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 irregular time signatures and complex rhythms (1–10)
Mythology Five Minutes After the WorldYūkei Ranpeiji
It’s a breathtaking piece of progressive rock that sublimates a philosophical hypothesis into music, woven with complex irregular meters! “Myth Five Minutes After the World,” by ukeir Rampage led by sasakure.UK, is positioned as a sequel to the previous work “Hypothesis Five Minutes Before the World,” and ambitiously explores profound themes of time and existence through odd meters such as 5/4 and 7/4.
Featured on the album “ODYSSEY,” released in December 2019, the track unfolds intricate rhythmic patterns from the intro—like 17/8 and 16/8—and heightens its dramatic arc with rapid meter changes, offering a striking contrast when the chorus shifts to the stability of 4/4.
Also included in the rhythm games “Nostalgia Op.3” and “GITADORA FUZZ-UP,” it’s a masterpiece highly recommended for fans of progressive rock and fusion, and for anyone who wants to experience the allure of irregular time signatures!
Where are you from?
Originating in Kumamoto, this handball (temari) song possesses the charm of oral tradition, with lyrics and melodies that subtly vary by region, and it is a deeply rooted piece closely tied to children’s play.
It’s fascinating that the song integrates movement and music—for example, at the eleven occurrences of the syllable “sa” in the lyrics, the players perform a step over the temari.
As a traditional children’s folk song (warabe-uta), it continues to be performed today, including in Toshiyuki Kaneta’s wind band work Japanese Folk Song Suite “Warabe-uta.” The piece begins in 4/4 time and features frequent shifts to 2/4 and 3/4, creating an irregular meter; its intricate rhythmic pattern, in which the meter changes like a cat’s eyes, has often been remarked upon.
Ballad of the OrphanNitta Hiroshi
This is a masterpiece ballad in anime song history that expresses the protagonist’s feelings as an orphan through a meter change from 3/4 to 4/4.
In the first half, the 3/4 waltz rhythm poignantly conveys loneliness and sorrow, and the switch to 4/4 in the chorus powerfully resonates as a resolve toward hope—an outstanding structure.
Sung by Hiroshi Nitta in 1970 as the ending theme of the TV anime Tiger Mask, it drew attention as a wistful counterpart to the opening theme, which sold 2.5 million copies.
By employing the uncommon device of changing meter to enhance storytelling, this song will deeply move those who carry loneliness yet never forget their love for others.
closureTaylor Swift
Standing out even among the tracks on the album evermore, this piece is an industrial-folk number defined by the unstable beauty of its irregular 5/4 meter.
The lyrics, which reject a partner’s request to “end” a past relationship and instead assert the strength to process emotions independently, showcase Taylor’s mature expressive power.
Mechanical percussion contrasts with gentle vocals, while the persistent irregular time signature from start to finish lends a tautness to the entire song.
Released in December 2020 as a collaboration with Aaron Dessner, this experimental masterpiece is recommended for anyone confronting the end of a relationship.
ShionMurasaki Shion
Shion Murasaki, who had been active as a member of hololive’s 2nd generation, is set to graduate in April 2025, and the final song she released the day before is an ambitious work that makes bold use of an irregular 7-beat meter.
Produced by Jin, the track unfolds from a 6/8 A section to a 7/4 B section, then into a 4/4 chorus, with the catharsis brought about by the shifting meters leaving a strong impression.
The instability and tension unique to odd meters musically express her complex feelings toward graduation, while also evoking a mysterious aura befitting her witch-like character.
The rare use of irregular time in an idol song is a daring experiment that points to new possibilities for VTuber music.
Highly recommended for those interested in odd time signatures or studying music theory.
5/4Gorillaz
An experimental track from Gorillaz’s self-titled debut album, now remembered as a pioneering work by a virtual artist.
Released in March 2001, the piece—true to its title—centers on a 5/4 guitar riff while the drums proceed in 4/4, creating a hallmark polyrhythmic structure.
The unique tension and thrill produced by the guitar and drums pulsing on different cycles make it a prime showcase of the appeal of odd meters.
Although it was initially considered as a single, its bold approach led to the commercial release being shelved; nonetheless, it has earned high praise among fans as an early classic.
Aspiring musicians interested in arranging with irregular time signatures should definitely give it a listen!
Absolute Destiny ApocalypseJ.A shīzā
The mysterious world conjured by irregular rhythms and majestic choral writing has a unique allure that overwhelms the listener.
With frequent shifts among diverse meters such as 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 5/8, and 3/8, it creates an unstable, hypnotic atmosphere that can truly be called the essence of avant-garde music.
Originally composed for the stage production “Kaspar Hauser: Prologue to the Mystery of a Human Being, or For My Monsieur” by the Experimental Theatre Laboratory Ban’yū Inryoku, the piece became widely known when it was used in the duel scenes of the 1997 TV anime Revolutionary Girl Utena.
It is especially recommended for those interested in progressive rock or classical music, as well as listeners seeking a work that stands apart from conventional anime songs.