Trending Music [August 2023]

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

The world of music is in the midst of a wave of new trends emerging one after another.

In August 2023 in particular, captivating tracks from a wide range of genres are drawing attention.

Still, you might sometimes find yourself wondering, “In such a rapidly changing music scene, what songs are truly popular right now?” To answer that question, this article introduces the music that’s shining brightest at this very moment.

Take this opportunity to savor melodies that stick in your ear and lyrics that stir your heart.

Trending Music [August 2023] (11–20)

Virus of Truthkingu gidora

King Ghidorah “Virus of Truth” MUSIC VIDEO

Virus of Truthkingu gidora

This song features King Giddra speaking in a tense tone as it probes the hidden truths behind the state of the world.

The fact that it was released without any prior notice on July 28, 2023, marking their first new track in 20 years, also drew significant attention.

Spurred by doubts arising from how various countries responded to the pandemic that shook the world and the subsequent global developments, the song casts anxiety on the path the world is taking.

The track, laced with noise, and the vocals heighten a sense of unease and prompt listeners to reexamine things that have come to be taken for granted.

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Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Sadness Rides the Bus” MV

Sorrow Rides the Busmakaroni enpitsu

It’s a song by Macaroni Enpitsu that portrays moving toward the future while carrying sorrow, layered with a sound that conveys a sense of restlessness.

The music video—directed by Yoshihito Mori and featuring Shota Sometani—is also a key highlight.

The sci-fi concept, in which the protagonist can see the remaining lifespan on others’ faces, seems to match the song’s curious, floating feel.

The way the arrangement shifts between roughness and lightness unsettles the heart and prompts reflection on the message embedded in the track.

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mixMarushii

Mix

mixMarushii

Mix by Marcy is a straightforward love song set to a refreshing melody.

Released digitally in 2023, it was featured in a Google Pixel 7a web commercial.

The lyrics depict a desire to blend joy and sorrow, for two different people to intertwine their lives, and to take everything—good and bad—together as they move forward, wanting to spend the rest of their lives as a pair.

Give it a listen with that special someone you hope to stay with forever.

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To Your Townyangusukinii

Young Skinny – To Your Town [Official Music Video]

To Your Townyangusukinii

This is a song by Young Skinny that portrays a bittersweet youth longing to get closer to a loved one.

It was written as the opening theme for ABEMA’s dating show “Koisuru ♥ Shuumatsu Homestay 2023 Natsu” (Falling in Love: Weekend Homestay 2023 Summer).

The light sounds and vocals layered over a bouncing rhythm convey a fresh, exhilarating feeling of facing summer head-on.

Because it depicts everyday moments with a loved one through a voice that carries a smile, the song vividly evokes rising emotions and a positive sense of romance.

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Solo HeavenNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Heaven for Singles”

Solo HeavenNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46’s 33rd single, “Ohitorisama Tengoku” (Solo Heaven), features Miyu Matsuo as center for the first time.

While there are many songs that profess to love loneliness and carry a somewhat outlaw vibe, this track is a full-on celebration of solo life, shouting “Hooray for being on your own!” Being a ‘party of one’ can sometimes be mocked or pitied, which can feel awkward—but who cares? This song praises those who can fully enjoy all kinds of things on their own—because that’s wonderful!

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Hi-Fi RomanceOkano Akihito

Akihito Okano “Hi-Fi Roman” Music Video

Hi-Fi RomanceOkano Akihito

Akihito Okano, the vocalist of the rock band PornoGraffitti.

The song “Hi-Fi Roman” is included on Okano’s solo album “Walkin’ with a song,” released in August 2023, with lyrics and composition by Eve.

It’s an intricately constructed track with so many key changes you’ll find yourself asking, “How many modulations can one song have?”—a breathtaking number that only Okano could truly pull off.

The addictive quality characteristic of Eve’s music and Okano’s commanding vocal performance make this a truly overwhelming track.

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Trending Music [August 2023] (21–30)

Ma humanatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Ma-Ningen (Official Music Video)

Ma humanatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

Now a presence you can’t ignore when talking about Japan’s music scene: ATARASHII GAKKO! Their song “Ma-Ningen” is also the opening theme for the drama “Assistant Inspector Daimajin,” starring Toma Ikuta.

The lyrics—complete with rolled r’s and edgy phrasing—feel like an inner scream, even a touch of madness.

But that’s exactly what makes it feel real; many listeners may feel it speaks for their own hearts and find themselves relating to it.

If you’ve got pent-up frustration from messy interpersonal relationships that just won’t clear up, why not let this track blow off some steam?

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