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

TelstarThe Tornados

The Tornados ~ Telstar (1962)

It was created to commemorate the July 1962 launch of Telstar, the world’s first communications satellite from the United States.

It spectacularly reached number one in both the UK and the US, using electronic sounds (the Clavioline electronic keyboard) to evoke a sense of space and create a grand atmosphere.

The melody is excellent as well, making its hit status entirely convincing.

In the final chorus, a male humming part comes in, which adds a nice touch.

St. Elmo’s Fire – Love Theme (Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire)David Foster

St. Elmo’s Fire Love Theme soundtrack

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.”

SleepwalkSanto & Johnny

Santo & Johnny “Sleep Walk”

Santo & Johnny are a brother duo from New York.

The song hit number one in the U.S.

in 1959, earned a Gold Disc, and has been covered by many famous musicians and guitarists, including Jeff Beck, The Shadows, and Chet Atkins.

It’s a guitar instrumental that makes full use of the steel guitar, and—as the title suggests—beautifully captures a floating sensation, as if drifting between dreams and reality.

It’s a piece that any guitarist who plays slide guitar will inevitably attempt.

EL CHOCLOJuan D’Arienzo

El Choclo

Alongside La Cumparsita, El Choclo is also a masterpiece that represents tango.

Composed as early as 1903 by Ángel Villoldo, it became a popular piece that has continued to be performed to this day after being played at an upscale restaurant in Buenos Aires.

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!

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