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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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Like a Flourishing Flower -Neo Visualizm-MIYAVI

MIYAVI – Like a Flower in Full Bloom -Neo Visualizm-
Like a Flourishing Flower -Neo Visualizm-MIYAVI

The “Samurai Guitarist,” who’s gaining worldwide attention for his unique slap technique played with fingers instead of a pick.

In fact, his vocal expressiveness is equally outstanding—whatever he sings carries a sensual allure.

Influenced by his slap style, his singing has a powerful sense of rhythm, creating a seamless fusion that almost feels odd without a guitar in hand.

His English pronunciation is natural and world-class, and he’s the passionate type who captivates with groove.

While he has many songs in English, during his long-hair era most of his tracks were in Japanese, so if you’re thinking “I want to try singing one,” you’re sure to find a favorite.

In any case, he’s incredibly cool and stylish!