget, don’t forget.Sambomasutā
A digital single by Sambomaster that became the theme song for the live-action adaptation of the gag manga “Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku.” It’s a track that gently soothes a tired heart, perfectly fitting for an era where we’re viewed from all kinds of angles.
It’ll surely make you think of your friends and loved ones.
The warm lyrics really sink into your chest.
It’s Sambomaster with an extra helping of kindness! And of course, it still rocks! Perfect for your commute to school, and with all its love, it’ll keep you in a great mood all day!
MAYDAY (feat. Ryo from Crystal Lake)coldrain
This is a song I’d recommend not only to anime fans but also to those who aren’t.
It has a driving sense of speed and is great for your commute to school.
It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire Force.
Featuring Ryo, the vocalist of CRYSTAL LAKE—one of Japan’s leading metalcore bands—it’s a dual-vocal track.
Serving as the opener of their sixth album, THE SIDE EFFECTS, released in 2019, this song brims with the band’s trademark energy and momentum.
Growing UpHi-STANDARD
The title track included on the album, “Growing Up,” is, plainly put, a popular Hi-Standard song.
It features a melody and chord progression reminiscent of oldies, combined with a punk groove—a track packed with everything that makes Hi-Standard appealing.
Incidentally, although this song is now only available on the album, it was reportedly handed out as an EP in 1996 when Hi-Standard opened for Green Day—now a household name in the U.S.—during their Japan tour.
Hi-Standard has performed alongside many overseas bands, including Green Day, blink-182, and The Offspring.
I hope you can feel that remarkable legacy on your way to school! And of course, it’s also a super catchy number.
[For Your Commute] Songs That Boost Your Mood: Perfect Tracks to Start the Day (11–20)
Chain ReactionSHADOWS
A very popular track by SHADOWS, a band formed by some of the members of the hugely popular punk-hardcore band FACT.
Hiro’s moderately high vocals are irresistible for anyone who used to be a fan of FACT.
Keep an eye on their future work, too.
Many middle and high school students might not know them yet, but this is exactly the kind of song I want you to hear—an exhilarating tune with a comfortable, driving feel that’s perfect for your commute.
Soak in the loudness from the morning.
It’ll blow away all the bad vibes.
GONGWANIMA
A straightforward, feel-good sound that lightens those heavy, gloomy steps to school in the morning—this is a rock track I especially recommend to junior high and high school students and other young listeners.
It’s a song by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture, released in 2019 as their fifth single, “Summer Trap!!”.
It drew attention for being chosen as the theme song for the film ONE PIECE STAMPEDE.
Beneath its refreshing vibe, you can feel a strong sense of resolve.
If you like emotional tracks, definitely give it a listen.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi
A signature early masterpiece by Kenshi Yonezu, whose delicate acoustic guitar tones and sentimental yet resolute melody seep deeply into the heart.
Featured on the album “YANKEE,” released in April 2014, it became widely beloved as a Tokyo Metro commercial song.
The track holds both the joy of meeting someone precious and the anxiety of an inevitable parting, while expressing a heartfelt wish to keep looking forward and living on.
Despite not being a single, it has remained cherished over time—ranking 17th overall in JOYSOUND’s 2017 annual karaoke chart.
It’s the perfect song to boost concentration: listen while you work and feel a quiet fire kindle from within.
ENVYNovelbright
The start of the day.
When it comes to Novelbright, many people think of high-tone vocals and rock ballads, but this vibe is super cool too! It’s a danceable track with a uniquely catchy rhythm that gets you hooked, and it’s perfect for kicking off your day! It’ll make you want to start dancing before you know it.
It slices through modern trends—like turning a blind eye or getting lost in social media—and carries a message to trust what you’ve seen with your own eyes.
Turn your commute into your own personal hype time!