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

Night of the VampireThe Moontrekkers

Night of the Vampire

The Moontrekkers were a British instrumental group active in the early 1960s.

In their early days, none other than a 16-year-old Rod Stewart was in the band as a vocalist.

This track was banned from broadcast by the BBC as “inappropriate,” likely due to its eerie atmosphere, yet it still managed to break into the singles chart at number 50—a true classic.

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.

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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Feels so goodChuck Mangione

Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good HQ (12″ Remastered )

A funky, refreshing tune that sits squarely in the heart of crossover.

It’s no exaggeration to say Chuck Mangione’s popularity stems from this piece.

It’s a song everyone has heard at least once, featuring a performance that reflects his melodic sensibility.

Theme from Mission: ImpossibleLalo Schifrin

Mission Impossible theme song (Original)

This uniquely tension-filled melody is something almost everyone has heard at least once, regardless of age.

It’s the main theme of the hugely popular spy-action series Mission: Impossible.

While the soundtrack by film-music master Danny Elfman for the 1996 film adaptation starring Tom Cruise is probably the most widely known, this time let’s introduce the original version used in the 1966 TV series.

Composed by Argentine-born master musician and jazz pianist Lalo Schifrin, its sound—woven from a distinctive 5/4 rhythm—is incredibly cool and thrilling.

Many arrangements were released later on.

If you’re not familiar with this original version, be sure to check it out.

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Guru VandanaGeorge Harrison

Guru Vandana

While The Beatles are often strongly associated with their individual solo careers, it was guitarist George Harrison who was the first to release a solo album.

His solo debut, Wonderwall Music, came out in 1968.

The album is steeped in Indian musical influences, featuring strong elements of traditional and folk music, and this track in particular conveys his musical preferences at the time.

CrystalAnup Sastry

Anup Sastry – Crystal

Anup Sastry is a project by an American drummer, also famous for photos of him making exaggerated wide-eyed faces.

As you’d expect from a drummer-led project, the tracks are heavily focused on rhythm.

The song runs a relatively long eight minutes, but it also features a piano break in the middle, giving it an emotional, lyrical side.