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

Into The ArenaMichael Schenker

MICHAEL SCHENKER [ INTO THE ARENA ] [III] LIVE 1981.

It’s a textbook example of a rock instrumental, a masterpiece among masterpieces where you can savor the ultimate guitar riffs and solos! This track is by Michael Schenker, the German guitarist revered as a “god” and hugely popular here in Japan, included on the debut album The Michael Schenker Group, released under the Michael Schenker Group name in 1980.

The Japanese title of the album—“Kami — Kaettekita Flying Arrow” (“God — The Flying V has Returned”)—is striking enough on its own, but surely no one would dispute that this is the finest instrumental ever sent into the world by the guitar god himself.

Though its structure is simple—main riff, solo, back to the riff, then another solo—the solid, high-tension riff, the ad‑libbed solo centered on the pentatonic scale, and the meticulously crafted band ensemble are all nothing short of perfect and cool.

And that passionate, crying melody in the latter half heats up your whole body just by listening!

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Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)Bill Conti

Bill Conti – Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)

No matter how much time passes, the indescribable rush this piece evokes will be eternal.

The moment that ultra-famous intro phrase kicks in, you can’t help but feel like sprinting headlong.

It’s the theme from the classic film Rocky, released in 1976, which became a massive hit and launched a series.

In the movie, the scene where the protagonist runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and strikes the so-called “victory pose” is, of course, iconic.

Many people have imitated that moment—especially those who watched Rocky in real time back then.

Strictly speaking, this track does have lyrics and vocals, but even just the musical phrases alone are enough to fire up the listener’s heart.

It deserves mention as one of the most famous soundtrack pieces in the world.

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Squib CakesTower Of Power

Tower Of Power – Squib Cakes

It’s included on their fourth album, Back to Oakland, often hailed as their masterpiece, and the more-than-nine-minute performance is absolutely overwhelming.

Chester Thompson’s organ solo, Lenny Pickett’s sax, and Bruce Conte’s guitar solo—each one is nothing short of stunning.

One of the standout tracks among TOP’s very best.

It would have been even better if David Garibaldi’s drums had been featured a bit more, but in every respect it’s a tour de force and one of TOP’s greatest masterpieces.

ParanoimiaThe Art of Noise

The Art of Noise with Max Headroom – Paranoimia (Official Video)

Art of Noise is a unit led by producer Trevor Horn—known as the mastermind behind “Video Killed the Radio Star” (The Buggles) and the revival of Yes—who was hailed as a darling of the 1980s.

Incidentally, the CG character Max Headroom who appears in the music video is a virtual host from a British music program.

In the video where the suit-clad CG old-timer yells “Paranoimia!” you can catch a glimpse of the Trevor Horn world.

Pick up the piecesAverage White Band

Average White Band – Pick up the pieces

A classic that reached No.

1 in the U.S.

in 1975.

It still gets plenty of airplay in the media today, so even if you’re not a fan of Western music, soul, or funk, you’ve probably heard it.

As the name suggests, they’re a white band, but their sound is unmistakably Black, delivering an overwhelmingly deep groove you wouldn’t expect from a white group.

In their early days, the band featured vocals quite prominently.

Their other hit, “Cut the Cake,” also showcases the vocals and is a must-listen.

It’s also well known that guitarist Hamish Stuart joined Paul McCartney’s touring band and even came to Japan.

You skipped it, right?H ZETTRIO

You skipped it, right?

Packed with a fresh dose of charm from the piano trio H ZETTRIO, “Tobashitassho” is a digital-only single released on January 1, 2024.

Its catchy melody and effervescent rhythm stand out, drawing listeners into a bright, uplifting mood.

Showcasing the breadth of their musicality, the track is part of a project in which they release a new song every month—a testament to their deep love of music.

Their achievement on December 1, 2023—reaching 60 consecutive months of releases—is impressive, too.

Perfect as a soundtrack to color your everyday life, this is a song you’ll want to play on repeat once you’ve heard it.

The PlagueDyprax

Dyprax – The Plague (Official Preview) – [MOHDIGI139]

This is a track from a Dutch producer as part of a hardcore project.

With a simple off-beat and the customary sound effects, the use of one-shots is clear and stylish, while also carrying dark elements.

It’s a track that keeps listeners engaged.