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 (71–80)
DororoASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Dororo, which was the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Dororo based on Osamu Tezuka’s original work.
The lyrics give off a somewhat grotesque impression, but when I imagine them, it feels like they express the love and hate within human nature.
It’s a song that seems to cleanse the pitch-black feelings inside me, and when I listen to it, I feel like I can take a step forward.
It sinks into a tired heart.
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.
RikaSIX LOUNGE
SIX LOUNGE is a three-piece rock band formed by high school classmates that continues to be based in their hometown of Oita Prefecture even after their major-label debut.
Their digital-only single Rika, released on August 2, 2023, also drew attention for being a re-recorded version of a track included on their indie-era album Shinonome.
The guitar strumming and bass lines riding over a relaxed shuffle beat let you feel a kind of rock coolness that isn’t just about flash.
Since there aren’t many technically difficult parts, it’s a number I’d recommend including in a live set as well.
Christmas songback number
I think back number is a really cool band if you practice and learn to sing their songs well! With these warm vocals and these moving lyrics, it’s the perfect ballad for the coming winter season.
Make sure to drill the song until you can sing it wholeheartedly!
VenusTele
Tele is the solo project of Kitaro Taniguchi, who has been gaining attention for his literary lyrics and soulful, penetrating vocals.
The track Venus, released on September 6, 2023, leaves a lasting impression with its refreshing melody that carries a sense of weightlessness.
The simple rock ensemble uses few elements, yet each part stands out with a distinct presence.
With no fast passages, including the guitar solo, it’s a rock tune recommended for band musicians seeking something easy to play yet cool.
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.
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.