[The Legend of Heisei and Makuhari] GLAY’s Best Collection of Popular Songs and Hidden Gems

pure soulGLAY

GLAY / pure soul

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

GLAY / HOWEVER

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

GLAY / BELOVED

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.

Missing YouGLAY

GLAY / Missing You

Their 21st single is a track that opens with shadowy strings and acoustic guitar.

The song explores the theme of the karmic burdens all humans carry, and although it’s a ballad, it has a very cool, stylish vibe.

The key change in the chorus never fails to catch you off guard.

The guitar solo, packed with picking harmonics, is incredibly cool.

The strength to keep livingGLAY

GLAY / The Strength to Keep Living (BEAT out! reprise TOUR)

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.

Winter, againGLAY

GLAY / Winter, again

Their 16th single.

A winter-themed song with a striking guitar arpeggio in the intro and a flute-like tone from a wind synth.

At this point, is there anyone who hasn’t heard it? From a music theory standpoint it’s highly sophisticated, featuring key changes that showcase the high quality of GLAY’s songwriting.

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to when winter comes.

Her “Modern…”GLAY

GLAY / Her 'Modern⋯' (MEET & GREET VACATION in Yokohama Minato Mirai)

Their 3rd single.

Although its single sales were low, it’s a rock number that represents their early period and is often played live.

The lyrics are quintessentially visual kei with a strong ’90s vibe, but thanks to things like the cool guitar solo, it remains a timeless classic even today.