[J-Pop] Dark-themed songs by girl bands: haunting masterpieces that pierce the heart

dry iceHaruka to Miyuki

haruka to miyuki “Dry Ice” (Official Music Video)

“Dry Ice” is a track included on Cyanotype, released in 2013.

Haruka wrote the lyrics, and as Haruka to Miyuki, they composed the music.

The song voices resignation toward an unchangeable everyday life and the world, along with destructive impulses.

The sentimental band sound conveys a sense of aching sorrow.

It’s a dramatic and emotional piece.

I don’t want to go.SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO 'I Don't Want to Go'

Ikitakunai (“Don’t Want to Go”), included on their 2013 debut album SHISHAMO.

The song portrays a lazy day spent at home while skipping school—being bored of staying in but lacking the motivation to go to school—and the narrator’s attempt to reassure themselves, “This isn’t just playing hooky.” It’s a rock number that captures a raw emotional state many teens can especially relate to.

Before LoveFINLANDS

FINLANDS - Before Love (Music Video)

The lead track “Koi no Mae” from FINLANDS’ mini-album LOVE, released in July 2017.

It’s a song where a powerful, alternative rock-style melody is accentuated by Shioiri’s distinctive high-tone voice.

In the lyrics, as Shioiri herself describes it as “a song about marriage fraud,” it portrays an intense worldview where love and hatred are intertwined.

Be sure to give it a careful listen.

In this city where the stars can’t be seenЯeal

ЯeaL 'In This City Where the Stars Can't Be Seen' Music Video

This is a song included on “Kamen Miha Joshi,” the second single released in 2016 by ЯeaL, a girls’ band from Osaka.

Set at an intersection at 2 a.m., it vividly portrays the emotions of young people in a corner of the city—loneliness and anxiety—along with their desperate search for unchanging love and dreams.

Even in neon-lit streets filled with pretense, their unwavering will to believe in ideals and keep running toward the light resounds powerfully over the band’s driving, fast-paced sound.

Break it.Drop’s

Drop’s “Kowashite” Studio Session

The song “Kowashite” is included on the mini album “organ,” released by the rock band Drop’s in December 2018.

This track distills the grit and power of blues rock.

Set against the backdrop of the night city, it voices a desperate, searing plea to destroy everything and whisk me away.

Miho Nakano’s soulful vocals intertwine with the band’s sound, leaving a deep, piercing impact.

Absolute relationshipakai kouen

Akaiko-en – Absolute Relationship (MV Full Ver.) [Theme Song for Fuji TV Saturday Drama “Lost Days”]

Akaiko-en’s “Zettaiteki na Kankei” is their 4th single, released in March 2014.

It was produced as the theme song for the Fuji TV Saturday drama “Lost Days.” Lyrics and composition were by Yosaki Tsuono.

The song portrays the raw desires of people who all harbor secrets, feeling each other out as they build relationships.

Its meticulously crafted, tricky arrangement creates a highly addictive sound.

raindropwatashi no negaigoto.

My Wish: “Raindrops” Music Video

The first nationally distributed single, released in March 2017, is “Ametsubu.” The lyrics and composition were handled by the vocalist, Romi.

With gentle vocals and harmonies that softly stay close to the sadness felt on rainy days while guiding you toward hope, the song is delivered with a dreamy sound.

I think it will resonate with anyone who has experienced parting with someone important.