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 (101–110)
Golden GraffitiROTTENGRAFFTY
A song whose cry, woven from anger and delicacy, hits you in the chest.
While searingly expressing distrust and rage toward society and a sense of loneliness, it also entrusts hope for the future to scenes bathed in the golden hues of dusk.
Released as a new track on ROTTENGRAFFTY’s December 2011 album “GOLD,” this piece is a masterpiece where loud rock and melodic elements are brilliantly balanced.
Created by guitarist KAZUOMI from bittersweet memories of youth, it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Kudamaki Hachibei X” in January 2012.
It resonates deeply with those who feel the hardships of modern society or wish to immerse themselves in memories of the past.
NOW LOADINGmakaroni enpitsu
A sweet and bittersweet love song by Macaroni Empitsu that traces the journey of conveying feelings that are hard to put into words.
It beautifully captures the awkwardness of love and the dilemmas of emotion, carried by a gentle yet powerful melody.
Included on the album “Ima Dakishimeru Tarinai Dake o,” released in March 2025, the song was produced as the theme for the film “My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999.” In collaboration with the movie starring Mizuki Yamashita, it perfectly matches a story that portrays modern romance sparked by gaming.
This track gently stands by those troubled by love or frustrated by unspoken feelings, giving them a soft, encouraging push forward.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
It’s a classic love ballad, isn’t it? This is one song we just can’t leave out.
You could even call it a standard of love songs now.
The lyrics and music are by Kazufumi Sakurai.
With Takeshi Kobayashi—who produced numerous hit songs like ‘Hello, Again ~A Place Long Ago~’ and ‘Kiseki no Hoshi’—joining for the arrangement, it’s a gem of a ballad.
SquallThe Yellow plan
The Yellow plan, a three-piece rock band coloring Osaka’s music scene, delivers a powerful sound rooted in ’90s–’00s hard rock and post-grunge.
Influenced by bands like Foo Fighters and Soundgarden, they’ve forged a world of their own.
Centered around live-house performances, they remain highly active while valuing connections with fans on social media.
Their energetic performances and high-level musicianship captivate audiences, breathing new life into today’s rock scene.
With muscular guitar riffs and emotional vocals woven together, their sound is sure to be a perfect pick for fans of alternative rock.
GOD OF ROCKROS
This powerful work unleashes a stunning sound that fuses heavy guitar riffs with rap.
The breathtaking music video, built around live footage of ROS, also features cameo appearances by Dragon Ash’s Kj and 10-FEET’s TAKUMA.
Released in September 2017, the track captured fans’ hearts as an important piece that signaled the band’s musical direction.
With a raw yet groovy approach, it fully delivers the unique thrills of mixture rock.
Its explosive, high-energy performance is perfect for when you need a power boost or a change of pace.
Truly a masterpiece born from the fusion of loud rock and hip-hop.
Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: A roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (111–120)
Bingosukebōkingu
The sound that brilliantly fuses hip-hop’s groovy beats with punk rock’s energy made a striking impact with Skebo King’s debut single released in 1997.
Riding on a deep, heavy bassline and sharp scratching, the flow strikes a perfect balance of humor and cool.
In 2000, the track was included as a remixed version on their major-label debut album “SUPER BEST,” revived with fresh arrangements by Captain Funk.
It’s a standout not only for lighting up party scenes, but also as an exceptional soundtrack for a drive.
Enjoying near-legendary status, this track remains a shining landmark of the Japanese mixture-rock scene.
Red tambourineBLANKEY JET CITY
A quintessential 90s love song that symbolically captures pure feelings and passion for the one you love.
Released by BLANKEY JET CITY in January 1998, this track weaves a unique tapestry of metaphors to explore what love truly is.
The protagonist wishes to gift a shooting star to their beloved, and the way their heart quivers in everyday, ordinary moments is vividly portrayed, resonating with the bittersweetness of love that anyone can relate to.
Included on the album “Romeo no Shinzō” (Heart of Romeo) and used as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “Sunday Jungle,” the song reached No.
11 on the Oricon Singles Chart for the week.
It’s a heartwarming piece with melodies and lyrics perfect for healing the wounds of heartbreak or reaffirming feelings for someone special.