A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
Whether you’ve just started playing an instrument or you’re in a band choosing songs for an upcoming live show, you might be thinking, “I want to play something cool!” In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of cool band songs.
We’ve gathered a variety of tracks—ones with cool vocals, ones with impressive instrumental performances, and more—so feel free to use this as a reference! Once you decide which song to play, all that’s left is to practice until you can perform it with style!
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Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: a roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (61–70)
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS
It’s such a raw, beautiful song that I almost feel like it might end up appealing more to men than to women.
It’s THE BLUE HEARTS’ best punk number, and its powerful message has fired up countless listeners.
Work up a sweat and sing it with everything you’ve got—put your soul into it!
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS have always been the object of students’ admiration, haven’t they? You might actually hear their songs at school festivals more often than not.
Among their many hugely popular tracks, this is one that’s widely known even beyond rock band fans.
With its full-throttle sense of speed, shape-shifting drum phrases, and memorable guitar riffs, there are tons of highlights! It’s by no means easy, but if you pull it off stylishly, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that will definitely get you noticed!
Goodbyekariyushi 58
It was released in 2009 as Kariyushi58’s sixth single.
The song was used as the theme for the NTV drama “Zenigeba,” and it was the first time Kariyushi58 provided a drama theme song.
It became their first track to enter the top 10 of the Oricon Weekly Chart, and the jacket for both the first-press and regular editions features Kenichi Matsuyama, the star of Zenigeba.
The Shining One(s)ACIDMAN
An impressive song by ACIDMAN.
Written as the theme for the film Golden Kamuy, it features an emotional and powerful rock sound.
The track weaves in themes such as the coexistence of nature and humanity, the transience of life, and the light found amid conflict, beautifully capturing the film’s worldview.
Released in January 2024, it marks their first single in about three years.
As a tie-in with the film, it drew significant attention—a moving piece where the band’s musical identity merges with the movie’s grand themes to resonate deeply with listeners.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
Since its 2019 release, LiSA’s “Gurenge” has enjoyed a long-running hit streak, boosted by the anime’s popularity.
While she has released many songs with a strong rock flavor, this track in particular leans heavily into loud rock elements, and if you play an instrument, you’ve probably wanted to try performing it at least once.
It’s a song many people know, packed with cool, player-tempting phrases—and there’s no doubt it would look awesome performed live.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
It’s just endlessly cool.
It gives me chills.
There isn’t a woman who wouldn’t swoon if a man sang this with swagger—am I the only one who thinks so? The lyrics are heart-fluttering for women.
Plus, the occasional English and the overall Western pop vibe give it a refined feel, which I think adds to how cool it is.
Tsubasaandāgurafu
It was released in 2004 as Under Graph’s major-label debut single.
It gained traction among cable broadcast and radio listeners, and in its 20th week after release it entered the Oricon Top 10.
The song is about setting off on a journey and the meetings and partings along the way, and it also drew attention because Masami Nagasawa appears in the music video.