RAG MusicRock
Lovely rock

A classic Group Sounds song. A nostalgic GS hit.

From the nostalgic Group Sounds era, our studio staff present their recommended classics and fan favorites.

It’s a throwback playlist that’s sure to heat you up the moment you press play.

A classic Group Sounds hit. Nostalgic GS hit songs (21–30)

Bang, bang, bangZa Supaidāsu

It’s the B-side of The Spiders’ seventh single, released on October 25, 1967; the A-side is “Itsumademo Doko made mo,” with Jun Inoue taking the solo vocals.

This track features vocals by Masakazu Sakai and Hiroshi Kamayatsu, and it can be called an essential masterpiece when talking about them.

White Coral Reefzū nī vū

White Coral Reef (Zoo Nee Voo) covered by MarryBorns
White Coral Reefzū nī vū

After being released in 1969 as the B-side to “Namida no Organ” (Organ of Tears), the record was later reissued with the A-side and B-side reversed.

It was around the time when the era was shifting from Group Sounds to folk songs, so perhaps the song’s relaxed, travel-tinged folk atmosphere resonated with listeners.

It’s such a lovely piece it could almost be a hymn, though the group itself specialized in R&B.

No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu

A masterpiece of rockabilly ballad released by The Spiders in 1966.

Its distinctly British rock-style chord progression—remarkably innovative in Japan at the time—was composed by Hiroshi “Monsieur” Kamayatsu.

Coupled with its lyrics, the song exudes a somewhat adult mood, and it has since been covered by many artists, including C-C-B and Fusanosuke Kondo.

Sherry of MemoriesZa Sherīzu

The Sherrys “Sherry of Memories”
Sherry of MemoriesZa Sherīzu

This is a signature song by The Sherrys that paints unforgettable memories of Sherry.

Released in November 1967, it’s a rock-tinged track packed with the allure of the Group Sounds era.

It richly sings of memories with the angelically beautiful Sherry and the days spent running over hot sand.

The backing vocals are striking, leaving a powerful impression on listeners.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to reflect on feelings of love and cherished memories.

Savor this heartwarming track that showcases The Sherrys’ musical talent.

Lovely ElsaZa Raionzu

They were the house band at the Osaka jazz café “Namba Ichiban,” a highly skilled group with a repertoire of over 300 songs who could play every Beatles number, and they were popular even before their debut.

Their name, taken from the lion—the king of beasts—was chosen so they wouldn’t lose out to bands like the Tigers or the Jaguars, and their record label gave them full support.

Even so, not even their debut single sold.

“Suteki na Elsa” is catchy and easy to remember, but in a world crowded with rivals, things didn’t go as they had hoped.

Walk freely and lovePYG

PYG was a supergroup formed by Julie (Kenji Sawada) from The Tigers, Shōken (Kenichi Hagiwara) from The Tempters, and Takayuki Inoue from The Spiders, among others.

Because the band was formed just as the Group Sounds boom was ending, they weren’t highly regarded at the time.

However, the song they released in 1971 can be considered an exceptionally cool masterpiece of Japanese-style rock.

Flower NecklaceZa Taigāsu

Released on March 25, 1968, this was The Tigers’ fifth single and their biggest hit.

The lead vocals are performed not by Kenji Sawada but by Katsumi Kahashi.

The song has also been covered by various artists, including Yosui Inoue.