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Whistling Classics: Lovely Whistle Songs That Make You Happy and Want to Practice

Have you ever found yourself stopping in your tracks when a whistled melody suddenly drifts to your ears in the city? Whistling, which you can do anytime, anywhere without an instrument, could be called the most familiar “instrument” of all.

When you listen to songs that feature whistling, they can make you feel nostalgic and warm, or wrap you in a light, buoyant mood.

In this article, we’ll introduce famous tracks known for their whistled parts, as well as irresistibly whistle-worthy tunes across a variety of genres.

Why not find a favorite and add a little color to your everyday life?

[Whistling Masterpieces] Wonderful Whistling Songs That Make You Happy and Want to Practice (11–20)

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Walk, Looking Up – 'Sukiyaki' – Kyu Sakamoto (Sakamoto Kyu) 1961.avi
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

The song by the short-lived singer Kyu Sakamoto, who developed a unique vocal style influenced by jazz, chanson, theater, traditional Japanese dance, shamisen, and other forms of Japanese music.

It’s a classic that is still covered by many musicians today and is known abroad as “SUKIYAKI,” where it became a massive hit.

It’s also recognized as one of Sakamoto’s signature songs.

The way the piece unfolds with a beautiful whistled melody during the instrumental break, flowing naturally into the vocals, is so pleasing to hear.

An immortal classic where you can enjoy the superb whistling woven seamlessly into the music.

Sunshine Girlmoumoon

moumoon「Sunshine Girl」(Official Music Video)
Sunshine Girlmoumoon

A signature song by moumoon featuring a distinctive whistled intro, released in 2010.

Many of you may recognize it from the Shiseido ANESSA commercial.

It’s a bright, sun-kissed summer number; the cozy, buoyant acoustic sound intertwined with YUKA’s cute vocals feels wonderfully pleasant.

The melody makes you want to whistle or hum along, lifting your spirits in no time!

Lupin the Third Ending ThemeChārī Kōsei

Lupin the Third Part I, No. 2 / “LUPIN THE THIRD” Ending Theme
Lupin the Third Ending ThemeChārī Kōsei

A song by Charlie Kosei, a musician with a wide-ranging career as a singer, bassist, and guitarist, born to an American father and a Chinese mother.

Used as the ending theme for the TV anime Lupin the Third, the track’s pervasive sense of melancholy creates a striking contrast with the show’s comical depictions.

The whistling that doubles the vocal melody adds a more mature, wistful tone to the piece, crafting an atmosphere that evokes the protagonist’s solitude and depth.

It’s a hard-boiled number that lets you feel the mysterious allure of the whistle.

휘파람'(WHISTLE)BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK – ‘휘파람 (WHISTLE)’ M/V
휘파람'(WHISTLE)BLACKPINK

You could even say it’s the quintessential K-pop whistling song! BLACKPINK’s 2016 release “Whistle” (휘파람) was included as one of the double title tracks on their debut single “SQUARE ONE.” It’s a unique number that effectively incorporates edgy whistling, capturing the flutter of budding romance.

Some of you might have tried whistling along or even practiced it.

The chorus lyrics are said to be a phrase popularized in Korea by a comedian imitating the sound of a motorcycle, which also gives the song a dreamy vibe.

It would be fun to learn the whistle and duet with friends at karaoke!

Queen of KabukichoShiina Ringo

In addition to her solo work, this is the second single by female singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, who is also energetically active as the vocalist of the rock band Tokyo Jihen.

She calls the song a “Shinjuku-style DIY act,” and it exudes an addictive blend of Showa-era kayōkyoku fragrance and an exclusionary atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the Shibuya-kei movement that dominated the early 1990s.

The whistled melody that traces the A section after the guitar solo creates a somewhat otherworldly mood, serving as a striking accent that catches the listener off guard.

It’s a superb track with an economical structure that feels complete precisely because of the whistling part, which conveys the protagonist’s state of mind.

harborsupittsu

Minato, with its dazzling yet wistful soundscape, is the 41st single released in 2016.

It’s a quintessential Spitz song—nostalgic, tinged with melancholy, and a track whose words slowly seep into you.

While evoking various scenes and stories at a harbor, it invites you to ‘pause for a moment and look back.’ It feels like a song that stays close to you at such times.

Just before the last chorus, a whistle enters, adding a striking sense of depth; this part features Wataru Sawabe from the band Skirt.

You might feel the hope and future that the whistling opens up.

It’s a classic that serves as a guidepost for starting anew, steeped in fond memories.

[Whistling Masterpieces] Lovely Whistling Songs That Make You Happy and Want to Practice (21–30)

Always With MeKimura Yumi

Always With Me / Always with me [Whistler: Torinari Hibiki]
Always With MeKimura Yumi

A song famous as the theme for Spirited Away.

Its gentle accompaniment on the instrument called the lyre and its beautiful melody leave a strong impression.

The staccato sections feel delightful, as if you’re whistling.

It might also be nice to slow the tempo a bit and play it more leisurely.