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 a melodic hardcore/punk band (1–10)
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.
insomniaBaby smoker
Baby smoker, a melodic punk band that West Japan is proud of, was formed in Osaka in 2004.
Often hailed as “the fastest melodic punk band in West Japan,” their music is defined by heartfelt melodies and explosive energy.
They’ve released albums such as SHOUT OUT YOUR SOULS and have continued to grow while overcoming numerous challenges.
Their live performances are highly praised, and their energetic stage shows are a must-see.
Highly recommended not only for fans of fast, badass melodic hardcore, but also for anyone looking to discover a new side of punk rock.
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD
Hi-STANDARD, the legendary three-piece band that could be said to have built Japan’s melodic hardcore (melocore) scene.
Countless active musicians today have been influenced by them.
They were also pioneers of the DIY ethos, launching their own label and hosting their own festival.
With rapid-fire beats, crisp and catchy guitar riffs, and sing-along-friendly melodies, their songs are the very definition of melocore—must-listens, every one of them! In 2023, the passing of drummer Akira Tsuneoka shocked many fans, but the beats he laid down will continue to shine within their music.
StrangeMaki
The passionate three-piece rock band Maki is based in Nagoya.
Formed in 2015 and reconfigured in 2017, they reached their current lineup.
Vocalist Hibiki Yamamoto’s robust, straightforward voice stands out, and their gritty, deeply human sound shakes listeners to the core.
In 2021 they released the EP “creep.” In 2022 they dropped the digital single “boys & girls” and held their tour finale at Zepp Nagoya.
They kept up the momentum in 2023 with successful national tours, including “Chii Toitsu” (Seven Pairs) and “Sanshoku” (Three Colors).
Yamamoto’s literary lyrics are another draw—one song is inspired by Atsushi Nakajima’s “The Moon Over the Mountain.” Their energetic live performances are not to be missed.
Highly recommended for those who crave pure rock sound and lyrical, evocative messages.
Recommended classic tracks from emo bands (1–10)
This is emo!! Songs that will make you understand what “emo” means once you listen
The word “emoi” became a huge topic, but what does it actually mean…? You’ll understand instantly by listening to the emo bands introduced here! Emo is a genre packed with raw feeling—music that shakes your heart just by listening. There are tons of awesome bands, so definitely give them a listen!
Dance, DanceFall Out Boy
When it comes to the most famous and successful band of the emo boom of the 2000s, it has to be Fall Out Boy from Chicago, Illinois.
Lyricist/bassist Pete Wentz and guitarist Joe Trohman originally came from metalcore bands, which is why, even in Japan, they drew attention among enthusiasts from the time of their debut—something I remember fondly.
Their illustrious career needs little retelling, but it’s worth reemphasizing how Patrick Stump’s soulful vocal style—he handles composition, vocals, and guitar—had a tremendous influence on the bands that followed.
Their success stems from the members’ flexible approach to genre; they never confined themselves to just emo or pop-punk.
If you want to savor their emo/pop-punk era, check out their first through third albums.
SweetnessJimmy Eat World
Since their formation in 1993, Jimmy Eat World have long remained a conscientious presence in the American rock scene.
For many, their name is one of the first that comes to mind when you hear the word “emo.” In the beginning, guitarist Tom Linton handled most of the lead vocals and the band played a raw, punk-driven sound, but later Jim Adkins took over as lead vocalist, steering them toward a style that would profoundly influence what came to be known as emocore.
From the 2000s onward, they released the masterpiece Bleed American, growing into a rock band that represents the United States across genre boundaries.
Their driving guitar sound, solid songwriting, and Jim’s vocals—combining a tender, youthful sensitivity with real power—never fail to deliver a stirring, heart-shaking experience.
Welcome To The Black ParadeMy Chemical Romance
In 2019, My Chemical Romance made an unexpected reunion.
They’re not only central to the 2000s emo boom but also a globally popular band.
Formed in New Jersey, USA, in 2001, they first made their mark within the punk and hardcore scenes.
Their sound, which also reflects a gothic aesthetic and influences from classic hard rock, drew attention especially among fans of the so-called screamo and post-hardcore genres.
Their third album, The Black Parade, released in 2006, became a massive hit, with its outstanding songs and conceptual theme earning widespread acclaim.
They even appeared on Japan’s Music Station and played at the Nippon Budokan, cementing their popularity in Japan.
With a catalog full of catchy songs, they’re a great recommendation even for newcomers to Western music.