Covering back number’s smash-hit songs on piano! Carefully selected recommended sheet music
Back Number began their band activities in 2004 and, since their major-label debut in 2011, have released numerous hit songs.
Their tracks are so memorable that anyone who listens will feel, “I think I’ve heard this somewhere,” and they consistently enjoy strong support from a wide range of generations.
This time, we’re highlighting some of Back Number’s most popular songs!
We’ll give you a thorough introduction, along with recommended sheet music for those who want to try playing them on piano and the corresponding performance videos.
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Covering back number’s mega-hit songs on piano! Carefully selected recommended sheet music (1–10)
Velvet Poemback number
This is the song chosen as the theme for the film Akira and Akira, starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Ryusei Yokohama.
Its lyrics, which encourage people who feel life is difficult by telling them, “You are one of a kind—feel free to live your own path in your own way,” are deeply moving.
The lyrics are wonderful, of course, and the melody that enhances their message is excellent too! Play the uplifting sections with a positive, powerful energy, and the gentle parts with delicate piano tones—adding contrast as if tracing the flow of emotions.
horizonback number
Horizons carries the message that “the hope that flew toward the horizon will someday turn into light.” It’s a song written for the high school students who were aiming for the 2020 Inter-High School Championships, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With its moving melody and meaningful lyrics, the piece left a strong impression and gained wide support, especially among young people, as it was also used as BGM for short videos on social media.
Its flowing, beautiful melody pairs perfectly with the tone of the piano.
Because the rhythm has many ties and can be difficult to feel the beat, make sure to keep the left-hand accompaniment steady to provide solid support.
Heroineback number
Often regarded as one of back number’s signature songs, “Heroine” is a track marked by moving lyrics and a vivid melody.
It also drew attention as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign and Kirin’s “Green Label.” The delicate worldview that evokes unrequited love or heartbreak pairs perfectly with the piano’s subtle timbre.
If you play the quiet, spoken-like passages gently with a soft tone, and then bring out a powerful sound in the chorus where the feelings overflow—“I wish you were here!”—the contrast in tone colors will create a performance with greater breadth and impact.
Covering back number’s hugely popular songs on piano! A curated selection of recommended sheet music (11–20)
Emeraldback number
Emerald, which was chosen as the theme song for the drama Dangerous Venus starring Satoshi Tsumabuki.
The song is captivating, with back number’s distinctive guitar cutting and an overall blend of tension and exhilaration that draws listeners in.
Amid its brisk tempo, the track carries a certain languor and seductive atmosphere; when playing it on piano, rather than aiming for crisp, clearly articulated notes, it’s recommended to use the pedal skillfully to create a stylish vibe.
Try aiming for a slightly edgy performance by, for instance, consciously emphasizing the beat and adding deliberate strong accents in the accompaniment.
Old-fashionedback number
“Old Fashion,” which also became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “A Love to Die For — You, Who Will Forget Me,” starring Erika Toda and Tsuyoshi Muro, is a warm and moving piece overflowing with gratitude and deep affection for a loved one.
Its beautiful melody and lyrics that speak in unadorned words of love leave a lasting impression.
When playing it on the piano, aim for a performance with clear dynamics to bring out the emotional atmosphere.
Keep the tempo steady, but to avoid sounding mechanical, try playing with feeling while picturing the lyrics in your mind.
phantom thiefback number
Kaitō, chosen as the theme song for the drama Love Deeply starring Satomi Ishihara and Go Ayano, is a heart-stirring love song quintessentially back number.
Lines like “You’re wonderful just as you are” and “If it were me, I could definitely make you happy” capture the unwavering devotion of someone who keeps loving a person infatuated with someone else—it really hits home.
In this song, even while knowing her feelings aren’t directed his way, his strong resolve to save her from a painful love comes through not only in the lyrics but also in the forward-looking music.
On the piano, too, you’ll want to play with an awareness of that strength and optimism.
Blue Springback number
Aoi Haru, released in 2012, was the artist’s first self-produced single.
It’s an early work cherished by many fans for comments like “It gives me courage when I listen” and “The lyrics really hit home.” Many listeners may relate to the lyrics depicting the inner conflict between adolescence and adulthood.
While the original track’s energetic sound perfectly matches the lyrical content, performing it on piano brings the emotional struggle into sharper focus—the suffocating tension and desperate striving toward an ideal future.
Why not enjoy a piano rendition for a subtly different atmosphere from the original?