[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] Masterpieces of Instrumentals: Recommended Instrumental Tracks (161–170)
Prismyou you you all the same
The band you you you all the same is known for its sparkling sound.
Since each member has been active in other bands, their performance shows a strong foundation.
The song “Prism” in the video is included on their self-titled mini-album “you you you all the same,” released in 2016.
The vibe of the music video matches the song very well.
Inner AssassinsANIMALS AS LEADERS
A track by Animals As Leaders, a band on Sumerian Records, which hosts many progressive rock–oriented bands.
Led by Tosin Abasi, AAL’s songs are often highly technical with complex structures, yet this is a piece you can also enjoy as background music without overthinking it.
Nut RockerEmerson Lake&Palmer
A rock-arranged track based on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
It’s included as an encore at the end of the live album Pictures at an Exhibition.
The image of ELP’s “face,” Keith Emerson, striking the keyboards onstage is unforgettable.
Tchaikovsky’s works originally have melodies that connect to popular music and are easy to listen to, so perhaps it appealed even to people who say, “Progressive rock isn’t really my thing.” Still, their sheer arranging prowess is nothing short of astonishing.
Keith Emerson’s genius can also be seen in pieces from his pre-ELP days with The Nice, such as America (from West Side Story).
Rockabilly HolidayDuane Eddy
Nowadays, when you think of the electric guitar, it’s the star of a rock band, but it was once a modest accompaniment instrument.
The guitarist who overturned that notion and was among the very first to make the electric guitar a lead instrument, carrying the melody in instrumental pieces, was Duane Eddy.
One of his signature songs is this one, and the guitar instrumental format he established became a foundation for later rock music.
(Anesthesia) – Pulling TeethMetallica
Even if you know the name Metallica, you might assume they’re a heavy metal band that doesn’t do instrumental tracks.
The piece introduced here, “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth,” is actually a bass solo by Cliff Burton, Metallica’s early member and legendary bassist who propelled the band with his innovative style before tragically dying in an accident.
It appears on their landmark debut album, Kill ’Em All, and the songwriting credit lists Cliff himself as the sole composer.
The fiercely distorted bass tone delivers an impressively aggressive and cool sound, so even if you don’t usually listen to metal, if you’re a bassist, this is a track you should hear at least once!
One of These DaysPink Floyd
Much of rock is vocal music, but within the genre known as progressive rock—which fused various styles such as classical and jazz to create many forward-looking works—there are numerous instrumental masterpieces.
This track by Pink Floyd is also a very famous one.
SOUL BOSSA NOVAQuincy Jones
Even if you don’t know the title of this tune, many of you will likely recognize its striking melody and think, “I’ve heard this somewhere.” Quincy Jones—a jazz musician and world-class music producer who has been revered as a living legend since the 1950s, with achievements like co-producing Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller, the best-selling record of all time—released this masterpiece in 1962! True to its title, “Soul Bossa Nova” distills the Brazilian music that was popular at the time into a soulful, funky form, while also delivering the lively, colorful feel of a big band—what a luxurious track.
Some of you may have discovered it through the 1997 film Austin Powers.
The album it appears on, Big Band Bossa Nova, is a classic as well, so be sure to check it out!