[2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.

D.D.E.ROVO

ROVO “D.D.E.” PV (from 10th Album “PHASE”)

A band formed by Seiichi Yamamoto and others with the concept of “doing spacey things.” Its human-powered, trance-like rhythms driven by twin drums and the groove of an electric violin are irresistibly pleasing—you’ll feel like you’re being whisked away to another world just by listening.

Stay AloneTheScreenTones

The Solitary Gourmet – Stay Alone –

The moment I heard that somewhat goofy yet wistful main phrase, Yutaka Matsushige’s expressions and tall silhouette popped into my head, and I couldn’t help getting hungry.

It’s the main theme of the smash-hit drama “The Solitary Gourmet,” a nice instrumental by The Screen Tones led by the original author, Masayuki Kusumi! The chord progression is simple yet thoughtfully crafted, and the band ensemble is exquisitely brilliant.

I’m sure many people—myself included—have listened to this track and tried becoming Goro Inogashira, the protagonist of “The Solitary Gourmet,” savoring solitude and enjoying a solo meal, just as the title suggests.

By the way, this main phrase is used in other tracks with different arrangements; personally, I also love “Tatebue Alone,” where it’s played on a recorder! I highly recommend picking up the soundtrack and giving it a listen.

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KOH-1

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Bitter Sweet SambaHerb Alpert

Bittersweet Samba

Herb Alpert’s “Bitter Sweet Samba.” Even if you don’t know the title, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

It’s often played on TV.

The Latin rhythm and distinctive melody captivate listeners.

The repeated motif is pleasant, making it a striking piece.

It’s a wonderful number I can recommend to everyone.

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Mayumi

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AnthemVangelis

Vangelis- Anthem – 2002 FIFA World Cup™ Official Anthem (Synthesizer version)

Vangelis’s “Anthem.” Listening to it puts me in a Christmas mood.

A variety of sounds and occasional vocals come together to make a wonderfully fun piece.

It fills you with excitement right from the start.

It’s cool yet soothing—a mysterious song.

Please give it a listen.

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Mayumi

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Chariots of Fire (Chariots of Fire Theme)Vangelis

Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire

A hit song that topped the U.S.

charts in 1982 and was memorably used at the London Olympics.

The film itself dealt with issues that are hard for Japanese audiences to fully grasp and was rather difficult, but the theme song is a classic, featuring Vangelis’s synthesizer—a musician who would go on to accomplish many great works.

This track is inseparable from the film’s opening scene: Cambridge students running on the beach as part of their training.

It’s interesting how, despite its electronic sound, it somehow matches that analog, nostalgic imagery so well.

MisirlouDick Dale

Dick Dale & The Del Tones “Misirlou” 1963

In American music of the 1950s, there’s a style known as “surfing” or “surf music.” This number performed by Dick Dale is a classic of the genre.

It later became the theme song for the film Pulp Fiction and enjoyed a revival hit.

That’s the way of the WorldRichard Tee

That’s The Way Of The World – Richard Tee

Richard Tee, a pianist who left behind numerous brilliant performances when crossover first started to become popular.

This mellow ballad, featured on one of his leader albums, showcases his distinctive compositional skill and lyrical sensibility, and he recorded it multiple times up until his passing.