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] Instrumental Masterpieces: Recommended Instrumental Tracks (181–190)

SOUL BOSSA NOVAQuincy Jones

Quincy Jones – SOUL BOSSA NOVA

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!

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[2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music: Recommended instrumental tracks (191–200)

Cause We’ve Ended As LoversJeff Beck

JEFF BECK LIVE Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers

Cause We've Ended As LoversJeff Beck

Jeff Beck, a legendary British rock guitarist who is sometimes mentioned alongside Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page as one of the “big three rock guitarists.” I wrote “rock,” but what’s remarkable about Beck is that, while rooted in blues and rock ’n’ roll, he has continually and flexibly embraced the cutting-edge sounds of each era—fusion, electronica, techno—expanding the possibilities of guitar instrumentals.

His 1975 solo album Blow by Blow is a truly monumental work, a masterpiece that has profoundly influenced generations of musicians.

From that classic, let’s look at “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” known in Japanese as “Kanashimi no Koibitotachi” (“Lovers in Sadness”).

The song was originally written by Stevie Wonder for his then-wife Syreeta Wright, and after various circumstances, Beck covered it as an instrumental.

Pouring a wealth of his then-current guitar techniques into the track, Beck transformed it into a dramatic guitar instrumental.

“Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” which remains a highlight of his live performances to this day, has become one of his signature pieces, beloved by music fans around the world.

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In conclusion

Instrumental music, precisely because it has no lyrics, lets your imagination roam freely through the timbre of instruments and the resonance of electronic sounds.

It’s also fascinating that the images conjured up can differ from listener to listener, even with the same piece.

Why not take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich, profound world of instrumentals?