Indie hit song rankings
Major tracks are great, but as music fans, I think many of us also have that urge to discover hidden gems or cool bands that haven’t gotten much attention yet.
Sometimes we grow attached to those under-the-radar aspects, and it makes us want to support them even more as fans.
In this article, we’ll research popular artists in the indie scene who haven’t made a major-label debut and introduce them in a ranking format.
They’re not necessarily obscure songs, but even seasoned music lovers might find tracks they haven’t heard yet.
Be sure to check it out at least once!
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Indie Popular Songs Ranking (31–40)
Beat the heartbeatBRADIO36rank/position
Included on the 2nd mini-album “Swipe Times.” As the opening track of the album, it’s a full-on party disco rock number packed with BRADIO’s signature style.
The slapped bass running underneath the B melody will be irresistible for fans of flashy bass playing.
A crimson car chaseBRADIO37rank/position
This track from the 2015 debut full album “POWER OF LIFE” features a feel-good melody over a four-on-the-floor beat, making it an easy, upbeat listen.
As shown in the music video, it’s perfect for a nighttime drive through the city.
Rain LoveBRADIO38rank/position
A track included on the first mini album “DIAMOND POPS,” released in October 2013.
Its open, sky-evoking sound combined with a sweet voice makes it very pop, easy to listen to, and allows the lyrics to come through directly.
Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET39rank/position
CUTIE STREET, a group developing their musical activities around the theme of “kawaii” in pop culture, is characterized by a sophisticated sound that incorporates idol pop and electropop.
Debuting in 2024, they are an eight-member female idol group, each with a distinct personality.
Renowned composers such as Hirotaka Hayakawa and Toshihiko Watanabe have contributed to the production of their tracks, which make extensive use of synthesizers and digital music, creating an appealing sound that transcends the boundaries of idol pop.
Their music video was released on YouTube in October 2024 and quickly surpassed 1 million views, underscoring their strong presence on social media.
With a sound that fuses dance music and classic idol charm, and performances that showcase each member’s individuality, they are a recommended group for anyone who wants to enjoy both polished music and kawaii appeal.
I’m crazy about youKiss Bee40rank/position
KissBee’s biggest selling point is their razor-sharp performance.
They do have songs they sing gently and emotionally, but once their switch flips, I don’t think anyone can compete with them! “Kimi ni Muchuu” even hit No.
1 on the Oricon Daily Ranking.
Its pop lyrics about being head over heels in a one-sided crush and the chorus choreography that you can’t help but want to copy are outstanding.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at live shows! Their sister group KissBee WEST is also full of talented members.
If you’re interested, be sure to check them out!
Indie popular songs ranking (41–50)
New Strangersora tob sakana41rank/position
Known by the nickname “Osakana,” this idol group enjoyed popularity for their one-of-a-kind musicality despite a brief run from 2014 to 2020.
Their unusual group name stems from the idea that “by embracing incompleteness, we can get closer to completeness; taking off into the sky, step by step aiming upward and growing,” expressing a direction that treats incompleteness as a defining trait.
The post-rock approach produced by Junsei Terui of the alternative rock band haisuinonasa was unlike anything else in idol music, making a striking impact on the scene.
Though they disbanded to much regret, they remain a beloved group remembered for shaking up the idol music landscape.
WINGSukka42rank/position
When it comes to the hidden gems of Stardust Promotion—the powerhouse idol agency behind groups like Momoiro Clover Z and Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku—ukka is the name to know.
They actually started out as “Sakura Ebis.” Originally launched as a trainee unit for Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, they’ve now grown into a fully independent and popular group.
Their track “WINGS” feels like a declaration of intent, a song about setting off toward tomorrow with a positive spirit.
I hope you’ll listen to it whenever you’re feeling uncertain about things close to home.
The idol scene keeps getting bigger and bigger.
I’ve got high hopes for ukka from here on out!