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

Miyako-wasure (Japanese asters)GLAY

Miyako-wasure (Japanese asters)

From the title adorned with a traditional Japanese flower’s name, a certain nostalgic Japanese sentiment seems to drift forth.

This piece, whose prototype TAKURO composed in his junior high school days and nurtured over many years, appears near the end of GLAY’s album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, and has long been passionately supported by fans as a hidden gem.

Alongside depictions of the seasons shifting from spring to summer and then to a hint of snow, the lyrical worldview that gazes upon an irretrievable past and the present is sure to tug tightly at your heart.

It is a highly polished mid-tempo ballad that was reportedly considered as a single at the time of its production.

On a quiet night spent alone, during moments of reminiscing about days gone by, why not listen closely and let it sink in?

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.

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.

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.

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.