Although KAT-TUN weren’t the primary J-pop act I ever listened to, I credit score them for absolutely making me a J-pop fan. They’ve launched a few of the finest music I’ve ever heard and I’m delighted that that music is now lastly obtainable for everybody to stream worldwide. In case you’ve been feeling down about 2026’s choices thus far and have by no means explored KAT-TUN’s discography, put together to have them soundtrack the remainder of your 12 months.
Moderately than undergo their whole 300+ tune catalog, I made a decision to highlight the songs I’ve personally rated a “9” or larger. With that stated, there are SO many different bangers and highlights on their singles and albums so when you like these tracks I’d extremely suggest doing a deep dive.
Actual Face (2006)
Discuss an iconic debut! This tune has aged so effectively and is an undisputed traditional inside J-pop. It’s such an exciting little bit of anthemic pop/rock, again when bands cared about being massive and additional with their music.
Score: 10
Don’t U Ever Cease (2008)
KAT-TUN doing a Michael Jackson homage will not be one thing that occurred practically as typically because it ought to’ve, however they bought it proper with this positively unimaginable single (and music video!). It’s so funky and the guitar crunch is ultra-satisfying.
Score: 10
Rescue (2009)
I’ve already written a prolonged “legendary songs” publish about this so I’m unsure there’s far more to say. Their finest tune ever?
Score: 10
Change Ur World (2010)
An enormous rock banger to shut out this period of KAT-TUN earlier than they moved into one thing even higher.
Score: 9
Final Wheels (2011)
Led by an ornate strings part, Final Wheels melds the rock of their early years with the extra theatrical textures of this period. To me, this kicks off their most fruitful interval (2011-2015), which can also be one of many strongest runs of any act ever.
Score: 9.5
Make-Or-Break (2011)
Ah, the beatbox is again, joined by one of many funkiest synth loops of their profession. It’s so enjoyable and retro!
Score: 9.5
White (2011)
That is quintessential J-pop to me. The melodies unfold with such goal and sense of storytelling and the instrumental provides anthemic heft. It feels very anime in the easiest way doable.
Score: 9.5
Run For You (2011)
That opening synth line is pure ear sweet and the tune solely accelerates from there. A defining single, I’d say.
Score: 9.75
Cosmic Little one (2011)
The title just about says all of it. That is spacey and synthy and simple superior.
Score: 9.5
Lock On (2012)
Such a killer rock tune. I like the punchy manufacturing and the refrain is completely huge.
Score: 9.5
One Day (2012)
This nails the anthemic sound KAT-TUN accomplish that effectively. I’ve been obsessive about the layered vocal melodies within the refrain for over a decade now and it nonetheless sounds as engaging in the present day.
Score: 9.5
Kusabi (2013)
A beloved fan-favorite for a cause. That is beguiling pop music – melodically good with payoff after payoff. It’s one in all their most iconic songs in my view.
Score: 10
Hearth And Ice (2013)
The refrain! The refrain is IMMENSE! It’s like a dance-rock opera!!
Score: 9.75
4U (2013)
The platonic supreme of a fan tune, that means its saccharine and candy but in addition buoyed by unimaginable melodies and a brisk tempo. As all the time, the refrain is good.
Score: 9.25
Phoenix (2013)
Possibly their most operatic observe? They carry the total bombast of an orchestra to this one and the result’s beautiful.
Score: 9.75
Face To Face (2013)
Previewing the superior Useless Or Alive that might come two years later, Face To Face injects a way of symphony to the group’s pulsing electro sound.
Score: 9.75
In Truth (2014)
One other electro dance observe with unimaginable stomping power. I like the repeated vocal hook within the verses and the explosive refrain that follows.
Score: 9.5
Consider In Myself (2014)
There’s this little guitar flourish that wraps up every refrain and I feel it may be my favourite particular person sound of any 2010s observe. This has such a brisk power and anthemic heft. One among my most performed songs ever, truthfully.
Score: 10
Harmful (2014)
Pure funk goodness. It’s very SHINee-coded, which is all the time factor.
Score: 9
Come Right here (2014)
For some cause, this has all the time jogged my memory of one thing an SM group may need recorded round this time. It’s on the brighter facet for KAT-TUN, bringing a scrumptious dose of energy pop.
Score: 9.5
Triangle (2014)
My favourite b-side from the group? I’ve written about it on the weblog earlier than and there’s a cause for that. It’s simply pure guitar-powered bombast in the easiest way. The refrain and ensuing guitar solo have etched themselves in my very own musical historical past. Perfection.
Score: 10
Faux (2014)
I like when KAT-TUN targets the dancefloor and this standout album observe has a thumping power that’s unattainable to withstand.
Score: 9.25
Emerald (Kamenashi solo) (2014)
Ah, that opening piano riff is simply transcendent. That is the sort of glowing, emotional EDM I like. The refrain is such a second and Kamenashi’s voice pulls it off completely.
Score: 9.5
Cover And Search (2014)
Rounding out my 9+ highlights from this killer album, Cover & Search merges KAT-TUN’s ultra-dramatic (nearly symphonic!) sound with a pulsing dancefloor drive.
Score: 9.5
Useless Or Alive (2015)
Oh my god, can I even clarify how epic this tune is? The opening alone is sort of a full-on piece of cinema and the observe simply continues to develop and blossom with an increasing number of grandeur. It’s a shocking spotlight of their discography.
Score: 10
Race Goes On (2015)
That is my sort of chugging dance observe. What can I say? The group is aware of what I like. Simply take heed to the best way that refrain opens and soars!
Score: 9.5
Ask Your self (2018)
Now we’re entering into music I’ve truly reviewed on the weblog in actual time. This tries on a home beat to nice success. It’s their final 9+ rated single for me.
Score: 9.25
Fantastic World (Kamenashi solo) (2018)
Kamenashi appears to be a fan of those bounding pop/rock anthems and that is additionally a sound I like so that they all the time work for me. That is one in all his finest.
Score: 9
