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)
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.
Omokage -self cover-Vaundy
Vaundy is a multi-artist who single-handedly handles songwriting, composing, arranging, as well as creating artwork and producing videos.
His style—crafting pop sounds while reflecting influences from Black music—has earned widespread popularity.
“Omokage,” which he provided in 2021 as a collaboration track for milet, Aimer, and ikura (Lilas Ikuta), also drew a lot of attention.
Vaundy himself released a self-cover, and its arrangement using a Motown rhythm brings out a different kind of groove.
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.
Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Body-swaying killer tunes (11–20)
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.
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.
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.