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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 Showcase from Hidden Fan Favorites to Signature Hits! (71–80)

SCHOOL OUTBOØWY

It’s a punk song with an early, almost thuggish hate-feeling of “Just quit school!”, but there’s an anecdote that after Himuro learned there were fans who actually dropped out of school because of this song, he was made to reflect on the weight of his lyrics.

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LET’S THINKBOØWY

It’s a song that was included in “DAKARA,” which was released as the eighth single after the breakup, and it was originally made around the time of the second album, “INSTANT LOVE.” The track strongly conveys a New Wave vibe and had become a staple at live shows.

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1994 -LABEL OF COMPLEX-BOØWY

This song, with its strikingly mysterious wordplay, came out in 1994, when you couldn’t search the internet; I looked up the foreign words in a dictionary, but the mystery only deepened.

Also, Kōji Kikkawa’s participation in the chorus is intriguing as part of the path leading up to COMPLEX.

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THIS MOMENTBOØWY

A song included on BOØWY’s second album, INSTANT LOVE.

The Showa-era kayōkyoku-style vibe is an interesting touch.

True to BOØWY’s magic, each member’s strengths shine through in the arrangement, making this slow-tempo track undeniably cool.

Himuro’s husky vocals are spot-on, and Hotei’s graceful guitar melodies are flawless.

The finger-picked bass and dramatic drumming perfectly match the imagery of the highly message-driven lyrics.

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MarionetteBOØWY

Formed in Gunma Prefecture in 1981 and known as a catalyst for the band boom, BOØWY released their sixth single in July 1987.

Set to a driving, high-energy sound, it conveys an image of hurling the frustration within one’s heart.

While the sound feels bright and glamorous, the lyrics depict emotions of suffering and uncertainty.

It’s a song that also seems to teach you to live true to yourself without worrying about what’s around you.

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MarionetteBOØWY

Among BOØWY’s many songs, this one stands out as exceptionally melodic, with a guitar riff that really sticks in your head—a fan favorite.

It unusually features a strong dose of visual-kei elements and is relatively popular among women.

Since it’s from their later period, you can also see new experiments like using animation in the promotion.

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In conclusion

BOØWY’s music builds a one-of-a-kind sonic world where Hotei’s innovative guitar sound and Himuro’s emotionally rich vocals blend perfectly.

From songs that depict the complexities of love to rock numbers that radiate overwhelming presence on stage, their remarkable expressive range continues to captivate countless listeners.

Experience for yourself the enduring appeal of BOØWY’s songs—loved across generations—by listening with your own ears.