[2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
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!”
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[2026] Classic instrumental masterpieces. Recommended instrumental tracks (131–140)
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.
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.
Longing LoveGeorge Winston
George Winston is a master of the genre often labeled “New Age,” and a pianist-composer who enjoys great popularity in Japan as well.
His skill at translating natural landscapes into music—such as in works expressing the spring, summer, autumn, and winter of his native Montana—has earned high acclaim.
Autumn, one of George’s early signature works, was released in 1980 and became an exceptional hit for a solo piano album, now regarded as a classic.
This time, I’d like to introduce Longing/Love, a track from that album.
Also known in Japanese as “Akogare/Ai” (“Longing/Love”), this solo piano masterpiece has been featured in various commercials and as background music on TV programs.
Its melody is so extraordinarily beautiful that once you hear it, its resonance is unforgettable.
When you want to calm your mind, why not listen to this melody?
CandymanBoris S.
This is a track in the so-called schranz genre.
The wistful melody played with tones reminiscent of percussion instruments and the rampaging gabber kick sound are sure to be addictive.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to boost your mood in a quick and easy way.
St. Elmo’s Fire – Love Theme (Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire)David Foster
A work by David Foster, the famously renowned producer of our time.
From the film St.
Elmo’s Fire, John Parr’s song of the same name hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1985, but this theme may have been used more effectively within the movie.
The film itself became a major topic with its star-studded cast of ’80s youth idols.
Among David Foster’s many masterpieces, I think this stands out as an exceptional ballad.
Incidentally, the soundtrack also includes a vocal version titled “For Just a Moment.”
EuropaSantana
It’s a classic instrumental piece by Santana, the American Latin rock band led by the world-renowned guitarist Carlos Santana.
Originally included on the 1976 album “Amigos,” the track was later released as a single in Japan as part of a local initiative and became quite popular.
Its original title is “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile),” and its emotive, tearful guitar lines create a melody that particularly resonates with Japanese listeners—pure wistful melancholy.
It has also been used in commercials, and many people say it reminds them of the Showa era.
On a hard-boiled night, why not tip a glass and immerse yourself in the world of this song?
BaGoldmund
Composer Keith Kenniff, who releases high-quality works rooted in electronica and ambient music under various artist names and also creates music for major corporate commercials.
Here, I’d like to introduce “Ba,” a track from his debut album Corduroy Road, released in 2005 under his Goldmund moniker known for its beautiful piano ambient sound.
The simple, nostalgic melody played on an upright piano has the effect of evoking scenes from the distant corners of the listener’s memory.
The piece was also used in a commercial for Honda’s bipedal robot ASIMO, and has become a highly popular classic.
Although the album was a hidden gem at the time of its release, it remains highly regarded more than 15 years later, with a vinyl reissue in 2020.