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[BOØWY’s Masterpieces] A comprehensive showcase from hidden fan favorites to signature hits!
The songs of BOØWY, the legendary band that blazed across Japan’s 80s rock scene, still carry an undying sense of innovation and beauty.
Many of you may find your hearts seized by Kyosuke Himuro’s sensuous vocals and Tomoyasu Hotei’s inventive guitar sound—hearing them even now can send a thrill through you.
In this article, we introduce the gems they left behind, along with the stories behind them.
Longtime fans can relive the excitement of their first listen, while those new to BOØWY can immerse themselves in the band’s richly layered world and enjoy the journey.
[BOØWY’s Masterpieces] A Comprehensive Introduction to Songs from Hidden Favorites to Signature Hits (1–10)
CLOUDY HEARTBOØWY
Starting with a delicate and striking guitar tone, this is the heartbreak song by BOØWY that everyone would name.
Born from Kyosuke Himuro’s own bittersweet love story, he even re-recorded it in his solo career, a testament to how deeply the song resonates with him.
MEMORYBOØWY
A poignant ballad rumored to be lyrics about Kyosuke Himuro’s irreparable relationship with Tomoyasu Hotei.
The song portrays a masculine ethos that looks ahead: “If walking away alone as an act of self-sacrifice could free all wounds, then I will accept that fate.”
B BLUEBOØWY
This piece was often performed as the first song at live shows.
In contrast to the lively impression of the drum intro, the song unfolds in a moist, beautiful tone that gently cradles a heart wounded by a tender yet bittersweet love, offering a compassionate gaze that helps it face forward once again.
Selfish JulietBOØWY
A quintessential BOØWY song that was released as a single and ranks high in fan polls as a classic ballad.
In live performances, it earned tremendous support for the striking contrast between Tomoyasu Hotei dancing with a bittersweet tone and Kyosuke Himuro squeezing out a heartrending vocal.
Dreamin’BOØWY
What cannot be left out when introducing this song is that it was the final piece they dedicated at their retirement commemorative concert, LAST GIGS, and the message Kyosuke Himuro declared in the intro: “This one’s for those who are still dreaming at the end!” Among fans, it’s spoken of as a legend.
DOWN TOWN SHUFFLEBOØWY
This is a song that epitomizes BOØWY’s golden era, where a groovy bassline intertwines with Tomoyasu Hotei’s razor-sharp guitar.
Released as a single in November 1986, it was also included on the classic album BEAT EMOTION released the same year.
The lyrics evoke the boredom swirling through the city night and fleeting human dramas.
Don’t you ever feel that the ordinary day-to-day leaves you unsatisfied, craving a little excitement? In those moments, why not free your mind with this track?
FANTASTIC STORYBOØWY
A late-period BOØWY masterpiece! Released in September 1987, this track is from their final studio album, PSYCHOPATH, which sold over 1.5 million copies.
The album is said to have been produced amid the tension of the band being on the verge of breaking up.
The lyrics evoke the image of a “Pandora’s box” that must not be opened, weaving a mysterious story that portrays the confusion and fragility of people living in the city.
It’s recommended for nights when you want to immerse yourself in a deeply introspective world, contrary to the song’s uptempo image.
ANGEL PASSED CHILDRENBOØWY
A late-period BOØWY track whose world of swirling madness pulls you in before you know it.
Kyosuke Himuro’s words slice into the psyche, while Tomoyasu Hotei’s razor-sharp guitar sound fuses with them to shake the listener’s emotions to the core.
The song appears on their final original album, PSYCHOPATH, released in September 1987.
Despite the band’s decision to break up, the domestic recording sessions reportedly wrapped in just 16 days.
It’s the perfect track when you want to experience not just their pop sensibilities, but their darker, more aggressive side.
CELLULOID DOLLBOØWY
A hidden gem by BOØWY that captivates with Kyosuke Himuro’s decadent worldview! This track is included on their final original album, “PSYCHOPATH,” released in September 1987.
Borrowing the image of a cold doll crouching in the subway, the lyrics earnestly sing of modern desires—wealth, success, and true love—and, paired with Tomoyasu Hotei’s heavy arrangement, pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.
You can also sense a dark atmosphere that seems to foreshadow their curtain call, strongly reflected in this work.
If you listen on a night when you’re craving something, or feeling the emptiness that lurks behind success, you may find yourself resonating profoundly with its world.
GIGOLO&GIGOLETBOØWY
A classic BOØWY track that vividly blends Kyosuke Himuro’s portrayal of cat-and-mouse in the urban night with Tomoyasu Hotei’s buoyant guitar riffs.
The lyrics, depicting a man and woman reveling in a fleeting game of love, draw listeners into a cool, slightly dangerous nocturnal world.
The song is included on the 1987 album PSYCHOPATH.
It’s a deeply cherished number for fans, having been performed at the legendary December 1987 concert where the band announced their breakup at the height of their popularity.
It’s perfect for a night drive when you want to lift your mood.