RAG MusicBand
A wonderful Japanese music band

Classic and popular songs by Crazy Ken Band

Here’s an introduction to songs by Crazy Ken Band, led by Ken Yokoyama, famous for the catchphrase “Ii ne!” The band’s music is characterized by incorporating various elements—enka-style pop, rock, funk, and R&B.

Although they’re often associated with the term “Showa kayō” (Showa-era pop), they continually explore new styles beyond just Showa pop.

The line “Ore no hanashi o kike” (“Listen to what I have to say”) from their signature song Tiger & Dragon is said to be a phrase that Mr.

Yokoyama’s father used to say frequently back in the day.

Please enjoy.

Crazy Ken Band’s classic and popular songs (51–60)

The Death of a RacerCRAZY KEN BAND

The Death of a Racer — Crazy Ken Band
The Death of a RacerCRAZY KEN BAND

This is a track included on the third album, Shock Therapy.

With a racer as the protagonist, it portrays the battles of a solitary racer.

It’s also a piece full of clever Easter eggs, such as the guitar solo being an homage to Deodato’s Super Strut.

No-way RockCRAZY KEN BAND

Crazy Ken Band / Mappira Rock (2002)
No-way RockCRAZY KEN BAND

This is their third single, released on May 22, 2002.

The intro incorporates the bossa nova classic “Mas Que Nada,” then shifts into enka and later into a children’s song—an arrangement only they could pull off.

Be sure to pay attention to the deceptively profound lyrics, too!

The Sound of the MountainCRAZY KEN BAND

Crazy Ken Band / Sound of the Mountain [NAKAYOSHI 2011]
The Sound of the MountainCRAZY KEN BAND

This song, chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Yukemuri Sniper,” evokes images of hot springs and the mountain streams that likely flow nearby.

It’s also characterized by a rhythmic structure rarely heard in Japanese pop or enka-style songs.

Transparent High-Speed Go Go Ghost Go!CRAZY KEN BAND

Toumei Kousoku (Crazy Ken Band) Guitar Solo Performance (Singing with Guitar)
Transparent High-Speed Go Go Ghost Go!CRAZY KEN BAND

Featured on their fourth album, Gran Turismo, this track has a medium-tempo arrangement with pleasantly warm analog synth tones—perfect for swaying along to at a live show.

While the vocals draw you in, it’s also a song where the exceptional musicianship deserves attention.

Classic and popular songs by Crazy Ken Band (61–70)

PercolationCRAZY KEN BAND

Crazy Ken Band / Percolation (Lyric Video)
PercolationCRAZY KEN BAND

As one of the leading sound creators in the East, Crazy Ken Band keeps releasing stylish tracks that appeal to aficionados.

While many of their songs adapt genres like soul and R&B into enka and kayōkyoku, making them quite challenging, Percolation is different.

It’s a groovy and very stylish piece, but the vocal range isn’t that wide, and the rhythm is easy to feel.

Recommended for men who want to project a mature, sophisticated vibe at karaoke.

Kyoto bastardCRAZY KEN BAND

Released by Crazy Ken Band in 2012, this track is a Kyoto-themed song with punchy percussion that evokes the feel of a Western film soundtrack.

The lyrics are filled with keywords that exude a Showa-era mood.

It’s already autumn.CRAZY KEN BAND

The epitome of cool for grown-ups, Crazy Ken Band included this song on their 2006 album “GALAXY.” The vibe of a fun-loving older guy who adores summer lamenting that autumn has arrived might just reflect vocalist Ken Yokoyama’s own state of mind.