Band songs that get the crowd going by genre
There are so many genres of music performed in a band format! Of course, there’s rock and jazz, and plenty of music that has branched out from them as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular songs performed by bands, organized by genre.
It might be a chance to discover music that shares various roots and has influenced one another along the way.
Recommended classic songs by Japanese rock bands (1–10)
First, let’s review the domestic rock scene!
First, let me introduce some recommended songs from Japanese rock bands! These are tracks from classic, orthodox rock bands that lead the J-rock scene. They’re all timeless hits that have gained huge popularity not only among rock fans, but across a wide range of listeners.
GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN
Known by the nickname “Bump,” this rock band was formed in 1996 by four childhood friends from kindergarten.
Their songs, which merge an intellectually resonant, original lyrical world with emotionally stirring rock sounds, are beloved across generations.
Publicly cited as an influence by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, the band has been drawing renewed attention and continues to influence many musicians active in today’s Japanese rock scene.
Rewrite (2016 ver.)ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A four-piece rock band formed in 1996 in the light music club at Kanto Gakuin University, celebrating 25 years together in 2021.
Their rock sound, often categorized as grunge or alternative, combined with straightforward, delicate lyrics that evoke vivid scenes and landscapes, has earned overwhelming support, especially among younger listeners.
Many of their songs pair simple yet robust instrumentation with catchy melodies, making them a rock band whose music naturally draws in even those who don’t usually listen to rock.
FLY AGAINMAN WITH A MISSION
A five-piece rock band that performs in Japan and abroad under the concept of five ultimate lifeforms with wolves’ heads and human bodies.
Their sound draws on a wide range of influences—’90s metal, alternative, grunge, pop punk, crossover, and rap—sure to thrill not only younger listeners but veteran rock fans as well.
In a music industry where artists are often judged by factors like age and looks, they captivate the world with a pure rock sound that transcends all such criteria—a truly formidable rock band for a new era.
Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK
A four-piece rock band that performs both in Japan and abroad and has now become one of the leading acts in Japan’s rock scene.
While attention tends to focus on vocalist TAKA—whose distinctively non-Japanese singing voice and parentage as the eldest son of singers Shinichi Mori and Masako Mori draw notice—the band’s appeal lies in a rock sound born from the blend of each member’s individuality and skill: guitars that deliver catchy phrases with a robust sonic punch, a serpentine bass that shapes the dynamics of each song, and tight drums that flawlessly handle everything from slow ballads to intense rock tunes.
Dream In DriveTHE ORAL CIGARETTES
A four-piece rock band formed in 2014 that has drawn attention for their overseas activities, including a successful tour across Asia.
While their lyrics are characterized by a dark worldview that explores the shadows of human nature, many of their songs feature straightforward rock sounds and catchy melodies whose addictive quality captivates listeners.
Their paradoxical lyrics—affirming something by acknowledging negative emotions—pierce the heart when paired with guitar-driven arrangements, making them a stylish rock band that is intriguingly unconventional in the best possible way.
Walking with youNovelbright
It’s a pretty difficult song that jumps straight into the chorus from the very beginning without any intro.
It’s up-tempo and very band-like, so it looks cool if you can sing it! The overall vocal range is G3–E5, and the melody moves up and down a lot.
The vibe of the A and B sections in verse 1 and verse 2 changes a bit, too.
There’s a lot to memorize, right? (lol) Even if you can get through the first verse smoothly, many people stumble on the second! My students also started by memorizing the English at the beginning of the second verse! Also, when there are lots of words, try keeping the rhythm with your hands while you sing.
There are almost no breaks in this song, so it’s pretty tough, but if you tackle it one melodic section at a time, you’ll definitely be able to sing it! You’ve got this!
THE DAYPorunogurafiti
PornoGraffitti is famous for their high vocal range, and I think “THE DAY” is one of their highest songs, especially at the top end.
The tempo is quite fast too, so if you’re going to sing it, it’ll be tough to keep up unless you really memorize the song first.
Also, vocalist Okano mostly uses chest voice and belts the high notes in his natural voice, but the highest note at the end of the chorus, C#5, is in falsetto.
That switch is so cool, isn’t it? Since the song is up-tempo, if you’re not comfortable with high notes, I recommend lowering the key by one or two steps instead of starting in the original key.
Rather than focusing on pitch at first, start by getting used to the speed! You might get caught up in just getting the notes out, but don’t forget to breathe!