Music to wake you up
Hey you over there—the one who absolutely can’t fall asleep, but drowsiness is hitting hard and your eyelids are already drooping! In this article, we’re introducing songs that will snap you right out of that sleepiness.
Whether you’re driving and absolutely cannot doze off, or it’s right before afternoon work or class after a big lunch, listening to these tracks will clear your drowsiness in no time! From super high-energy hype tunes to bright, upbeat melodies, we’ve gathered songs that won’t lose to even your most overwhelming sleepiness.
Be sure to listen to the songs we recommend and beat that drowsiness!
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Music to Wake You Up (1–10)
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
The soulful vocal work really stimulates your brain.
It’s a song by the music unit Superfly, led by Shiho Ochi, released as a single in 2010.
After being used as the theme song for NHK’s soccer broadcasts, it gained popularity as a sports anthem.
One listen and you’ll see it perfectly fits the theme of this article: “music to wake you up.” That’s how bursting with energy this track is.
Definitely a no-brainer to add to your playlist!
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
A loud rock number that will get your spirits soaring! This is a popular early release from ONE OK ROCK, a band active on the international stage, put out as their fourth single in 2010.
Its powerful, fast-paced sound comes crashing in like a wave—you can feel the fiery soul poured into the track.
Perfect for when you want to snap out of drowsy, foggy thinking in an instant.
It’s a super cool piece that will jolt your eyes wide open!
Critical HitRADWIMPS
How about giving your drowsy brain a solid jolt, just like the title suggests? It’s a track by the rock band RADWIMPS, known for numerous hits like “Zenzenzense” and “Yūshinron,” included on their seventh album, “Batsu to Maru to Tsumi to,” released in 2013.
From the intro it’s already at full throttle, unleashing a guitar riff that blasts your sleepiness away.
And the passionate worldview in the lyrics—urging you to seize the world as you believe it should be—shakes you to the core.
Music to wake you up (11–20)
ultra soulB’z
If you sing along with the chorus, it’ll definitely wake you up.
It’s one of the signature songs by the national rock duo B’z, released in 2001 as their 31st single.
Chosen as the theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, it’s highly popular as a swimming cheer song.
The high-energy sound arrangement and Inaba’s equally fiery vocals are just the best, aren’t they? I think it hits harder than anything when you’re in that moment of “I want to focus, but I’m too sleepy to function.”
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
Get into the spirit with this smash-hit sensation that sparked a cultural phenomenon! This track by LiSA, the rock heroine of the anisong world, was released in 2019 as her 15th single.
It’s best known as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Its powerful message—“Follow the path you believe in”—perfectly matches the world of Demon Slayer.
The grand, rounded sound arrangement pairs impeccably with LiSA’s vocals.
If you find yourself nodding off, just put it on—one listen will snap you right back to reality.
crimsonX JAPAN
Shall we shout together and forcefully drive away the drowsiness? This song by X JAPAN—the band that sparked a massive movement in the ’80s and ’90s—was released in 1989 as their major-label debut single under the name X.
It’s also included on the album BLUE BLOOD.
From a quiet intro, it explodes into a powerful metal sound—the heated progression will blast your sleepiness away.
In the end, I feel like songs like this are the best for staying awake.
One Night CarnivalKishidan
Sing and dance your way past the urge to sleep! This big hit by the rock band Kishidan, led by Show Ayanokoji, was released in 2001.
Its easy-to-get-into rhythm, catchy melody, and that signature choreography you can’t help but imitate! It’s also a popular choice for wedding reception performances.
With a catchy, hype track like this, drowsiness doesn’t stand a chance—you’ll be up and energized in no time.
It might be a good idea to play it for a sleepy friend, too.