Lovely instrumental

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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

The genre of music without vocals—so-called “instrumentals,” also known in Japan by the abbreviation “inst”—covers a wide range of pieces, from film soundtracks and classical music to 15-second commercial jingles.

In this article, we’ve curated a broad selection of recommended instrumental masterpieces, from world-famous soundtrack tunes to fiery guitar instrumentals and soothing lounge music.

We hope it sparks a new realization—“Songs without lyrics might actually be great!”

[2026] Masterpieces of Instrumentals: Recommended Instrumental Tracks (101–110)

Mist of KareliaThe Spotnicks

The Spotnicks – Karelia (1966)

Mist of KareliaThe Spotnicks

They’re a Swedish electric guitar instrumental group.

The band took its name from the world’s first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

The record jacket even showed the members dressed in what looked like spacesuits.

The interlude weaves in a phrase from the Russian folk song “Troika,” and the song’s wistful tone seems to have resonated in Japan as well.

Many people see them as the soft, mellow opposite of The Ventures, even though both are guitar instrumental bands.

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U Can’t Hold No GrooveVictor Wooten

Victor Wooten – U Can’t Hold No Groove – HIGH QUALITY HD 2014

U Can't Hold No GrooveVictor Wooten

This is a track featuring the electric bass by high-tech Black bassist Victor Wooten.

While it showcases technical elements like ghost notes and flurries of slap, it also carries a somewhat calm atmosphere.

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AkatsukiPE’Z

PE’Z – Akatsuki

AkatsukiPE'Z

An instrumental jazz band formed in 1999 by five members (disbanded in 2015).

Their first major-label album, “Kugatsu no Sora -KUGATSU NO SOLA-,” which includes this track, achieved an exceptional No.

10 on the Oricon charts for an instrumental band.

They were one of the bands that shocked the music industry, where instrumental bands had long been considered unmarketable.

This track, blending Japanese sensibilities with jazz and progressive elements, stands as one of the band’s signature numbers.

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Apollo 11Sesto Sento

Sesto Sento – Apollo 11

Apollo 11Sesto Sento

As the title suggests, this track features a floating, spacey atmosphere.

The build-ups with noise sweeps create excitement, and the lead synth melody hits right where it should.

It’s a great recommendation for beginners who want to give trance a try.

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PipelineThe Ventures

The Ventures – Pipeline

PipelineThe Ventures

When you hear “instrumental band,” some of you might think of The Ventures.

They were especially popular in Japan, and it’s no exaggeration to say that The Beatles and The Ventures together helped shape the template for later Japanese light music.

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[2026] Masterpieces of Instrumentals: Recommended Instrumental Tracks (111–120)

NowhereLOOP POOL

Nowhere

NowhereLOOP POOL

That rhythm is addictive.

This is “Nowhere” by LOOP POOL, a trio consisting of gut guitar, upright bass, and drums.

They formed in 2008 and gradually gained recognition while being active mainly in the Kanto region.

“Nowhere” is included on their 2016 album “Now And Then.” Its use as background music for the weather segment of the information program “news every.” became a hot topic.

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Lupin the Third: Theme of LoveYuji Ohno

LOVE THEME — Lupin the Third: Theme of Love

Lupin the Third: Theme of LoveYuji Ohno

You often hear this “Lupin the Third: Love Theme” in brass band and jazz performances.

Who knew there was such a moody track behind that iconic main theme? It’s such an atmospheric song that you might not even notice it playing in a jazz bar, yet despite being an insert song from an anime, it has an absolutely incredible vibe.

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Murakami Shinpei

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