Enthralling odd meters: mysterious music with odd time signatures and complex rhythms
Suddenly, but have you heard the musical term “irregular time signatures”? Many of you probably learned concepts like 4/4 in music class, but unlike common meters like 4/4 or 3/4, pieces that use unconventional meters such as 5/4 or 7/4—or even switch between multiple meters within a single song—are collectively referred to as “irregular time signatures.” They might sound a bit niche, but in fact, you can find irregular meters in pop songs, anime themes, and more that you hear every day.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that use these intriguingly unusual time signatures, spanning a variety of genres.
Be sure to try counting along as you listen!
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Enthralling odd meters: Mysterious music with odd time signatures and complex rhythms (21–30)
Kids Returnsōtaisei riron
In the 2000s, Sotaisei Riron suddenly burst onto the Japanese rock scene, quickly becoming a sensation thanks to vocalist Etsuko Yakushimaru’s uniquely sweet, conversational singing voice and the band’s experimental musicality.
Among their tracks, one that I’d like to highlight for its use of an irregular meter is Kids No Return, included on a single sold exclusively at live shows.
The 11/8 time signature is certainly noteworthy, but what truly stands out is Yakushimaru’s commanding vocal presence, which remains unfazed by such rhythmic idiosyncrasy.
Take FiveDave Brubeck
It’s a famous jazz standard—you’ve probably heard it on TV and elsewhere.
As the title suggests, “Take Five” stays in 5/4 time from start to finish.
Because of that, it’s dramatically difficult to play for those accustomed to 4/4 rhythm, making it a real challenge for beginner jazz players.
To count it, try thinking of it as 3/4 + 2/4; that’ll help you catch the groove.
The Dance of EternityDream Theater
Dream Theater, a band that represents the progressive metal scene with their bold use of odd time signatures, enjoys immense popularity in Japan as well.
Among their instrumental tracks, this one is particularly famous.
It’s a notoriously difficult piece that many technical players attempt, but it demands a different set of skills from those used for orchestral odd meters.
Depending on who transcribes the score, interpretations can vary widely, too.
Just from counting, you can spot measures of 5/4, 7/4, 10/4, 6/4, 4/4, and 3/4 scattered throughout.
Even if it’s hard to groove along, it’s a truly wonderful track that lets you immerse yourself in its world just by listening.
A-E-I-U-E-O-AO!!Gekidan Hitotose Koto
There are various anime songs that use irregular time signatures, but among them, the opening theme of the 2017 anime “Hinako Note” is especially striking! Just when you think it starts off normally, it weaves in all sorts of meters—6/4, 5/4, 3/4, 2/4—making it hard to even clap along.
Still, the clever arrangement shines through, with things like inserting spoken lines during brief pauses, so the odd meters don’t feel overly jarring.
Perfect GardenPeople In The Box
They are a three-piece band that can be considered one of the leading representatives of the “Zankyo-kei” rock bands that colored the Japanese rock scene of the late 2000s.
Their appeal lies in delicate ensembles and a wistful vocal style that enrich the songs’ dreamlike worlds.
But their greatest strength is how they weave seemingly tricky odd meters into their music with an entirely natural flow.
You could say they’re a gateway rock band to the world of irregular time signatures.
NanahitsujiShinario Aato
They’re a three-piece rock band from Shiga Prefecture.
Despite their already tricky mixed and odd time signatures that are hard to keep time with, the drummer also handles half of the twin vocals while playing—showcasing an incredible rhythm section.
If you build your cover around the female drummer, who’s confident in both her singing and technical skill, you’re sure to turn heads.
Why not give it a try?
Himitsu Girl’s Top SecretZAZEN BOYS
ZAZEN BOYZ is a four-piece rock band formed by Shutoku Mukai, the frontman of NUMBER GIRL, who laid the groundwork for Japan’s alternative scene.
As you’d expect from a band whose members all boast exceptional musicianship, their playing might look effortless at first glance, but if you try keeping time while listening, you’ll quickly realize how intricate it really is.
The songs often sustain the same riffs and vocal phrasing, and even the rests are placed with a distinctive sense of timing, demanding intense focus from the performers—a rock band truly worthy of the name “ZAZEN.”