Ukulele masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
A roundup of classic ukulele tunes!
From hidden gems known only to aficionados to famous cover songs, we’ve picked a wide range of ukulele masterpieces.
The ukulele is a traditional Hawaiian instrument.
Many people associate the ukulele with a soothing, relaxing sound.
But in fact, the ukulele can sound incredibly cool in high-energy songs, too.
There are plenty of tracks that will make you think, “Wait, they even cover songs that intense on the ukulele?”
This time, we’ll introduce classic tracks while showcasing this fresh, unexpected side of the ukulele.
It’s a must-read for fans of Hawaiian music as well!
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Ukulele masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Over The RainbowIsraël Kamakawiwo’ole
Over the Rainbow, featured as a song in the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz, is incredibly famous, so many of you probably know it.
When it comes to ukulele covers of Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s arrangement is the first that comes to mind.
His gentle voice and the soothing sound of the ukulele make it an enchanting piece.
Its very calm atmosphere also makes it perfect as background music for sleep, don’t you think?
Bohemian RhapsodyJake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro, a fifth-generation Japanese American ukulele player.
He’s been featured in Japanese media, so many of you may already know him.
His performance of Bohemian Rhapsody is a rendition of Queen’s classic song released in 1975.
While the original has a powerful feel, this version is arranged with a delicate, fleeting atmosphere.
It really showcases Jake Shimabukuro’s remarkable musicianship!
Always With MeTuvi
Tubi is a guitarist from Argentina.
He studied classical guitar at the National University of La Plata and is now active as an artist on YouTube.
The piece he performs here, Always With Me, is the theme song from the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, which you all know.
The original is based on the harp and is played at a very relaxed tempo, but this version is performed even more slowly.
It’s perfect as background music for sleep!
Ukulele Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (11–20)
RiptideVance Joy
Vance Joy is a leading indie-pop artist from Australia.
His song Riptide is his signature track and has racked up over 300 million views on YouTube.
It’s also been used in Japanese media, so many of you may find it familiar.
Although it features a ukulele, it doesn’t sound Hawaiian at all.
It’s a perfect blend of indie pop and ukulele.
Be sure to give it a listen!
House of Goldtwenty one pilots
Twenty One Pilots are a two-piece rock band.
Influenced by various genres, they’re also known for their extensive use of the ukulele.
Their song “House of Gold” features a bright melody built around the ukulele.
While it’s a soothing track, it also throws in surprises like death growls, making it an intriguing piece.
Overall, it has an easy-listening, refreshing sound, so it’s recommended even for those not accustomed to Western music.
Someone To LavaKuana Torres Kahele
Kuana Torres Kahele is an artist who represents Hawaii.
In addition to being active as a record producer, he also works as an educator—he’s an amazing person.
“Someone To Lava” is one of his hit songs.
It’s Hawaiian music with a relaxed, memorable melody.
The song was featured in the Disney film “Lava,” and Kuana Torres Kahele himself also provided a voice in the movie.
Please Don’t GoAbbey Glover
Abby Glover is a UK-born artist active on YouTube.
She’s an artist who uploads numerous ukulele cover performances, and her subscriber count has surpassed 900,000.
That’s impressive for someone who isn’t a major-label singer, isn’t it? The song “Please Don’t Go” that she sings here is one of her original tracks.
It has a languid, melancholic vibe, yet there’s something in it that speaks powerfully to you, don’t you think?