Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
There are plenty of songs that cheer on people working hard every day, but I’ve put together a selection of so-called “message songs” for those who are labeled—or call themselves—corporate drones.
I’m sure there are tracks you’ll find nothing but relatable, so when you’re worn out from work or need a little mental breathing room, listen with the idea of finding comrades.
These songs will make you feel relieved or crack a smile, and they should help you reset and think, “Maybe I can push just a little more!”
- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
- An encouraging work song for office workers
- I want to quit my job!! Uplifting songs to listen to when work is tough
- Songs I want to listen to when I'm tired from work
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs.
- Power songs that fill you with energy just by listening. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
- A perfect song for Labor Thanksgiving Day. A song that conveys gratitude and encouragement.
- [Motivation Injection] Songs to listen to on days when you don't want to go to work
- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- [Cheer Song] Songs to Listen to During Your Commute
- Job-change anthems: inspiring and popular songs that give you courage
Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (41–50)
Headlights / TaillightsNakajima Miyuki
The ending theme of NHK’s legendary hit show Project X.
The program itself was popular among middle-aged and older viewers, but this song’s relaxed feel and its encouragement that there’s still more ahead resonated with a wide range of generations.
Incidentally, in the final episode of the show, the artist themselves delivered a passionate live performance in the studio.
Don’t Mind Me (feat. Sota Hanamura from Da-iCE)Ayumu Imazu
“Don’t mind me” is a song that cheers you on to keep being yourself and not let work troubles get you down.
Released in 2023, it’s a collaborative track by singer-songwriter Ayumu Imazu and Sota Hanamura from Da-iCE.
When something negative happens, dwelling on it only darkens your mood, right? The lyrics convey a desire to shift your mindset—don’t overthink things no matter what happens; instead, look forward: What will you do on your next day off? Who do you want to become from here? The song encourages living joyfully with that kind of positivity.
Its brisk rhythm also lifts your spirits.
curtainYuuma
The song “Curtain” makes you feel like working hard for the person you love.
It’s a track released in 2023 by Yuma, a member of a group YouTuber formed by childhood friends, under the name Yuma.
Even tough or unpleasant work can feel manageable when you think you’re doing it for someone important.
If you’re currently working hard for your future with someone special—or even just for an upcoming date—you’ll probably relate to this especially.
Even if it’s not a romantic partner, it’s a song that lets you think of the important person in your life and fire yourself up with, “All right, I’m going to give it my all today.”
Melancholy TrumpeterTeam K（AKB48)
The characters are a hostess and a trumpeter, a man in a black suit and a wealthy customer, singing about an adult world together with a slightly mysterious tune.
AKB singing a hostess’s true feelings telling the customer to drop dead steps outside the bounds of being idols, and that gap is really interesting.
Truck Driving BoogieDauntaun Bugiuugi Bando (Tachikawa Shōten Feisutibō)
The legal maximum speed for trucks is 80 km/h, and these days company truck drivers have their speed strictly monitored by digital tachographs and the like.
But when you put it into a song, the cabin still feels like your own little castle and you’re in high spirits.
Watch out for lack of sleep, and let’s drive safely again today.