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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Recommendations of classic songs by hardcore punk bands (1–10)
RomanticTHE STALIN
In July 2020, The Stalin made headlines when their legendary debut album was reissued to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the band’s formation.
As legends of Japan’s punk and hardcore scene—and fronted by Michiro Endo, a university graduate with an unconventional background and outrageous onstage antics—the band’s every move drew attention in the music world.
It’s still fresh in our minds that Endo, the frontman, passed away in 2019, right at the turning point from the Heisei to the Reiwa era.
“Romantist,” released in 1982 when The Stalin stepped into the major-label arena, is one of their signature songs.
Its chorus contains a line so catchy it sticks in your head after a single listen, and it’s become famous enough to be parodied across numerous media.
Even as hardcore punk, the track has a highly catchy, pop-leaning melody.
If you’re new to The Stalin, this is the perfect song to dive into their world.
Recommended iconic songs by heavy metal bands (1–10)
Heavy yet fast, manly metal!
When you think of heavy metal, you picture distorted guitars, thundering double-bass drums, and vocals that unleash growls and shouts—a sound that’s incredibly dense and intense. It might feel intimidating for metal beginners, but there’s no doubt it’s undeniably cool. Even among Japanese rock bands, quite a few have incorporated metal elements. Here, we’ll introduce some classic heavy metal tracks that shaped their roots.
ParanoidBlack Sabbath
A living encyclopedic figure in the proud history of British rock, and an early masterpiece and signature song from the Ozzy Osbourne era.
Released in 1970, it appears on the band’s second album, Paranoid.
Tony Iommi’s genius riff is simple yet undeniably cool and stylish.
It’s a track with a charm that not only heavy metal fans but anyone who loves rock should listen to at least once.
Fear of the DarkIron Maiden
One of the most famous bands in heavy metal history, Iron Maiden.
This track is the title song from their ninth album, Fear of the Dark, released in 1992.
The guitar phrase in the intro alone makes you want to start humming and throw your fist in the air.
The dramatic shift from a calm verse into a full-on gallop is quintessential Iron Maiden!
Master of PuppetsMetallica
No explanation needed—among the many masterpieces Metallica has created, this is a quintessential early track.
Included on their third album, Master of Puppets, released in 1986, it can truly be called one of the greatest songs in metal history, right alongside the album itself.
Its odd-meter riffs, the lyrical and melodic development in the middle section, and the thrilling plunge into a relentless guitar solo make for an exhilarating ride.
Even at over 8 minutes and 30 seconds, its structure never grows tiresome, inspiring countless bands and exerting a profound influence.
Angel of DeathSLAYER
Among the Big Four of thrash metal, this is a signature song by Slayer, the band with the most evil sound.
It also serves as the opening number of their legendary 1986 masterpiece, Reign in Blood.
Beyond the intricately interwoven guitar riffs, the drums that create an overwhelming sense of speed, and the masterful shift in direction midway through, the lyrics by guitarist Jeff Hanneman are nothing short of ferocious.
(sic)Slipknot
A ferocious number that opens the landmark debut album Slipknot by the ultimate masked collective, Slipknot! It’s no exaggeration to say this track encapsulates all of their early chaotic appeal.
The sheer density of information is staggering, yet the thrilling progression—held together by a superb band ensemble that somehow avoids collapsing at the last second—is irresistible.
Recommended classic songs by a melodic hardcore/punk band (1–10)
Catchy, fast, and cool!
Speaking of melodic punk (melocore), it’s a genre that has been popular in Japan since the 1990s thanks to bands like Hi-STANDARD and HUSKING BEE. Fast tempos and English lyrics, yet the melodies are catchy and cool! Let me introduce some classic melocore tracks that are still energizing the rock scene today!
Goodbye, tearsJi Enputi
The Empty, a band from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Formed in 2019 by junior high school classmates, they’ve been winning over young listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and an energetic sound.
They kicked into full gear in 2021 with their first demo, “The Empty – 1st demo,” delivering exhilarating melodic punk rock on tracks like “Take Me Out” and “Seishun.” In 2024, they were selected for KBC Radio’s Power Play.
Recommended for anyone who wants to relive their youthful memories or get fired up with friends.