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)
Grapefruit MoonTOMOO
Centered on piano-and-vocal performances, singer-songwriter TOMOO expands a richly emotional musical world.
While rooted in pop and ballads, her distinctive style transcends those boundaries.
She made her major debut in 2019 and drew attention with songs like “Present” and “Awai ni.” She also garnered buzz for crafting the ending theme of the drama “Zenryōiki Ijō Kaiketsushitsu.” Her live shows are highly acclaimed, with the June 2022 performance at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA still fresh in many minds.
At first listen her music may seem subdued, but the undulating rhythms born from her piano playing and her soulful vocals blend to create a one-of-a-kind groove.
Highly recommended for those who want to surrender themselves to the music and feel a gentle, satisfying sway.
Every One MinuteMononkuru
Mononkul is a songwriting duo consisting of vocalist Sara Yoshida and bassist Ryuta Tsunoda, whose uncle is the legendary H☆RO TSUNODA.
Formed in 2011 while they were active as jazz musicians, they fuse jazz with R&B and other influences to create a stylish, pop-leaning sound—highly recommended if you’re looking for something chic.
Their tie-in work has been growing year by year, including Every One Minute for Citizen xC, Higher for the SONY Xperia 1 IV, and 2022’s salvation, drawing increasing attention.
The groove born from tight, rhythmic bass and a cute vocal is truly one of a kind.
Their pleasing sonorities, fashionable beats, and masterful balance of stillness and motion are irresistibly cool!
Singers, bands, and artists known for their groove. Body-swaying killer tunes (31–40)
Man Say Bienzettakun
After performing in a band, solo rapper/trackmaker Zettakun blossomed as a self-taught DTM producer.
Rooted in J-pop, his effortlessly genre-crossing sound—spanning Japanese rap, Japanese rock, and even Kawaii Future Bass—is irresistibly cool.
He made his indie debut in 2019, then broke into the major scene in 2020 with “Midnight Call feat.
kojikoji.” That same year, he also drew attention for writing lyrics for a Pocari Sweat commercial song.
A major turning point in his career was winning the Grand Prix at the 2018 audition “Newcomer Discovery.” His knack for weaving everyday empathy into distinctive lyrics, paired with catchy hooks that create an irresistibly pleasant groove, will have your body moving before you know it.
Highly recommended for listeners who love the smooth, feel-good bounce rooted in Black music.
90’S TOKYO BOYSOKAMOTO’S
OKAMOTO’S is a rock band known for its hefty, powerful rock sound.
They’re also known for having Hama Okamoto—Masatoshi Hamada’s eldest son—as a member.
The band is active in many areas, from supporting other artists to appearing on the music program “Musica Piccolino.” Their signature song, “90’S TOKYO BOYS,” fuses a rhythm section that evokes the groove of Black music with a gritty rock guitar sound.
HolidayRAMMELLS
RAMMELLS is a rock band formed in 2015.
Guitarist Toru Sanada, who had been in OLD JOE with Suchmos’s YONCE and others, invited vocalist Akiko Kuroda and bassist Tsutomu Murayama, who were his seniors from university, and the band began when drummer Gen Hikosaka joined.
They made their major debut in 2017 with the full album “Authentic.” With a sophisticated sound and groove that blend elements of city pop, funk, and jazz, they drew the attention of music fans, but disbanded in May 2021.
Even with the influence of Black music, their catchy band sound and vocals with an easy, feel-good vibe are guaranteed to make you want to dance.
Night Drivin’Neighbors Complain
Neighbors Complain is a band that rose to prominence from street performances in front of Osaka Station and made their major debut in 2018.
All the members are passionate lovers of Black music, and their band sound reflects that passion—groovy and undeniably cool.
Their song “Night Drivin’,” featured in a SUZUKI Escudo commercial, is characterized by a driving groove and a cool sound reminiscent of acid jazz, making it a standout track.
Sweet dreamsYONA YONA WEEKENDERS
YONA YONA WEEKENDERS is a city-pop band that made its major-label debut in 2021.
All the members work as salarymen, and their roots lie in melodic hardcore and punk, making them a unique group.
However, their sound is mellow and modern, with a stylish vibe.
Their debut single, “Ii Yume” (Good Dream), is a message song from the members who once gave up on their dreams.
The crisp, light guitar cutting creates a pleasantly groovy feel.