Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands
The 1970s were a period that brought a revolutionary shift to the history of Japanese rock.
From psychedelia and hard rock to the refined city pop that followed, Japanese artists searched for their own means of expression and opened up new possibilities in music.
The rock bands that emerged in that era overturned the conventions of Japanese popular music with innovative sounds and bold lyrics.
In this article, we introduce the debut songs of legendary bands that were mainly active in the 1970s.
From legends still thriving in the 2020s to cult favorites known to a select few, listen to the tracks that marked their beginnings and experience the energy and innovation of the dawn of Japanese rock.
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- The debut song of a Japanese rock band from the 1980s
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- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
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- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
- Debut song of a 1970s idol
Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands (21–30)
It’s the person we met at the museum, right?P-MODEL
Released in July 1979, this was P-MODEL’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album, “IN A MODEL ROOM,” released in August of the same year.
The band evolved from the progressive rock group Mandrake and was formed around Susumu Hirasawa, a member of the predecessor band.
Incorporating techno sounds that were rare at the time, the track had a significant influence on band music in the 1980s.
Hey! I Love You!Rage
Released in July 1977, this was Lazy’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album, “This is the LAZY,” released in March 1978.
The band, which had a strong inclination toward Western rock bands, made their debut after catching the eye of Hiroshi Kamayatsu (a former member of The Spiders) during a TV appearance in 1977.
While many of their singles, including this song, have an idol-oriented sound, their live performances often feature arrangements in rock or metal styles.
My Salad GirlGodiego
Released in April 1976, this was Godiego’s debut single, and it was also included as a suite on their first album, “GODIEGO: New Genesis,” released in July of the same year.
Although Godiego is a Japanese rock band formed around Japanese members Mickey Yoshino and Yukihide Takekawa, all of their lyrics are in English, and every track on the album featuring this song also uses English lyrics.
This was the first attempt of its kind in Japanese music history and is said to have had a major influence on rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Your BalladSera Masanori & Tsuisto
Released in November 1977, this was Masanori Sera & Twist’s major-label debut single, and it was also included on their first album, “Masanori Sera & Twist,” released in July 1978.
The band originated from a group Sera—now also active as an actor—formed in high school.
He initially played bass, but a certain turn of events led him to switch to vocals, marking their debut.
Although the debut single peaked at only No.
6 on the Oricon singles chart, it enjoyed long-term sales and ultimately sold over 500,000 copies.
Summer for Twoainu
Released in May 1975, this was Ainou’s debut single, and it was included on their first album, Ainou, which came out the same day.
The band, which featured Shogo Hamada—now active as a solo singer—on drums and percussion, debuted in 1975 but had a short life, disbanding in 1976.
On this debut track, Shogo Hamada performed as both drummer and vocalist.
exhaustedmurahachibu
Released in 1971, this was Murahachibu’s debut single recording.
Due to the record company’s bankruptcy, it remained unreleased for a long time, but it was finally issued on CD in 1991.
As a song created in the band’s earliest days, it is regarded as their debut track.
Their flamboyant fashion—which was unusual at the time—and lyrics that could be interpreted as discriminatory became talking points, and they earned strong support from young people dissatisfied with society.
Although their active period was short—they disbanded in 1973—the band left a powerful and lasting impact.
Drive to HellSon House
Released in January 1975, this was Sonhouse’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album, “Uchoten,” released in June of the same year.
The song was produced as an independent recording, and since the major-label debut album was scheduled for release in June, it was sold as an advance single.
The band features Makoto Ayukawa—now recognized as one of Japan’s leading guitarists—and continues to be active primarily through live performances.