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 songs you’ve heard somewhere before (31–40)
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Lemon marked Kenshi Yonezu’s first-ever tie-in with a TV drama.
Created in response to the production team of Unnatural requesting “a song that would gently embrace the wounded,” it fulfills that brief beautifully.
Words that mourn and cherish the departed, vocals that stir deep emotion, and a melody that carries a sense of sorrow while hinting at hope—this song became a signature masterpiece of 2018 that rekindles its impact no matter how many times you listen.
STAY TUNESuchmos
Suchmos’s “STAY TUNE,” which skyrocketed nationwide after being featured in a Honda commercial.
The lyrics laid over its urban, upbeat party tune are pretty sharp-tongued—reminiscent of Jamiroquai’s funky, socially satirical sound.
It’s irresistibly catchy—once you hear it, you won’t forget it—and the addictive pull makes you want to play it on repeat.
mermaidSuiyōbi no Campanella
This song, which captures the liberating feeling of summer, was released by Wednesday Campanella in July 2023.
Created as the campaign song for Coca-Cola’s experiential music platform “Coke STUDIO,” it’s based on a story about a mermaid who longs to attend a festival on land.
It features a catchy, familiar melody and dreamy lyrics, with a perfectly paced build-up to the chorus.
Because it’s often heard on social media, you may find yourself feeling familiar with it before you even realize.
Symbolizing the energy of summer, youth, and freedom, it’s perfect for moments when you want to refresh yourself or boost your mood.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to say, “No explanation needed, right?”—a true classic among JUDY AND MARY’s greatest hits.
Ever since it was used as the first opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin, it’s continued to be featured in all sorts of places, becoming a long-running mega-hit.
It’s been covered many times, so even people who didn’t experience Judy and Mary in real time probably know the song.
It’s a relentlessly upbeat rock tune that lifts your spirits the moment you hear it.
forget-me-notAwesome City Club
A song by Awesome City Club, a three-piece band (two men and one woman) formed in Tokyo in 2013.
Inspired by the film We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, the band created this track after watching the movie, making it a tie-in, yet it isn’t actually used in the film itself—an “inspired” song.
The airy atmosphere that envelops the whole track and the lyrics that link to the movie’s story are soothing, and the beautiful melody lingers in your ears.
It’s a number you’ll want to hear even if you haven’t seen the film.
Catchy, familiar-sounding songs (41–50)
scale (as of a fish or reptile)Hata Motohiro
This is a song by Motohiro Hata that became a hot topic when it was released on YouTube after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
His voice shakes your very soul.
It made me feel that music truly saves people’s hearts.
Please try to hear it live at least once.
It’s a truly wonderful masterpiece.
seesaw gameMr.Children
The word “seesaw game” describes a neck-and-neck battle.
In any era, love might be a seesaw game where each person’s ego clashes—and sometimes they even fling those egos at each other.
Thinking of it that way is a little scary, but listening to Mr.
Children’s characteristically catchy melodies and pleasant rhythms makes me want to fall in love bravely, without fear.
That’s amazing.