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[The Legend of Heisei and Makuhari] GLAY’s Best Collection of Popular Songs and Hidden Gems
Across Japan, especially throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the nation was swept up in GLAY fever.
At their outdoor concert held at Makuhari Messe in 1999, they set an unprecedented record by drawing 200,000 attendees, etching their name forever as a nationally beloved rock band.
Even as time has passed since then, many people find that whenever songs like “BELOVED,” “Yuuwaku,” and “HOWEVER” play, memories of their youth come flooding back.
In this article, we revisit GLAY’s iconic tracks that blazed through the Heisei era and explore their timeless appeal.
[Heisei and Makuhari Legends] GLAY’s Best Collection of Popular Songs and Hidden Gems (1–10)
gloriousGLAY
GLAY is a rock band that has left a brilliant mark on J-POP history and continues to be beloved across generations.
This song, whose lyrics capture the yearning for the faint romances of youth alongside the realities and hopes felt in adulthood, resonates deeply, and its catchy melody and exhilarating, classic band sound make it an irresistible number.
Released in January 1996 as their eighth single, it was featured in the commercial for Victoria (’96 Victoria) and became their breakout hit, earning the band their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.
It was also included on the acclaimed album BEAT out!, and remains a staple of their live shows, cherished by fans to this day.
Why not give it a listen when you want to reminisce about those days or lift your spirits?
TemptationGLAY
From the very first bars, the searing guitar riff and breakneck rhythm grab listeners and never let go.
This work is GLAY’s 13th single, released in April 1998, and it became a household favorite as the theme song for TDK’s “MiniDisc XA Series” commercial.
The simultaneous release alongside another single sparked buzz at the time, and the result was a megahit that topped the Oricon year-end chart.
Included on the classic album “pure soul,” it holds an important place as a symbol of the band’s rock edge.
It’s like an ignition switch that instantly heats up a live venue, stirring an irresistible urge to thrust your fist in the air.
Sing it at karaoke and it has the power to transform the atmosphere—perfect for turning things up with friends.
A person who loves springGLAY
A heartwarming mid-tempo number that sings of the preciousness of living and loving as the seasons change.
Its gentle yet powerful message—like enduring the harsh cold of winter while awaiting spring—will resonate deeply.
After being included on the album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, the song received overwhelming support from fans and was also featured as the B-side of the May 1997 single “Kuchibiru.” In addition, it was used in a commercial for Mitsubishi Motors’ Pajero Jr., making it a beloved track for many.
It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to when welcoming a new season or thinking of someone dear who is far away.
At life’s turning points, why not feel the gentle encouragement it offers?
pure soulGLAY
The title track of their 4th album, “pure soul.” It was created around the same time as “HOWEVER,” and they’re considered sister songs.
There’s even an anecdote that they struggled over which one to release as a single—it’s that much of a masterpiece.
The lyrics are deeply moving and bring you to tears.
I highly recommend listening while reading the lyrics.
I believe GLAY would have reached their current stature even if this had been released as the single.
HOWEVERGLAY
This was GLAY’s 12th single and their first million-seller.
It’s one of GLAY’s signature songs—a national love song.
Spurred by this release, they went on to notch five consecutive million-selling singles and a total of six million-sellers, igniting a major movement; you could call this the beginning of their legend.
For now, let’s just spread our arms and sing along.
BELOVEDGLAY
Perhaps the PV, said to have been filmed in Iceland, reflects a difference in the times.
The intro guitar riff is really cool.
It’s a quintessentially GLAY-style beautiful melody and lyrics.
A masterpiece among masterpieces that also drew attention when JUJU covered it in 2011.
The strength to keep livingGLAY
Their seventh single, as the title suggests, is a song with a strong message, and in recent years it has often been performed as the final number at post-earthquake concerts out of a desire to encourage people in the affected areas.
With its upbeat tone, it’s a song that gives you energy.