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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!

Cool songs by Japanese rock bands. A roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (31–40)

Lingering over springMy Hair is Bad

A track by My Hair is Bad, commonly known by the nickname “Maihea.” Many people, regardless of gender, cover their songs, making them a highly watched band.

The cool sound of the band and the unique word choices in their lyrics fuel the desire to sing and to play.

When sung by a man it comes off cool, and when sung by a woman it reveals a different side, so having both men and women perform it is sure to draw interest from those around you!

YesterdayOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Yesterday [Official Video]
YesterdayOfisharu Higedan Dism

It’s a song with an impressive piano melody.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the Toho-distributed animated film HELLO WORLD.

The lyrics portray someone striving to protect the smile of the person they love, characterized by a strong affection that doesn’t shy away from self-sacrifice.

It also served as the lead track on the album Traveler, released in October 2019.

With its uplifting message and pleasant melody, it’s a track well-suited for band performances.

It’s packed with the appeal of Official HIGE DANDism, so why not try performing it with your cover band?

umbrellaKing Gnu

King Gnu – Umbrella OFFICIAL AUDIO
umbrellaKing Gnu

The rock band King Gnu is popular not only with women but with men as well.

Of course, it goes without saying that their songs are awesome, but their fashion, their talk, and even their Twitter are full of charm.

I’d love to become a cool, talented person like them!

STAY TUNESuchmos

Suchmos – STAY TUNE [Official Music Video]
STAY TUNESuchmos

Suchmos, a sophisticated rock band with elements of jazz and dance music, quickly skyrocketed in popularity.

This track is one of their signature songs, and thanks in part to its use in a commercial, it’s extremely well-known.

If there’s a song that makes you feel cooler just by listening to it, this is the one.

HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – Honey ROCK ODYSSEY 2004
HONEYL'Arc〜en〜Ciel

It was released in 1998 as L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 10th single.

Among the three singles that were released simultaneously, this track has recorded the highest sales of any L’Arc single to date.

Composed solely of a band sound—guitar, bass, and drums—it is a rare type of song within L’Arc~en~Ciel’s catalog.

Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: a roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (41–50)

asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video
asking for the moonKANA-BOON

This is a signature song by KANA-BOON, who led Japan’s music scene in the early 2010s.

Starting with stylish guitar chords, the track is extremely popular among student cover bands.

I think it’s a cool piece with a well-balanced blend of rock and pop.

silhouetteKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video
silhouetteKANA-BOON

This is a song that will absolutely get the crowd hyped when you play it with a band! Even the hi-hat count-in at the start gives it a great live feel.

It was also used as an opening theme for Naruto Shippuden.

It really shines live, so try forming a band with your friends and performing it at school festivals or various events! It’s got tight hits, a memorable melody, and a call-and-response at the end that lets you get the audience involved—guaranteed to get everyone pumped!