A song that won’t lose to COVID-19
The spread of the coronavirus has affected just about everyone.
Because of it, we live in a world where we have to give up many things in various parts of life—at home, at work, and at school.
We can’t fully enjoy what we love, we can’t meet the people we care about, and even our daily lives are disrupted—the list goes on.
It’s easy to feel down, but if music can lift our spirits even a little, that would be wonderful.
With that in mind, I’ve picked songs that will stand by your side—like a friend who understands you—and energizing tracks that are sure to boost your mood.
Here’s hoping you can face tomorrow feeling at least a little more positive.
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Songs That Won't Lose to COVID (1–10)
SMILE SMILEyoru no honki dansu
Day after day, you turn on the TV and it’s all about COVID—so exhausting, right? When you can’t even go out for a carefree drink and you start feeling down, refresh yourself with “SMILE SMILE” by Night Tempo? Actually, by Yoru no Honki Dance (Night’s Serious Dance)! Released in June 2020, it blends a rich brass sound with an irresistibly danceable melody and positive lyrics that lift your spirits.
It’s truly an anthem cheering on everyone struggling through the pandemic.
The remotely filmed music video is a gem too—be sure to check it out!
Lapis-lazuli-colored canvasThe Back Horn
Created remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic by exchanging data, THE BACK HORN’s song “Ruri-iro no Canvas” also came with the backdrop that, just as vocalist Yamada returned after having a polyp removed and the band was ready to move forward, they were forced to suspend activities due to the spread of the coronavirus.
Made under such circumstances, the song conveys a powerful resolve and emotion.
It speaks not only to the bond between musicians and fans; surely, for many others as well, it will bring certain people or memories to mind.
Happinessarashi
Released in 2007, Arashi’s “Happiness” has continued to be loved for over a decade.
Its refreshing, pop melody and positive message give listeners a boost of energy.
Just hearing Arashi’s vocals can brighten your mood.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the uncertainty of seeing no clear end can be unsettling, the song makes you feel like, “I’ve got to stay positive and keep doing my best, believing things will get better!” There are plenty of songs released before the pandemic that can lift your spirits too, so try looking for them.
Songs that Won’t Lose to Corona (11–20)
The Land of ‘Good Job’ (Otsukaresama)Saitō Kazuyoshi
Many of you have probably heard it as the theme song for the energy drink commercial, Alinamin.
Kazuyoshi Saito’s “Otsukaresama no Kuni,” released in 2008, became a hot topic among viewers of the commercial for being “soothing” and “tear-jerking.” In times like these—endless days of similar news, uncertainty about the future—there are surely many who want to say, from the bottom of their hearts, “I’m tired,” or find themselves saying it out loud.
This is a song that brings tears to your eyes with Saito’s gentle, sweet voice and kind words that stay close to those feelings.
HappinessAI
AI-san, who always energizes us with a powerful singing voice and a sparkling smile.
The song “Happiness” was released as a single in 2011 and is strongly associated with the Coca-Cola campaign, isn’t it? In a world where, thanks to the coronavirus, so many things don’t go as planned and we end up feeling down, I can’t help but think there’s no song that fits so perfectly and delivers such an encouraging, forward-looking message.
Back to basics—if we can see the smiles of those we love, that’s enough; it makes us feel like we can keep going from here.
TogetherSuperfly
Superfly’s “Together” is a song that honestly expresses feelings for someone important, released at a time when it was hard to meet people due to COVID.
Put out right when the pandemic began raging in 2020, the song drew a big response after being performed on a TV show.
Doing fun things together, having interesting experiences, just laughing with each other… Even though those things were difficult during COVID, we shouldn’t lose those simple feelings of “I want to see you” or “I want to be by your side.” Even if it’s hard to share the same time in person, even if it’s hard to speak your true feelings out loud, this song will speak for your honest heart.
one’s true feelingssumika
To you who are doing your best through COVID in all kinds of situations, sumika’s “Honne” stays close and says, “Let’s keep going together.” Released in 2021 as a double A-side single along with “Late Show,” this song was chosen as the support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It sings about an uncertain future with no clear path ahead, yet the determination to keep pushing forward without being defeated by the darkness before us.
In this long-lasting pandemic, there are surely times when you feel like you might give in.
In those moments, listen to this song and let it give you the strength to stand up again!