RAG Music
Lovely music

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.

Catchy, familiar-sounding songs (71–80)

On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon

Aimyon – On the Night the Cherry Blossoms Fall [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon

Aimyong’s songs are there for all kinds of everyday moments.

“Sakura ga Furu Yoru wa,” released digitally in February 2021, might be familiar as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf.” Its lyrics echo a delicate love that seems to portray a springtime parting.

They capture not only the butterflies before dating, but also the complicated feelings that can arise once you’re together.

There’s a gentle, encouraging vibe to it, too.

It’s a beautiful love song with Aimyong’s signature blend of fragility and warmth in the melody.

It’s Who We AreNulbarich

Nulbarich – It’s Who We Are (Official Music Video) [Radio Edit]
It's Who We AreNulbarich

A sophisticated track that captures an urban scene starting from a lazy Sunday.

Nulbarich weaves together a groovy, light rhythm that resonates comfortably, blending a variety of genres like soul, funk, and R&B.

Featured on the EP “Who We Are,” released in May 2017, the song was also used as the web commercial track for Audio-Technica’s SOLID BASS wireless earphones, the ATH-CKS50TW.

The cutting guitar rhythm leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics, which mix English and Japanese, convey the small joys found in everyday life and the importance of taking it easy.

It’s a stylish, soothing tune that pairs perfectly with a weekend drive or a relaxing moment at a café.

Chocolate DiscoPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Chocolate Disco”
Chocolate DiscoPerfume

It’s a classic song for Valentine’s Day that needs no introduction.

I love Perfume’s choreography, and back in high school I often copied the dance with my friends.

Even though dancing in high heels that high is really hard, they nail it and look amazing.

On the flip side, their laid-back Hiroshima-dialect MC talk is super cute.

Catchy, familiar-sounding songs (81–90)

Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

Lovely Holiday / Mariya Takeuchi [A Cappella]
Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

This is the Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial song that I absolutely listen to during the Christmas season.

It was written specifically for KFC and has been used for a long time, from 2000 to the present.

I think it’s become so ingrained in society that when you hear this song, you immediately feel like it’s Christmas.

HappinessAI

A song by AI, a female singer-songwriter known for her powerful, soulful vocals.

This number became a hot topic when it was used in 2011 as a Coca-Cola commercial song featuring original Japanese lyrics for the first time in about ten years, so many of you have probably heard it at least once.

With a message carried by her strong voice that reminds us of the important things we tend to forget in our busy lives and gives us a push forward, it is one of AI’s signature tracks.

SmileMori Nana

Nana Mori - Smile (Music Video)
SmileMori Nana

This song, sung by Nana Mori, who is active as an actress, is the one she sings in the Oronamin C commercial, right? Have you seen it? Also, when you first heard this song, did any of you think, “Huh, I’ve heard this somewhere before…”? As it turns out, this is a cover of a song originally released by Hofdylan in 1996! It’s arranged to be much more pop and cute than the original, and it suits Mori’s image perfectly, doesn’t it?

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

A uniquely catchy pop-rock tune with an irresistibly memorable melody and a dash of irony about modern society.

This message song from UNISON SQUARE GARDEN vividly portrays contrasts between sweet and bitter, the subtle discomforts lurking in everyday life, and the tension between individuality and equality.

The more you listen, the more you discover, and its charm will have you humming along again and again.

Released from the album “Ninth Peel,” recorded in May 2015, it was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.

It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone trying to keep moving forward, even while feeling lost amid hectic days.