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!
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
- A male singer with exceptional vocal skills: a powerhouse performer who captivates with volume, technique, and expressiveness.
- Hype to the max! Party songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- [Gets you grooving] Upbeat Japanese songs. Tracks that make you feel happy.
- [Crystal Voice] An artist with a clear, translucent singing voice.
- [Overwhelming Vocal Ability] A Compilation of Popular Female Singers
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Body-moving killer tunes (1–10)
I’m crazy about youUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada was born into a musical family and raised in New York.
With her 1998 debut single “Automatic/time will tell,” she sparked an R&B boom in the Japanese music scene.
Her arrival helped popularize a vocal style that set Japanese lyrics to a 16-beat groove.
The following year, her first album “First Love” set a domestic record with about 7.65 million copies sold and won the Japan Gold Disc Award, demonstrating her immense influence.
While R&B forms the core of her sound, she incorporates elements like electronica, resulting in a diverse musicality.
Yet across all her songs, there’s an underlying rhythm that invites a pleasant sway of the body.
Experience that feeling where words and beat become one.
FrisbeeBRADIO
Rooted in funk, soul, and R&B, BRADIO is a rock band in high demand at major festivals, known for wearing suits reminiscent of funk and doo-wop.
They made their major debut in 2017 with the single “LA PA PARADISE.” “Frisbee,” which was chosen as the opening theme for the Nippon TV program Buzz Rhythm 02, is a hard-hitting funk track reminiscent of James Brown.
The band’s groove will make you want to start dancing—definitely a must-hear!
Tokyo feat. Mamiko Suzuki, Skaaiyonawo
While rooted in R&B and soul, the Fukuoka-born band yonawo has been garnering attention for a sound that deftly weaves in elements of jazz and hip-hop.
Since their major debut in 2019, they’ve won many fans with their genre-defying musicality.
The gentle yet powerful vocals of Shota Araya, combined with delicate guitar work and a steady bass-and-drum foundation, create a groove that feels wonderfully soothing.
Their songs are urban and sophisticated, yet carry a touch of languid moodiness—their sense of balance is effortlessly cool.
They’re a band I’d recommend not only to fans of Black music and city pop, but also to anyone looking for stylish tunes you can sway to at a relaxed pace.
Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Body-swaying killer tunes (11–20)
Groovynightchilldspot
Chilldspot is a buzzworthy band whose members were all in their teens when they released their debut recording, “the youth night.” Even back then, their sound was fully formed—the dark, mature tone is hard to believe came from teenagers.
Their 2021 digital single “Groovynight” centers on three minutes in the life of a girl who’s stepped off the club’s dance floor to take a break.
Midway through, the rhythm shifts into a swing feel, letting you savor a jazzy groove.
SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita is an artist who represents city pop, which has been attracting attention worldwide since the 2000s.
He’s known for cool, AOR-tinged sounds and grooves, and his distinctive singing voice.
Originally a drummer, Yamashita has a remarkable sense of groove, and his rhythmic guitar comping is incredibly danceable.
“SPARKLE,” from his 1982 album FOR YOU, is a track that really lets you feel that groove—be sure to give it a listen!
It’s fun and delicious—you can even have too much.Lucky Kilimanjaro
A feel-good house tune that makes your body move before you know it.
This track by Lucky Kilimanjaro, released in January 2025, clearly reflects the band’s straightforward commitment to pursuing “fun.” It helps you forget the everyday hustle and simply sway to the sound, reminding you how good that feels.
The dynamic, vibrant bassline firmly underpins the snappy four-on-the-floor groove, naturally carrying listeners into the rhythm.
It’s the perfect song for those moments when you want to empty your mind and just lose yourself in the music.
Ain’t Nobody KnowHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino, who is also active as an actor and writer, is said to have his musical roots in his work with the instrumental band SAKEROCK.
Since his solo debut in 2010, he has created a unique groove based on J-pop, incorporating elements of soul and dance music.
In 2016, the theme song “Koi” for a drama he starred in became a massive hit—a track beloved by many, together with the dance that became a social phenomenon.
His musicality has been highly praised, with accolades such as winning the CD Shop Award for the classic album “YELLOW DANCER.” The performances, backed by virtuosos like Hama Okamoto and Ryosuke Nagaoka, have an irresistible feel that makes your body sway.
For those who love danceable J-pop, it might feel like a revolution!