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 (11–20)
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT
With an upbeat, feel-good upper song that lifts your spirits, there’s nothing to be afraid of! This hit number by the music duo mihimaru GT was released in 2006 as their ninth single.
From the very beginning, the song bursts open in a way that instantly wakes you up! hiroko’s bright, popping vocals are unforgettable, too.
Even if you’re feeling down, this track makes you think, “I’ll be fine.” It’s a high-energy electronic tune that pushes out the drowsiness stuck in your head.
Gather ‘round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan
You can tell from the title that it’s high-energy.
It’s a track by the Osaka-based three-piece rock band Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, included on their second album Piano Rock Band, released in 2015.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at live shows and is super pumped from start to finish! Before you know it, any drowsiness just disappears.
If you want to snap yourself into a sharper mood, a rock number like this might be the best choice!
NIPPONShiina Ringo
The powerful intro will definitely wake you right up! Singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena’s hit song “NIPPON” was released in 2014.
Inspired by the FIFA World Cup held in Brazil that same year, it was written as the theme song for NHK’s soccer coverage.
With a bright, fanfare-like and cool sound, and lyrics that would set any Japanese listener’s blood boiling, it’s captivating no matter how you slice it.
Highly recommended as a song to listen to first thing in the morning.
Alright!Superfly
It’s a powerful song that can give you the push to carve out your own path in life.
It’s a track by the musical unit Superfly, released digitally in 2009, and it was used as the opening theme for the drama “BOSS.” The word “energetic” fits this music perfectly—there may not be many songs that match it.
That’s how brimming with vitality this piece is.
When you’re sleepy, it’s hard to organize your thoughts.
Reset your mood with this song and give your mind a refreshing clean!
Mega Lover of LoveMakishimamu Za Horumon
Headbanging is the forced wake-up, you know! It’s a track by the rock band Maximum the Hormone, whose unique and cool musical style has earned strong support, released in 2006 as their seventh single.
The song structure is danceable yet solidly hard—so good, right? I also recommend the rearranged version by Maximum the Hormone’s second project, Coronanimolemomo.
If you’ve got both the Hormone version and the Coronanimolemomo version, you might be completely covered.
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
Spin your towel to the beat and blow away your drowsiness! This track is by Shonan no Kaze, the popular reggae group behind hits like “Junrenka,” and it was released in 2007 as their sixth single.
It’s an upbeat tune that cranks up the energy—perfect for summer.
Some of you might even sing it often at karaoke.
Let’s borrow the power of music and go head-to-head with sleepiness! Crank the volume up for best results.
Music to wake you up (21–30)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A massive hit by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that delicately captures the brilliance and bitterness of youth.
It begins with a gentle melody and evolves into a powerful, grand sound—perfect for waking up in the morning.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Boukyaku Battery,” it won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
With this award, the band achieved the unprecedented feat of winning two years in a row.
The lyrics, which support the feeling of moving forward step by step despite anxiety and doubt, will gently push the backs of all those greeting a new morning.