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 (41–50)

WeightlessAll Time Low

All Time Low – Weightless (Official Music Video)

WeightlessAll Time Low

In the emo and melodic hardcore band scene, where trends come and go rapidly, they still enjoy enduring popularity.

They’re hugely popular in Japan as well, with very frequent tours here.

This is the song that helped them break through.

It’s an up-tempo number that became a hit not only in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and here in Japan—truly a worldwide success.

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Fast-tempo Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks (51–60)

Dirty Little SecretThe All-American Rejects

The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret (Official Music Video)

Dirty Little SecretThe All-American Rejects

A smash hit from a popular American emo band.

Bands of this kind didn’t usually attract much attention at major U.

S.

music awards, but this song was performed at one of the country’s key award shows, the American Music Awards.

It’s an uptempo, exhilarating track.

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CountdownBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Countdown (Official Video)

CountdownBeyoncé

A playful track released by Beyoncé in 2011.

It samples Boyz II Men’s 1991 track “Uhh Ahh.” Its light, uptempo vibe will lift your spirits.

The music video, created as a tribute to film stars, was directed by Adria Petty.

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ApplauseLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Applause

ApplauseLady Gaga

A song by American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga.

It was the lead single from her third album, Artpop.

Gaga’s powerful performance—singing that she won’t be defeated by her critics and will live for those who support her—is captivating.

It reached number one in five countries worldwide and became a global hit.

Its lively rhythm and up-tempo beat will have you moving before you know it.

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Johnny B-GoodeChuck Berry

Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode [HQ]

Johnny B-GoodeChuck Berry

Chuck Berry, known for his memorable, sprightly guitar riffs.

Hailing from the United States, he is beloved by listeners worldwide as a titan of rock and roll.

Released in July 1958, this song symbolizes the power of the American Dream and rock and roll.

Its story of a country boy who finds success through his guitar talent has inspired hope in many.

Selected for Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” this classic shines brilliantly in rock and roll history.

It’s a must-recommend track for anyone looking for fast-tempo Western music.

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Raining BloodSLAYER

Raining Blood

Raining BloodSLAYER

Among the so-called Big Four of thrash, Slayer stands out for a musicality and worldview so evil and ferocious that they keep winning converts.

This is the title track from their early masterpiece, Reign in Blood, and one of the band’s defining numbers.

From the ominous opening filled with the sound of rain and thunder, the blistering, breakneck riffs come crashing down on every listener.

It’s not just recklessly fast; you can feel the sophisticated musicianship too—making it one of the finest classics in metal history.

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Don’t Start NowDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)

Don't Start NowDua Lipa

It’s got exactly the feel of an up-tempo dance-pop track.

It’s well known as a club hit, too.

Dua Lipa’s husky yet feminine voice and her cool singing style are striking.

Her track “Don’t Start Now” features a distinctive bassline and a sound that gives off a bit of a disco vibe.

I’m sure many of you have heard it on the dance floor.

It gradually gained popularity on TikTok and spread from overseas to Japan.

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