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 (21–30)
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!
A slight fever in springKubota Kai
Singer-songwriter/rapper Kubota Kai emerged from the freestyle rap world and burst onto the scene.
Grounded in hip-hop while blending in R&B and rock, his literary word choices shine.
After formally launching his career with the 2019 EP “Myōjō,” he drew attention as songs released on YouTube surpassed 3 million views, and in 2021 he completed the album “Raikō.” He’s also known for the anecdote of winning an NHK show’s competition with only three months of rap experience.
He has many tie-ins, including “Tonari,” the theme song for the film Side by Side: The Person Next to Me, and “gear5,” the opening theme for the drama Hakobiya.
His mellow groove, woven from words and sound, is truly one of a kind—perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in emotionally rich music.
relivetoconoma
Since their formation in 2008, toconoma—a four-piece instrumental band—has made a striking impression with their performances at major festivals.
They operate as a “weekend band,” with all members holding full-time jobs.
Their genre-free dance music, which blends each member’s sensibilities, is irresistibly cool.
You’ll be captivated by their technical playing that makes the instruments feel as if they’re singing.
The richly groovy ensemble will get your heart dancing—tracks like “relive,” with its crisp, cool chopping guitar and funky, tightly notched bass lines, will have your head nodding before you know it.
Talking Box (Dirty Pop Remix)WurtS
WurtS is a solo artist who handles everything from music production to producing, moving seamlessly across genres like rock, electronica, and hip-hop to craft a unique groove.
His 2021 track “Wakattenai yo” became a viral hit thanks to TikTok, rapidly boosting his name recognition.
His debut album, “Once Upon a Revival,” won the Tower Records ‘Tawarekomend Artist of the Year’ award, and in 2022 he was selected as a notable artist at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS.
He cites influences such as The 1975, and the fusion of meticulously constructed beats with airy melodies naturally makes you want to move.
Highly recommended for those seeking exciting, genre-defying music.
Life is wonderfulRickie-G
Singer-songwriter Rickie-G captivates with a sun-like warmth and an organic groove that naturally makes your body sway.
While rooted in reggae, his sound blends elements of soul and R&B from Black music.
He made his major debut in July 2007 with the single “Tobihikō,” followed by his first full album “am 08:59” in 2008.
The groove woven from performance skills honed on the streets since age 15 and his warm, soaring vocals is truly one of a kind.
His positive messages—singing about the beauty of life and the joys of everyday living—continue to draw many fans.
He’s an artist we recommend for anyone who wants to surrender to a comfortable rhythm and soak in a peaceful vibe!
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi
Quruli is a band that has relentlessly pursued the possibilities of music since forming in Kyoto in 1996.
Rooted in rock, their ever-shifting sound incorporates diverse genres such as jazz, classical, and electronica.
They made their major-label debut in 1998 with the single “Tokyo,” and cemented their popularity with songs like “Bara no Hana,” which was also the theme song for the film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.
The poetic vocals of Shigeru Kishida and the supple bass lines woven by Masashi Sato create a truly one-of-a-kind groove—at times gently swaying the body, at times offering an intellectually thrilling excitement.
Since 2007, they have also hosted their annual festival, Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai (Kyoto Music Expo), among many other activities.
They’re the perfect band for listeners who want both the mellow sway reminiscent of city pop and Black music and the pleasures of experimental sound.
tropical nightRIP SLYME
RIP SLYME is a cheerful, feel-good group that brought Japanese hip-hop into living rooms across the country.
Building on hip-hop and blending in funk and soul, they made their major debut in 2001 and quickly shot to stardom with hits like “Rakuen Baby.” Their classic album TOKYO CLASSIC is famous for being the first Japanese hip-hop album to sell over one million copies.
With multiple MCs trading light, playful wordplay over a DJ’s funky tracks, they weave together an exquisite groove.
Even listeners unfamiliar with hip-hop will find themselves effortlessly swaying to this irresistible vibe.