The Drifters’ Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Drifters’ Zundoko BushiZa Dorifutāzu1rank/position

The Drifters' Zundoko Bushi

This song, which can be considered one of The Drifters’ signature numbers, captivates with lyrics that humorously depict youthful romance.

From bittersweet memories of student days to office romances after entering the working world, various love episodes unfold over a rhythmic groove.

Released in 1969, the song has remained a long-selling favorite cherished by many.

Frequently performed on television and at live shows, it continues to offer fresh appeal each time.

It’s a recommended track for anyone wanting to relive nostalgic youth or lift their spirits.

Sing it together with older listeners, and it’s sure to spark lively reminiscences.

What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu2rank/position

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

A humorous song that portrays hot springs and the Japanese spirit, the kind everyone wants to sing along to.

Originally a local tune from Gunma Prefecture, it was reinvented by The Drifters into an arrangement that tours famous hot springs across Japan and was released as the B-side of their 1968 single “Zukkoke-chan.” Its distinctive calls and lively rhythm lift your spirits just by listening.

It became the theme song for the 1969 film “Ii Yu da na Zen’in Shugo!!” and was later beloved for many years as the ending theme of “Hachiji da yo! Zen’in Shugo” and “Dorifu Daibakushō.” It’s perfect for a cold winter’s day, adding playful interjections while picturing scenes of a hot spring.

Drifters’ tongue twistersZa Dorifutāzu3rank/position

Drifters’ Tongue Twisters – The Drifters

This is a commercial introducing the Lemon Sour and Tako-Highball from Suntory’s Kodawari Sakaba series.

In the ad, Kazunari Ninomiya appears as an izakaya owner, personally making and serving the Lemon Sour and Tako-Highball.

By focusing on the deliciousness of each product, this commercial makes their great taste almost tangible!

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Hane Keisuke

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Notteru Ondo (full ver.)Za Dorifutāzu4rank/position

Notteru Ondo (full ver.)

“Notteru Ondo,” which is based on the Akita Ondo.

The basic melody is the same, and only the lyrics have been changed—kind of like a parody song.

It’s very Drifters-like, with a strong parody vibe, and the lyrics are pretty funny.

I didn’t know a song like this existed—what a neat discovery!

Thank you so, so much for your hard work.Za Dorifutāzu5rank/position

Inugami Circus-dan “Truly, Truly, Thank You for Your Hard Work” (MV)

Among the Drifters’ songs, this one has catchy wordplay and phrases with a brisk tempo, making it a popular track.

Many of the Drifters’ songs are arrangements of existing tunes, and perhaps they were just very good at arranging.

They were quite fond of military songs, and it’s not widely known that they have many tracks related to that genre.

Even Dorifu Daibakushō is a parody of a military song.

Drif’s Wonder Dog (Living on a Farm)Za Dorifutāzu6rank/position

Wonder Dog – Living on a farm (1982)

A quirky song in which a dog’s barking becomes music and performs alongside rock.

It became a hot topic around 1981 after originating from the TV show “It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone Assemble,” but there was an original song titled “Living On A Farm (Wonder Dog).”

Drifters’ Vibanon OndoZa Dorifutāzu7rank/position

Drifters' Vibanon Ondo

‘Drifters’ Vivanon Ondo’ is a song created as a parody of The Drifters’ signature hit ‘Ii Yu da na.’ It features a rhythmic, catchy melody and comical lyrics full of laughter.

Centered on the joy of everyday life and the importance of smiles, the song was released as a single in June 1973 and was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s program ‘It’s 8 O’Clock! All Gather!’ It continued to be used on Fuji TV’s ‘Drift Dai Bakushō’ until 2003, remaining beloved across generations.

The Drifters’ humor and the tune’s familiar, easy-to-enjoy melody make it a perfect song for occasions like summer festivals, where it brings smiles to people’s faces.

What a nice hot bath (Viva Non Rock)Za Dorifutāzu8rank/position

Nice hot bath [The Drifters]

It’s one of The Drifters’ signature songs, showcasing not only their comedy act but also their side as a band.

Because it was used as the ending theme for “It’s 8 o’clock! Everybody Gather Round!” and “Drifters’ Big Laughter,” it’s strongly associated with The Drifters’ music, but it’s actually a cover of a song by the chorus group Duke Aces.

However, the distinctive call-and-response interjections appear only in The Drifters’ version, which makes the fun of hot springs feel even more emphasized.

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kappamaki

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The Drifters’ Big LaughterZa Dorifutāzu9rank/position

Dorifu Dai Bakushō 1983 Opening

It’s the opening theme song of the popular variety show “Drifut Daibakushō” (The Drifters’ Big Laughter).

We turned the opening line, “Do-do-Drifters’ Big Laughter~,” into a parody: “To-to-Toris Highball.” It captures the unbridled, bubbly brightness of that era, expressed through Yoshitaka’s innocent cheerfulness.

The commercial became so popular it turned into a series.

Parody song of ‘Nice Hot Bath’ titled ‘What a Nice Day’Za Dorifutāzu10rank/position

"It's a good day." May the days of the elderly be good days! A parody of "Ii Yu da na" ("What a Nice Bath"): OZSPNG.100

Let’s try singing an arranged version of that classic tune you’ll want to hum in the bath! Here are some ideas for a parody of “Ii Yu da na” called “Ii Hi da na.” The original “Ii Yu da na” stands out for its lyrics depicting the scene and feelings of soaking in a bath, along with rhythmic interjections.

In contrast, “Ii Hi da na” charms with heartwarming lyrics that celebrate gentle, warm moments in everyday life—not just in the bath.

It’s a parody song that makes you feel like you can keep living brightly, energetically, and joyfully as you grow older!