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 (41–50)
bright redMy Hair is Bad
My Hair is Bad captivates many fans with their husky vocals and raw, confessional lyrics.
They’re often talked about as being “emo” in every way—from the performance to the words.
Among their songs, Akai (Makka) is especially popular.
The track brims with speed and emotion, portraying a heartrending love affair that turns into an almost maddening obsession.
What deserves special mention this time is the performance itself.
The song’s full-throttle drive, with its steadily rising voltage, sounds cool no matter how you hear it—and if you can pull it off well, you’ll look undeniably cool too.
It’s sure to light up a live show!
Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: A roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (51–60)
ain’t on the map yetNulbarich
Although all the lyrics are sung in English, Nulbarich is a Japanese band.
This song could be called one of their signature tracks, and it was also used in a commercial.
Its stylish, cool, Western-style sound is a key part of its appeal.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
A song everyone can enjoy in various ways, from performing to dancing! Chosen as the theme song for the movie “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!,” it also features a fun dance in the music video.
Try taking on different instruments as a band, or dance as a group—either works great! Coordinating costumes could be a nice touch, too.
All eyes will be on you as you express yourself with a big smile and lots of fun!
AgainWANIMA
WANIMA delivers performances with a fiery soul! Plenty of people are drawn to those who express their feelings so honestly and passionately.
This song was also used as the theme for the drama “Maison de Police” starring Mitsuki Takahata.
Being just hot-blooded can turn people off, but if you pour your feelings into the music, play with strength, and sing with care, your message will get through.
This isn’t a love song, but if you put your straightforward feelings into it, your passionate emotions might just reach someone.
bouquetback number
If you’re aiming to boost your appeal, you can’t leave their songs out! back number has become such a staple that their tracks are now synonymous with love songs.
Their performances don’t lean into the intensity or edginess of a rock band; instead, they have the feel of gently delivered, mid-tempo rock ballads.
That makes it easier to grasp the messages woven into the lyrics and really brings the world of the words to life.
This song is one of their most well-known, so performing it live is sure to be a big hit.
parabolaOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism, the band that took off with their massive 2019 hit “Pretender,” is on an unstoppable roll.
Their songs—packed with catchy melodies, highly relatable lyrics, and empowering messages—have won huge popularity.
Among their catalog, how about trying the especially refreshing track “Parabola”? Once you actually try to play their music, you’ll realize each part is quite challenging.
But that’s exactly why the sense of accomplishment when you perform it well is extraordinary.
You’re sure to move the audience—no question about it!
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s rock songs are cool, but their warm ballads like this one are amazing too! On top of that, the lyrics of “Tomodachi no Uta” are excellent, making it a moving masterpiece that’s sure to touch you when you listen.
It’s great to play with a band, of course, but it also works beautifully as a gentle solo performance.
