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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 (41–50)

MAYDAY feat. Ryo from Crystal Lakecoldrain

coldrain – MAYDAY feat. Ryo from Crystal Lake (Official Music Video)
MAYDAY feat. Ryo from Crystal Lakecoldrain

An aggressive rock tune resounding with ferocious shouts and a heavy sound.

It powerfully portrays the chaos and destruction born from desire and betrayal, as well as the people who stand up to face them.

With a featured appearance by Ryo from Crystal Lake, it achieves an overwhelming intensity that shakes the listener to the core.

Included on the album THE SIDE EFFECTS and released in August 2019, it was used as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Fire Force, brilliantly capturing the spirit of the series.

This powerful track is recommended for moments when you want to unleash all your emotions or boost your motivation.

Shimi feat. ATARASHII GAKKO!Makishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone 'Shimi feat. ATARASHII GAKKO!' (MV Special Ver.) Music Video
Shimi feat. ATARASHII GAKKO!Makishimamu Za Horumon

A frenzy of loud rock featuring Atarashii Gakko! is sending fresh shockwaves through the music scene.

Built on Maximum the Hormone’s mixture-rock foundation and fusing nu metal with hardcore punk, this work unfolds a world of enigmatic lyrics woven with metaphors and symbolic imagery.

Included on the single “Ki-Se-I Rush,” released June 19, 2024, its music video—shot in an abandoned housing complex—premiered on YouTube that September.

The fusion of dark, heavy sound with electrifying dance performance has drawn attention as a bold new form of expression.

It’s a powerful track recommended for anyone who wants to unleash their inner emotions along with the music.

Premonitory RaidMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone 'Yoshu Fukushu' Music Video
Premonitory RaidMakishimamu Za Horumon

This track explodes with a raw sound packed with social critique and the band’s convictions.

It questions the supremacy of technical virtuosity and challenges a sincere approach to music, delivering a powerful message through Maximum the Hormone’s uniquely distinctive musical style.

Daisuke-han’s roaring shouts and Nao’s clear vocals create a perfect contrast.

Released in July 2013 as the title track of the album “Yoshu Fukushu,” it also drew attention for its music video directed by Hitoshi Ohne, known for the film “Moteki.” Highly recommended for those who want to reflect on the essence and meaning of music, or simply surrender to an energetic sound.

Stop-and-Question by Police ~Twice in One Day~Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

A rock number that depicts a quirky slice of everyday life set in Osaka with furious death growls and gritty, hard-driving guitar tones! It’s a track where melodic hardcore and pop-punk fuse in a perfectly balanced way.

The lyrics brimming with Yabai T-Shirts Yasan’s signature humor, paired with shouts that straightforwardly vent frustration, grab listeners’ hearts and don’t let go.

Included on the album “Tank-top Flower for Friends,” released in March 2023, this song is bound to ignite explosive energy at live shows.

It’s the perfect track to blast when you want to blow away everyday haze or when you’re craving a little shared understanding.

Ups&DownsCrystal Lake

Crystal Lake -Ups&Downs- 【Official Video】
Ups&DownsCrystal Lake

A metalcore sound marked by thunderous roars and shouts that resound with overwhelming intensity.

This grand opener of the EP “CUBES” sings of hope and strength rising even in the depths of despair.

Crystal Lake’s signature energetic, powerful approach blends perfectly with a meticulously arranged soundscape.

Featured on the EP “CUBES,” released in August 2014, it has since become a live staple that ignites audiences.

Its expansive, cinematic sound and its powerful message of hope and renewal make it a track that resonates with anyone determined to keep moving forward.

Recommended classic songs by Western rock bands (41–50)

The envy of musicians around the world!! Rock bands from overseas

I’ve introduced songs by Japanese rock bands, but many of them likely have roots in overseas bands. From here, I’ll start introducing classic Western rock songs! Wouldn’t it be great to dig into bands from a variety of genres from this point on?

Recommended classic songs by Western rock bands (1–10)

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)
It's My LifeBon Jovi

A song by Bon Jovi, known as a quintessential American hard rock band, that achieved worldwide success, including in Japan.

In Japan, it’s often used as athletes’ entrance music and frequently played on variety shows, so even people who aren’t very familiar with Western music have probably heard it at least once.

From the intro up to the pre-chorus, a heavy, minor-key feel prevails, and then the chorus opens up the soundscape all at once—a song structure so masterfully executed that it’s only fitting for a band that defined an era.

It’s a track that showcases Bon Jovi’s signature catchy melodies, blending pop sensibilities with a touch of wistfulness.

Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)
Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

The moment you hear the guitar riff in this song’s intro, memories of the 2000s come rushing back—many people would agree.

Hailing from Las Vegas, The Killers caught fire in the UK before their home country, going on to achieve worldwide success as one of the biggest bands born from the 2000s.

Among the many hits they crafted with their grand, 1980s new wave–inspired synth sound, this track is especially beloved.

Brandon Flowers’s emotional vocals—conveying the anguish of suspecting a lover’s infidelity—stand out against the poignant melody.

Released on their 2004 debut album Hot Fuss, it’s not only been cherished as a signature song of The Killers for years, but has also become an anthem that echoes through stadiums around the world.

With the band set to headline Fuji Rock 2024, let’s learn this classic and sing along together!