Ranking of popular fusion songs
When you hear the word “fusion,” what songs come to mind?
Some of you might not be able to picture what it sounds like.
Fusion is a broad genre that blends jazz and rock, so it can be hard to draw clear lines—and for those unfamiliar, it may feel a bit elusive.
It’s frequently featured in commercials and soundtracks, and is widely used as background music.
This media outlet, run by Live Spot RAG—a Kyoto venue that has long been devoted to fusion—will introduce you to truly outstanding tracks.
Based on reliable feedback from music fans we’ve received so far, we’ve researched the most popular picks and will present them in a ranking format.
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Fusion Popular Song Ranking (91–100)
Mi AmoreMatsuoka Naoya91rank/position
A melancholic, heartrending Latin fusion number with a sorrow-tinged piano backing and a distinctive timbales rhythm.
It’s known as one of Akina Nakamori’s signature songs and a Japan Record Award winner, but it was composed by this person.
It has a charm that’s different from the vocal version.
RENDEZVOUSWatanabe Sadao92rank/position
This is a piece by Sadao Watanabe, a saxophonist from Tochigi Prefecture.
It is included on his 1984 album “Rendezvous.” The sparkling saxophone tone is wonderful.
As a side note, the album features the world-renowned bassist Marcus Miller on keyboards.
Straight to the TopWatanabe Sadao93rank/position
Sadao Watanabe, also affectionately known as “Nabesada,” is a saxophonist Japan proudly presents to the world.
An indispensable giant in the Japanese jazz scene, Watanabe has released many fusion albums and achieved major commercial success.
The piece featured here, “Straight to the Top,” is a renowned track included on his 1981 album Orange Express, created in collaboration with the world-class jazz-fusion pianist Dave Grusin.
With a rock-solid lineup that includes international musicians like Eric Gale and Marcus Miller, it might not be considered purely Japanese fusion.
Even so, many fans love Watanabe’s superb performance on this track, and countless listeners have been captivated by its supremely romantic and melodious phrases.
Imagine driving along the coast with this song as your BGM—it would feel absolutely incredible!
vibrationKasai Kimiko94rank/position
Recorded just before he went to the U.S.
around ’78, this work was originally a version Tatsuro Yamashita provided to an overseas female vocalist.
Due to various circumstances, however, the Japanese version was released first.
Apparently, it’s a version Yamashita isn’t very fond of.
Perhaps because the soul flavor is toned down, it goes down quite smoothly to the ear.
Sports MenHosono Haruomi95rank/position
It’s a work that leaves me unsure whether it should be categorized as fusion, but his uniquely crafted electronic sound voraciously assimilates a variety of styles and, on top of that, presents a distinct individuality, so I think it’s fair to conclude that it is indeed a fusion.