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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.

[Legend of Heisei and Makuhari] GLAY’s Best Collection of Popular Songs and Hidden Gems (11–20)

Together forever…GLAY

5th single.

A double A-side single with “GONE WITH THE WIND.” For many, this is the song that comes to mind when thinking of GLAY’s early ballads.

With its striking piano, it’s the very epitome of a classic ballad, and the lyrics are perfect for weddings.

SOUL LOVEGLAY

The 14th single.

Released simultaneously with “Temptation,” it dominated the Oricon charts, taking the top two spots.

According to guitarist TAKURO, “After I finished ‘Temptation,’ I was asked to write one more song, and I completed it in 10 minutes.” His talent never ceases to amaze.

Beginning with a poppy intro, it’s a classic that appeals to everyone.

BEAUTIFUL DREAMERGLAY

The 28th single is a fast-paced rock number featuring strings.

It’s also a staple at live shows and a crowd-pleaser, making it very popular.

The bittersweet melody is quintessential GLAY and simply excellent, and the repeatedly sung chorus never gets old—truly impressive.

Run, Future!GLAY

GLAY / Run, Future! (Miracle Music Hunt Forever 5/31 Ver.)
Run, Future!GLAY

Opening theme for the anime Ace of Diamond.

TERU has publicly said he’s a fan of Ace of Diamond, and he was reportedly very happy about the tie-in.

It’s a rock number brimming with a refreshing energy that perfectly suits the anime.

Highly recommended for those who want to hear one of GLAY’s relatively newer up-tempo tracks.

Curtain callGLAY

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it’s a popular song among fans as one of GLAY’s hidden gems.

Curtain Call is a track from shortly after their major-label debut, but GLAY already gives off the aura of seasoned veterans now.

It’s a song that gently gives you a push to follow your instincts without overthinking.

Highly recommended when you’re feeling unsure.

I’m in LoveGLAY

GLAY / I’m in Love (THE GREAT VACATION in NISSAN STADIUM)
I’m in LoveGLAY

A famous song that once ranked No.

1 in a fan poll, featuring a large number of notable celebrities on chorus.

It’s a party song with a happy vibe and is often performed as the last number at live shows.

If you’re going to a GLAY concert, just knowing this song is enough! It’s included at the end of the album “pure soul.”

[The Legend of Heisei and Makuhari] GLAY’s Best Collection of Popular Songs and Hidden Gems (21–30)

MUSIC LIFEGLAY

The album “MUSIC LIFE,” released in November 2014 to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut.

Its title track, which closes the album, is a fast-paced rock number composed by JIRO with lyrics by TAKURO.

The powerful band sound riding an 8-beat groove and the layered chorus featuring all the members convey their unwavering passion for music and the deep bonds among them that have remained unchanged since their Hakodate days.

It was also chosen as the opening theme for Hokkaido Television Broadcasting’s program “Hanatare NACS,” hinting at their affection for their hometown.

Distilling both their journey so far and their present-tense brilliance, this work is sure to give courage to everyone who keeps chasing their dreams.

Why not listen again to this masterpiece that boldly resounds with the very way of life of the band?