Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among University Students [2026]

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION22rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.

The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.

Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.

Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS23rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song created for director Makoto Shinkai’s animated film, singing of a fateful love that transcends time.

It’s a pop tune that conveys strength amid poignancy, marked by energetic guitar sounds and a driving, up-tempo rhythm.

Included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016, the track drew major attention alongside the film’s mega-hit success, and it’s also beloved as a staple at school festivals where everyone can get excited together.

If you simplify the guitar and drum rhythm parts, it can be enjoyed in performance regardless of skill level.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism24rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism is a band that has gained popularity for their piercingly high-toned vocals and classic, mainstream pop sound.

This song they perform is an energetic number where piano and brass tones layer together and gradually build in intensity.

It stands by the conflicts and anxieties you face before a big challenge, singing as if to powerfully push you forward.

Released as a single in July 2019 and included on the masterpiece album “Traveler,” it was also selected that year as the “ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song” and the theme for the TV program “Netto Koshien.” It’s perfect as opening BGM for cultural and school festivals, or for brass band performances.

A highly recommended track that fires up the heart and colors a page of youth.

Dear, boyHump Back25rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A major-label debut single from Hump Back whose exhilarating rock sound sets your heart on fire.

Written by vocalist Momoko Hayashi with her high school bandmates in mind, this song is a cheer anthem that stands by the anxieties and setbacks of chasing dreams and gives you the courage to face forward again.

Released in June 2018, it was featured in numerous tie-ins, including the Shinken Zemi High School Course TV commercial and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s “102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament.” Its straightforward, powerful message and driving melody are a perfect match for a heated relay race.

It’s sure to give a strong push to the runners passing the baton, so consider choosing it as BGM to fire up your sports day.

horizonback number26rank/position

back number – Horizon

Recommended for those who want to send cheers to many people at school-wide cultural festivals, “Suiheisen” was released in 2021 by the rock band back number, known for songs themed around romance.

Written specifically for high school students aiming for the 2020 Inter-High, the song became a major topic of conversation.

Its lyrics, layered over a bittersweet yet warm band sound, are filled with words that can support the heart.

How about performing it for classmates who work hard every day in their clubs and studies?

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mutō

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Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts27rank/position

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

This piece was produced in January 2024 as the opening theme for the TV anime Mashle: Magic and Muscles.

With Creepy Nuts’ striking track and inventive sound design, it fuses Jersey club elements into an irresistibly addictive production.

The lyrics carry a strong message that reflects the protagonist’s determination to fight without relying on magic, and they blend seamlessly with the duo’s distinctive hip-hop style—sparking a dance challenge that trended on social media.

The song has enjoyed global success, including reaching No.

80 on Spotify’s Global Top 100 chart dated January 15.

It’s the perfect track to get everyone hyped when dancing together for a class performance or school festival.

MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK28rank/position

KEYTALK/「MONSTER DANCE」MUSIC VIDEO

A four-on-the-floor dance rock track is a surefire choice to hype up the crowd! This song is by the four-piece rock band KEYTALK, released as their third single in 2014.

It’s an upbeat, high-energy tune with a hint of Japanese flavor that’ll raise the excitement whether you like it or not as you listen.

Since handclaps pop up throughout the song, be sure to hype the audience so they’ll join in when you play it live.

There’s a section where the tempo changes, so practice thoroughly to keep the rhythm tight and consistent.

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Araki Jakkan

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