Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
City pop has been gaining momentum, especially overseas, after Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” exploded in views on YouTube.
Originally, it referred to songs from the late 1970s to the 1980s that emphasized a sophisticated, urban vibe, but over time its definition and interpretation have gradually expanded.
Since the 2000s, it’s also been discussed in terms of its stylish, moody image, and perceptions vary from person to person.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks—from classic, beloved city pop that laid the foundations of modern pop music to songs that capture a fresh, contemporary feel.
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- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
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- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
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- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
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Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Classics & Modern] (21–30)
Tokyo TowerKadamatsu Toshiki
A single released in 1985.
The track is also included on the album “GOLD DIGGER ~with true love~,” which came out the same year, but the album version differs from the single version.
Since the album’s concept was “night and the city,” this song likewise evokes the nightscape of a big city.
Both the vocals and the performance are cool.
kissORIGINAL LOVE
Original Love is a five-member band that made its major-label debut in 1991.
Since 1995, it has effectively become a solo project for vocalist Takao Tajima, but Kiss (SekKiss) was released in November 1993 during the five-member era and is one of their signature songs.
It served as the theme song for the NTV drama Otona no Kiss, and its mature, sexy vibe matched the show’s atmosphere.
Even after 2000, many artists—including Mika Nakashima—have covered it.
It peaked at No.
13 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 363,000 copies.
AliensKirinji
A single released in 2000 and one of Kirinji’s signature works.
While it evokes a languid, somewhat decadent mood, it also carries a dry, urban sensibility, making it quite a rare blend.
The lyrics, which stimulate the listener’s imagination, are also outstanding.
Two Red Starskinmokusei
Kinmokusei’s second single, following their 2000 debut.
Released in January 2002, it broke into the Oricon Top 10 and became one of their signature songs, with total sales of 230,000 copies.
Having identified themselves as city pop artists since their debut, their music has contributed to the recent resurgence of city pop within J-pop.
RIDE ON TIMEYamashita Tatsuro
When it comes to city pop, Tatsuro Yamashita is the name that comes to mind.
This was the lead single from his 1980 album “RIDE ON TIME.” It was his first single to enter the Oricon Top 100, peaking at No.
3, with total sales of 417,000 copies.
In 2003, it was re-released after being chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “GOOD LUCK!!” and has become a song loved across generations.
There’s no show as wonderful as love.Iwasaki Yoshimi
It may not be very well known, but it’s actually a classic by Yoshimi Iwasaki that strongly embodies city pop elements.
The natural flow of the melody, the lavish arrangement, the skillful key changes—every aspect is masterfully done.
You could also say that only Yoshimi Iwasaki, who had exceptional vocal ability for an idol singer of the time, could truly pull it off.
Twilight AvenueStardust Revue
Also known as “Starebi,” this is a single released in 1983.
It’s included as the final track on their best-of album released in 2009.
Sung from a woman’s perspective, it portrays the emotions of being in love, and has a charm that draws in even those who don’t know much about Starebi.