[Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular
You know how musicians sometimes perform covers of other musicians’ songs, right?
Sometimes there’s a single cover track at the end of an album, sometimes it’s performed on a TV show, or it’s part of a tribute album…
Cover songs are fun to listen to because they convey respect for the original artist while showcasing each musician’s own arrangement.
It’s amazing how much the same song can change depending on who’s singing it!
This article will introduce lots of such cover songs.
We’ve got everything from faithful renditions of the originals to arrangements that really highlight the covering musician’s individuality, so take your time and enjoy.
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[Japanese Pop Cover Songs] A Selection of Beloved Classics Popular in Both Their Original and Arranged Versions (81–90)
Roppongi HeartbreakJUJU
Originally released in 1984 as Ann Lewis’s 25th single, the song was covered by JUJU in 2016 and included on her album “Snack JUJU: Night Request.” It enjoyed steady support on cable radio and in karaoke at the time, becoming a long-running hit, and it’s still a popular choice in snack bars and karaoke today.
Mermaid of ReminiscenceMUCC
MUCC covered THE YELLOW MONKEY’s “Tsuioku no Mermaid.” Before THE YELLOW MONKEY reunited, a tribute album was released, and MUCC covered this song on it.
It seems they basically chose the songs they wanted to perform from the band’s catalog.
The Last RainMs. OOJA
Originally released in 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single, the song was later included on Ms.OOJA’s 2011 single “Dilemma ~I’m your side~.” Although it initially peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon chart, it became a long-running hit, selling 900,000 copies by 1998 and becoming one of Yasushi Nakanishi’s signature songs.
Angel’s WinkPUFFY
PUFFY covered Seiko Matsuda’s “Angel’s Wink,” and their individuality really comes through.
I love how they don’t try to imitate the original at all (lol).
The guitar interlude has a bit of a “Summertime Blues” vibe.
It’s an upbeat arrangement you won’t find in the original.
If I Could Play the PianoPlastic Tree
Plastic Tree covered Toshiyuki Nishida’s “Moshimo Piano ga Hiketanara.” It was released as a single together with their other cover song, The Pees’ “Baka ni Natta noni.” Unlike the mellow feel of the original, this version has an upbeat vibe.
DAYDREAMSCANDAL
SCANDAL covers JUDY AND MARY’s “DAYDREAM.” It’s included on the JUDY AND MARY tribute album, and I think SCANDAL does a great job capturing the youthful, still-edgy feel of Judy and Mary from their early debut days.
[Japanese Cover Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular (91–100)
At all times.Scott Murphy
The original song is by Noriyuki Makihara.
An American musician has covered this hugely popular Japanese motivational anthem with a fast-paced rock arrangement.
Hearing the song during their first visit to Japan sparked an interest in Japanese music, leading them to cover many other J-pop tracks and release their own works as well.