Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Killer tunes that make your body move.
There are those songs that make your body start swaying before you even realize it, right?
The groove created by the rhythm of the instruments and vocals gives you such a fun experience!
In this article, I’ll take a close look at artists known for that infectious sense of groove.
From knockout-level, hard-hitting grooves to comfortably mellow vibes, I’ve picked tracks that lean toward Black music and city pop flavors.
Find the groove-driven artists that match your taste!
Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Body-moving killer tunes (1–10)
What is it? lolFuji Kaze
When it comes to artists known for sophisticated musicality and lyrics that skillfully switch between the Okayama dialect and standard Japanese, Fujii Kaze immediately comes to mind.
His piano technique is outstanding, and in the self-accompanied performances he’s posted on YouTube, he delivers such a groovy show that it’s hard to believe he’s playing alone.
His debut single, “Nan-Nan w,” features a pleasingly bouncy 16-beat that makes you want to move your body.
The music video, shot in New York, generated a lot of buzz—be sure to check it out!
STAY TUNESuchmos
Formed in Kanagawa Prefecture in 2013, Suchmos is a band known for a sound that reflects influences from Black music such as rock, jazz, and soul.
They debuted in 2015 with the release of their first album, THE BAY.
In 2016, Stay Tune, which was featured in a Honda Vezel commercial, became a massive hit and catapulted them to fame.
The music video for Mint, produced in collaboration with Levi’s, won Best New Artist Video (Japan) at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2016.
Their cool, urban sound and the languid yet soulful vocals of YONCE create a one-of-a-kind groove.
The naturally swaying, comfortable beat is perfect for anyone seeking stylish music.
Night Grooveiri
Iri is a singer-songwriter known for her deep, soulful vocals and distinctive sense of groove.
Drawing on hip-hop, jazz, and bossa nova, she crafts songs that build a unique sonic world.
She’s also a proven talent who has opened for visiting artists like Donovan Frankenreiter and Corinne Bailey Rae.
Night Groove, included on her 2016 debut album Groove it, is a track that blends a dark, aptly titled sound with Iri’s languid groove.
STEP ITNullbarich
Formed in 2016, Nulbarich is a band known for its cool sound rooted in Black music.
Led by JQ, they operate with a flexible, rotating lineup, which lets each song showcase a different groove.
In their 2022 single “STEP IT,” the band’s chorus features an ensemble locked into the same rhythm, creating a groove that makes you want to move.
Balmy LifeKroi
Kroi is a band rooted in R&B and hip-hop, with a sound that fuses various genres.
All the members are well-versed in Black music, and apparently the band’s name was even inspired by the Japanese word for “black.” Their 2021 single “Balmy Life” is a track that radiates funkiness—the choppy guitar at the start and the slap bass in the chorus are irresistibly groovy.
It was on heavy rotation on more than 35 radio stations nationwide, so be sure to give it a listen!
BANDAGEAyumu Imazu
Ayumu Imazu, whose sense of style has been honed by years of dance experience since childhood and studies in New York, truly shines.
His R&B- and pop-based sound offers an irresistible, feel-good groove that makes your body move before you know it.
He made his major debut in 2021 with “Juice,” and “Obsessed,” released in January 2024, sparked a global craze after a dance challenge took off on social media.
The work also won the Planning Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
From writing and composing to choreographing his dances, his multifaceted talent—and his bilingual vocals—add rich color to his music.
If you love the refined rhythms rooted in Black music, you’ll likely find yourself captivated by the grooves he weaves.
LA LA LA LOVE SONGKubota Toshinobu
Just watching him sing, you can feel the groove—that’s Toshinobu Kubota.
Since his major debut in 1986, he’s been a singer who has supported and led Japan’s R&B scene from the front lines.
He fully commands Black music vocal techniques, and his tight breath control and delivery create a groove without relying on the backing band.
He showcases that superb vocal prowess in his signature song “LA•LA•LA LOVE SONG,” a collaboration with Naomi Campbell.