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.
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Recommended classic songs by girls’ bands (11–20)
A butterfly that cannot fly dreamsTogenashi Togeari
An emotional rock tune that resonates with the heart, sublimating the worries and hopes of youth.
The raw feelings of young people seeking freedom are expressed alongside a powerful sound.
The exhilarating melody and memorable guitar riffs showcase a high level of polish that proves their ability.
Released in May 2025 as the B-side to Togenashi Togeari’s 10th single, “Daremo,” this track is a coming-of-age anthem that gently embraces the feelings of young people striving to look forward while torn between dreams and reality.
It’s a song that gives energy and courage—one you’ll want to listen to in a classroom after school—and a must-hear for young listeners struggling with their worries.
RickenbackerRīgaru Rirī
A song that sharply captures the confusion and inner conflict of youth was included by Regal Lily on their October 2016 album “the Post.” Its lyrics, where setback and hope intersect, sing powerfully and straightforwardly of feelings toward someone who gave up on music with a half-hearted resolve.
Blending alternative rock sonics with a clear, translucent vocal, the track was also chosen in 2019 as the tie-in song for the stage production “365 Days, 36.5°C,” gaining further attention.
Conveying a passion for music and a sincere attitude, this song will gently yet firmly encourage those who feel uncertain about their dreams and goals.
Absolute relationshipakai kouen
A song by Akai Ko-en that drew attention for its brief running time of just 100 seconds.
Under the production of Seiji Kameda, the intricate interplay between guitar and bass, along with the color added by the glockenspiel, creates a distinctive world.
Released in March 2014 as the theme song for the drama “Lost Days,” it came out as their 4th single.
With lyrics themed around one’s true feelings versus public facade and a powerful sound that resonates deeply, this track is recommended for moments when you want to reflect on the sense of distance between yourself and others.
Recommended classic tracks by hardcore punk bands (11–20)
Punks who are still alive within various kinds of music today
Hardcore punk took the era by storm with heavily distorted guitar sounds and an aggressive playing style. Many bands infused their music with various messages, such as anti-authoritarian and anti-war stances. That punk spirit still lives on in many rock bands today. Rugged, aggressive, yet undeniably cool—let me introduce some classic punk anthems!
Recommendations of classic songs by hardcore punk bands (1–10)
Fuck HeadGAUZE
Gauze, hailed alongside G.I.S.M., THE COMES, and THE EXECUTE as one of the “Hardcore Four Heavenly Kings” of early-1980s Tokyo.
They continued their own path with self-run events like the “Disinfection GIG,” becoming a monumental band that influenced the hardcore scene not only in Japan but worldwide.
While many bands from the same era moved to major labels, Gauze never changed their stance of staying in the indie scene and focusing on live shows, pursuing their own values over a long career.
Here we introduce the title track from their classic 1985 debut album, “FUCK HEADS.” Though influenced by UK hardcore like DISCHARGE, it’s a masterpiece that trembles with a strange tension created by a blend of Japanese elements and the chaotic atmosphere of the time.
Its three-minute length is also notable, overturning the image of hardcore as purely fast and short.
I CAN’T TRUST A WOMANLAUGHIN’ NOSE
Formed in Osaka in 1981, LAUGHIN’ NOSE is a band that, alongside THE WILLARD and Uchoten, was known as one of the so-called “Big Three of Indies.” They enjoyed a charismatic following from their indie days and continued their rapid rise after going major, but disbanded once in 1991.
They reunited in 1995 and, as a charismatic presence in the indie scene, are still going strong and active even now in the 2020s.
It’s also well known that many musicians got their start in LAUGHIN’ NOSE, including early member NAOKI, who later formed SA and COBRA.
Their classic number “I CAN’T TRUST A WOMAN,” with its wistful harmonica intro and distinctive bass lines between sections, is a fan favorite!
An acute-angled futureLIP CREAM
Interpreting elements like US hardcore and hard rock in their own way—and including fashion—Lip Cream led the 1980s hardcore scene.
The band was formed in 1984, mainly by members who left THE COMES.
Among hardcore fans, it’s well known that BAKI from GASTUNK was an uncredited early vocalist.
Their 1988 album Close To The Edge (Kiki) continues to influence many subsequent bands and stands as a masterpiece in Japanese hardcore: relentlessly fast, with overwhelming speed, near-violent aggression, and razor-sharp, thrashy riffs that come at you hard.
The track Eikaku na Mirai, with its striking Japanese title and piercing screams, lets you feel the band’s destructive power and exceptional individuality at the time.
Naive Letterskamomekamome
Formed around Tatsuro Mukae, a former member of Nunchaku, kamomekamome included “Naive Letters” on their fourth album, BEDSIDE DONORS, released in 2013.
It’s a standout track that unfolds a unique world where the ferocity of hardcore punk merges with emotional elements.
Its striking lyrics are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.
Marking the band’s 10th anniversary, this work showcases their musical evolution.
It’s also a live favorite that never fails to electrify fans.
Highly recommended for those who want to revel in powerful performances and passionately expressive vocals!