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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-swaying killer tunes (11–20)

come againm-flo

m-flo is a music group consisting of MC VERBAL, DJ ☆Taku, and vocalist LISA.

They’re known for a sophisticated sound that blends a hip-hop foundation with diverse genres like R&B and jazz.

They made their major debut in 1999, and their 2005 album “BEAT SPACE NINE” earned them their first No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

After LISA left, the “m-flo loves…” project expanded the possibilities of their music through collaborations with various artists, and in 2004 they won “Best Asia Hip Hop Artist” at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Their innovative musical style is undeniably cool.

Over ☆Taku’s polished productions, VERBAL’s bilingual raps and LISA’s clear, expressive vocals—returning after 15 years—create a one-of-a-kind groove.

They’re the perfect artist for anyone who wants to sink into stylish beats that make your body move.

Stand By YouOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Stand By You [Official Video]
Stand By YouOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism is a band that sits at the forefront of the pop charts while still evoking Black music.

Satoshi Fujihara, who handles vocals and keyboards, was originally a drummer serious enough to aim for a professional career, and the way he plays piano has a very groovy feel.

The title track of their 2018 EP, “Stand By You,” is also a song where you can fully enjoy Fujihara’s piano, featuring crisp, percussive playing right from the intro.

Johnnie WalkerFirosofī no Dansu

Philosophy no Dance “Johnny Walker” Recording Behind the Scenes
Johnnie WalkerFirosofī no Dansu

The group, affectionately known by the nickname “Philos,” is produced by Keitaro Kamo, who has launched numerous artists including Ulfuls and Kishidan.

Formed under the concept of having idols sing funk and R&B, they’re characterized by a strong sense of groove in many of their songs.

They’re a distinctive idol group that combines the cuteness of idols with the mood of Black music.

Performing live with a backing band is also one of their hallmarks, and it feels like it further emphasizes the world view of their music.

BE THE GROOVESIRUP

SIRUP – BE THE GROOVE (Official Music Video)
BE THE GROOVESIRUP

SIRUP is an R&B and hip-hop singer-songwriter from Osaka.

His track “BE THE GROOVE,” as the title suggests, features an irresistibly rolling groove.

Starting with a rap right after the intro, the song initially feels strongly hip-hop, but in the chorus it shifts suddenly into a mellow sung section, instantly drawing you into his world.

Pay particular attention to the bass in this track.

In the chorus, the effective use of slides—playing technique that smoothly connects notes—creates the song’s pleasant groove.

Where are you from?BREIMEN

BREIMEN “Antagata Dokosa” Official Music Video
Where are you from?BREIMEN

BREIMEN is a five-piece mixture-funk band formed mainly by members who met in a black music club circle.

After adopting their current lineup in 2018, they began attracting attention, and it also became a hot topic that they worked on “MERODY” by Akihito from Porno Graffitti and Satoru Iguchi from King Gnu.

With extensive experience as support musicians, they’re passionately endorsed within the industry and by fellow artists.

In addition to the sultry vocals of bassist and singer Shota Takagi, their groove-rich sound crosses genres with a unique flair.

It’s remarkable how they blend an easygoing, approachable looseness with a funky, distinctive coolness!

Ain’t Nobody KnowHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Ain’t Nobody Know [Official Video]
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!

Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Body-moving killer tunes (21–30)

MephistoAvu-chan (Jouou Bachi)

Queen Bee – Mephisto / THE FIRST TAKE
MephistoAvu-chan (Jouou Bachi)

Up until now, Queen Bee had hardly appeared in the media, but after their 2023 smash hit Mephisto, the ending theme for Oshi no Ko, they’ve been showing up on TV much more often.

Avu-chan, whose gender, age, real name, and many other details remain private, has a mysterious presence that’s part of the appeal.

With crystalline high notes, ground-crawling lows, a lustrous midrange, and an overwhelming vocal range, Avu-chan is an exceptional singer.

Even on Queen Bee’s official channels, they’re introduced as a distinctive vocalist who skillfully switches between high and low registers.

Their worldbuilding is incredible, and they’re a genius who self-produces everything from the music to the visuals.

When you see Queen Bee, you’ll find yourself pulled right in!