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

Albert’s ShuffleAl Kooper & Mike Bloomfield

Al Kooper & Mike Bloomfield “Albert’s Shuffle”

Al Kooper, an organ player rooted in club-style rock, and Mike Bloomfield, who had played in white blues bands, performed numerous classic songs as instrumentals and released several albums.

“Albert’s Shuffle” is one of those tracks.

Electric WormBeastie Boys

Electric Worm

Beastie Boys, who achieved great success from their debut as white rappers, had an enormous impact on the scene through their wide-ranging activities—from innovative music that never stayed in one style to launching a trend-setting label and magazine, and even engaging in social causes.

They originally came from a hardcore band, and a major strength is that all three members can play instruments.

In 2007, they shocked listeners by releasing the instrumental album The Mix-Up, recorded with vintage instruments.

Electric Worm, included on The Mix-Up, delivers a cool, subtly stylish sound: a track swirling with a dark, funky groove that even hints at dub, topped off by Money Mark—practically a fourth member—on Hammond organ.

It’s fantastic!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

land of make believeChuck Mangione

Chuck Mangione ft Esther Satterfield – Land of Make Believe (A&M Records 1973)

A famous piece by Chuck Mangione that abundantly showcases the flugelhorn’s tone.

Its light, brisk tempo sets it apart from his other works and gives it a distinctly fusion feel.

The song is widely known and has been covered by various artists at many concerts.

ToccataDavid Garrett

David Garrett – Toccata (Johann Sebastian Bach)

This is a piece by David Garrett, a violinist known for his incredible virtuosity.

He has turned famous classical pieces into violin rock.

Even those who feel classical music might be a bit intimidating can enjoy it casually.

JessicaThe Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band – Jessica | Live at University Of Florida Bandshell (1982)

Music from the American South has a distinctive earthy grit.

Because of this, rock from the South is sometimes categorized and referred to as “Southern rock.” Among the Allman Brothers Band’s instrumental tracks—the quintessential Southern rock group—the especially famous one is “Jessica.”

Cissy StrutThe Meters

The Meters – Cissy Strut

The Meters are an instrumental R&B band that produced a sound similar to Booker T.

Their music was called ‘New Orleans funk.’ ‘Cissy Strut’ is a special number for New Orleans funk, serving as the first track on their debut album.

UndertureThe Who

Underture

The Who, a British rock band, released the album “TOMMY” in 1969, which is regarded as a landmark of the “rock opera,” a fusion of rock and opera.

Among its tracks, the instrumental piece “Underture” stands out with a unique presence; it is said to depict the hallucinations experienced by the story’s protagonist, Tommy.

The interweaving timbres of various instruments and the tension-filled, complex development are part of its appeal.