Masterpieces and popular songs by Dragon Ash

La BambaDragon Ash

Dragon Ash｢La Bamba｣

A classic that has long been beloved as a Mexican folk song and has been passed down by numerous artists, including Los Lobos.

Dragon Ash reconstructed this global standard as a piece of mixture rock with Japanese lyrics.

While retaining the upbeat, Latin-tinged rhythm of the original, it’s arranged with a fierce band sound that can shake live houses and festival venues.

Although it was the B-side to the 2008 single “Velvet Touch,” it became widely known after being used in a commercial for the au W64SA.

It was later included on the album FREEDOM.

Just listening to it gets you pumped up, making it perfect for parties where you want to hype things up with friends, or for moments when you want to soak in a liberating mood!

Stairs of quiet daysDragon Ash

Dragon Ash "Stairway of Quiet Days"

Included on their ninth single, Lily’s e.p., released in 2000.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the film Battle Royale, which was causing a social phenomenon at the time.

The song is a message about the importance of ordinary life, with the sentiment: “Let’s live our quiet days steadily.” The gentle melody playing over the ending of a film centered on students killing each other was, in a sense, shocking.

The footage is from a TV appearance, with Shinji Takeda guesting as the saxophonist.

The harmony with Kj’s acoustic guitar really touches the heart.

Connected SunsetDragon Ash

Dragon Ash "Connection SUNSET"

Released in December 2008, this is their 20th single.

The music video is striking for its beautiful sunset.

The lyrics encourage you to reexamine your connections with the people around you.

It’s a gentle medium-tempo tune that fans say is a modern version of “Hi wa Mata Nobori Kurikaesu.” Just like in the MV, it’s a song you’ll want to relax with in a room at dusk—quiet yet deeply moving.

IvoryDragon Ash

Dragon Ash｢Ivory｣

The guitar playing is amazing! It’s incredible! If you watch the music video, you’ll really see what I mean—it’s shocking how freely a person’s hands can move like that.

It made me strongly feel that Dragon Ash is a group of talented geniuses.

Grateful DaysDragon Ash

dragon ash – grateful days feat.aco,zeebra　(+1)

This hit was their 5th single, released in May 1999, and it sold 900,000 copies.

Zeebra and ACO appear as guest vocalists.

The “Born in Tokyo” line in the song is so widely recognized that even people outside the generation know it.

You could say it helped establish hip-hop culture in the Japanese music scene.

However, Dragon Ash don’t perform songs featuring other artists unless those artists are present, so this track has reportedly only been performed live once! Will we ever get to hear it again someday?

Evening Calm UNIONDragon Ash

Dragon Ash “Yunagi UNION”

A track with a breezy rhythm and comfortable rap.

Around this time, Dragon Ash was exploring the creation of a new form.

It took a shape quite different from their previous songs, marking a new evolution.

The Dragon Ash after Yuunagi UNION could be called a reborn Dragon Ash.

CALLIN’Dragon Ash

Dragon Ash｢CALLIN’｣

A digital-only single released in August 2009.

It’s a track with a pleasantly strong Latin flavor.

The music video is made up of footage from the various festivals Dragon Ash has performed at over the years.

From the opening shots of the cheerful audience, you’re drawn right into the visuals.

Watching it will definitely make you want to go to a live show!