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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- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
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Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern] (51–60)
Just like back thenBureddo & Batā
A brother duo affectionately known by the nickname “Burebata” released this song in 1981.
With lyrics and composition by Kureta Keiko (a pseudonym of Yuming) and arrangements by the stellar pair of Haruomi Hosono and Masataka Matsutoya, it was created by an exceptionally all-star lineup.
The lyrics portray a striking contrast between “me,” who is still chasing dreams as always, and “you,” who cast those dreams aside long ago—a contrast that tightens the listener’s chest.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
Yasushi Nakanishi debuted in 1992, and his second single, “Saigo no Ame,” released in August of the same year, became a hit and his signature song.
Although it was featured on a Nippon TV variety show, it did not become an explosive hit.
It peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon charts, but spread mainly through cable broadcasting and became a long-running hit.
Total sales reached 737,000 copies.
Having won an audition in the past, he is well-regarded for his vocal ability, and he continues his singing career with a focus on ballads.
Hold on MeKohiruimaki Kahoru
Kahoru Kohiruimaki’s fourth single, released in February 1987.
Known for her vocal prowess since her debut and active not only in Japan but around the world, she gained broader recognition for her musical style when this song was chosen as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Kekkon Monogatari” (A Marriage Tale).
It peaked at No.
9 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 127,000 copies.
Stop the night once moreSakiya Kenjirō
Kenjiro Sakiya, who had originally been on the side of providing songs to other artists, became a singer himself in 1987.
In October of that year, this work was released as a single; with a commercial tie-in, its recognition grew and it became a hit.
Performed in a piano-and-vocal style, the piece quietly seeps into the listener’s heart.
Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern] (61–70)
To the City of RainbowsTakano Hiroshi
Hiroshi Takano made his solo debut in 1988.
Rainbow City was released in February 1990 and was used in a Mizuno ski-wear commercial.
In the midst of the ski boom at the time, it was played frequently at ski resorts and brought Hiroshi Takano into the public eye.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 277,000 copies.
My Pure LadyOzaki Ami
Released in 1977, this piece quickly became famous after it was used as the background music for a cosmetics commercial featuring Asami Kobayashi.
At the time, the songwriter Ami Ozaki was just 19 years old.
The fresh, sparkling sensibility of youth created an unprecedentedly light, airy world that signaled the arrival of a new era.
SOMEDAYSano Motoharu
Released as a single in June 1981 and later included on the album “SOMEDAY,” which came out in May of the following year.
Although the single did not sell well at the time and failed to chart on Oricon, the album “SOMEDAY” released the next May became a hit, peaking at No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
It has since become one of Motoharu Sano’s signature songs, still widely sung at karaoke today.