A catchy tune that sounds familiar
There are quite a few songs we often hear—commercial jingles, theme songs, tracks that go viral on social media, and timeless classics—without actually knowing their titles.
Many of us have probably experienced that thrill of carefully listening from the intro, and then, when the chorus hits, realizing, “I know this song!”
In this article, we’ll introduce many of those “songs you’ve heard somewhere before.”
If you’ve been feeling that nagging “I can hum it, but I don’t know what it’s called…” sensation, this is definitely for you.
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Catchy, familiar-sounding songs (71–80)
AlienKirinji
There are timeless songs that get covered across generations, and Kirinji’s “Aliens” is surely one of them.
“Aliens” is the sixth track on their 2000 album 3, and it was also released as a single.
With its moody, night-ready sound, the song exudes the mature vibe typical of Kirinji, often dubbed the Japanese Steely Dan.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Motohiro Hata, Hanaregumi, and Masayuki Suzuki.
If you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to give it a listen!
threadNakajima Miyuki
In recent years, this song has been used in commercials for canned coffee and Toyota Home.
Although it was released in 1998, it consistently ranks high on karaoke charts.
The lyrics feel like they slip right into your heart.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to late at night on a whim.
I want to be kinder.Saitō Kazuyoshi
Released in 2011 as the theme song for the popular TV drama “Kaseifu no Mita,” this track—Saito Kazuyoshi’s 39th single—quickly became a familiar hit.
It was his first time providing a theme for a TV drama, and the song drew major attention alongside the show’s success, becoming a smash hit.
Following his previous single “Zutto Suki Datta,” he produced a music video that faithfully recreates the image of a Beatles live performance, a band he greatly admires, making it a fun piece to watch for its meticulous attention to detail as well.
Shut up.Ado
A major debut single by Ado, who debuted as an active high school singer.
It’s no surprise she aimed to become a vocalist after discovering “I tried singing” videos on video sites as a child—her vocal prowess is overwhelming.
The lyrics, which cut into social customs often considered common sense, made a strong impact.
Starting with a restrained A-melody that feels like your head is being pressed down, the emotion gradually builds, and the gritty delivery in the chorus feels cathartic.
With provocative lyrics and a catchy melody that sticks in your ears, it’s a song that many people have likely heard at least once.
Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu
It’s a song released in 1995 that has been covered by many artists.
In 2013, Fuji TV even produced a drama inspired by this song, and I think it’s still a summer tune that people listen to often.
When Tomohisa Yamashita covered it, the song also became popular among younger listeners.
It’s fine.Urufuruzu
It was used as the ending theme for NHK’s Salaryman NEO.
It’s a straightforward pep song that uses the phrase “eenen” (“it’s okay”/“no problem”) a lot in the lyrics, making it catchy, easy to remember, and easy to hum—a song you often hear on TV shows.
Arrivée des camionneursMichel Legrand
This commercial, which aired in 2001 and shows a lively drive as it suddenly warps from the city into the great outdoors, is for the Lancer Cedia Wagon Turbo.
The vivid yellow Lancer racing through rocky mountains really leaves an impression, doesn’t it? By the way, many people have probably heard the song playing in the background of this commercial but don’t know its title.
The piece is Arrivée des camionneurs, composed by Michel Legrand for the film The Young Girls of Rochefort.
It’s also known in Japanese as “Kyaraban no Tōchaku” (Arrival of the Caravan).
Its passionately evocative melodic line stands out, and once you hear it, its catchiness really sticks with you.
