Lovely Western music

Fast-tempo Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

There’s a unit in music that quantifies beats per minute, called “BPM.” In short, it’s an indicator of a song’s speed, but a high BPM doesn’t necessarily mean the song will feel fast.

Since the listener is human, the feel can change depending on the musical style and the density of the lyrics.

So, for this feature.

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We’ve selected Western songs that feel fast! We’ve picked a wide range: not only tracks with high BPM, but also curious songs that somehow feel quick despite having fewer beats.

There are some lesser-known tracks in the mix, too, so even regular listeners of Western music should take note.

Please sit back and enjoy.

Fast-tempo Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks (21–30)

Misery BusinessParamore

Paramore: Misery Business [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Misery BusinessParamore

Their smash hit, featuring Hayley Williams—the sole female vocalist—who has also earned massive support as a fashion icon.

With this release, they gradually gained traction and went on to achieve widespread popularity.

The music video, themed around getting revenge on a mean girl, also became a hot topic.

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My Life Would Suck Without YouKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You

My Life Would Suck Without YouKelly Clarkson

A piece well-known in Japan as the jingle for a popular women’s lingerie brand.

It delivers the rush of being in love through a breezy, up-tempo pop-rock tune.

Although she now holds a firmly established position, she actually clashed with her record label over creative direction before the song’s release.

After overcoming that period, this track became a massive hit.

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Fast-tempo Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks (31–40)

I Need Some MoneyTraxman

I Need Some Money

I Need Some MoneyTraxman

Traxman is one of the leading figures in contemporary Chicago house and is also said to be a key player in the juke/footwork movement.

This track comes from his debut album, “Da Mind Of Traxman,” released in 2012.

Even if you’re not familiar with the finer genre distinctions, you’ll immediately recognize the overwhelming individuality that sets it apart from typical electronic music.

The intricate, unpredictable development and sheer speed that permeate the entire track are seriously addictive!

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If I Can’t Have YouShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You (Official Music Video)

If I Can't Have YouShawn Mendes

When you want to get pumped up, you feel like listening to upbeat pop, right? For you, I recommend Shawn Mendes’s “If I Can’t Have You.” Its down-to-earth take on love pairs perfectly with his sweet yet powerful vocals and will lift your mood.

It’s also perfect as background music for a drive, or as a companion on your commute to work or school!

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Brutal DecayCHRONOSPHERE

CHRONOSPHERE – Brutal Decay [Thrash Metal]

Brutal DecayCHRONOSPHERE

Chronosphere is a thrash metal band that continues to work energetically in Greece.

Their sound is distinctive, blending elements of progressive rock with thrash metal.

While it varies by song, you can enjoy orthodox thrash metal in their performance, even as they weave in sudden key changes and other shifts.

Among their tracks, the high-tempo “Brutal Decay” stands out—a great song packed with the very appeal described above.

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The GameDragonForce

DragonForce – The Game (Maximum Overload)

The GameDragonForce

When it comes to DragonForce, their appeal lies in their melodic metal sound delivered with outstanding technique and breathtaking speed.

This track opens their sixth studio album, Maximum Overload, released in 2014, and it’s a killer tune packed to the brim with everything that makes the band great.

Fans who love melodically ‘cheesy’ hooks—especially popular in Japan—will have plenty to enjoy!

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From Hell with LoveBeast In Black

BEAST IN BLACK – From Hell With Love (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

From Hell with LoveBeast In Black

A five-piece band from Finland formed mainly by former members of Battle Beast.

Their Nordic-style lyrical melodies and powerful, traditional heavy metal have earned high praise in Japan.

With a worldview said to be influenced by Japanese anime and manga, they’re very much a band that appeals to Japanese tastes.

This track is the title song from From Hell With Love, which they released in 2019.

You can fully enjoy the guitar solo as it races along with technical precision and melody!

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