Summary of Popular and Classic Songs That Colored the Vocaloid Scene of the Heisei Era
Since the arrival of Hatsune Miku in 2007, countless masterpieces have emerged in the Vocaloid scene.
From love songs and anthems of encouragement to darker tracks, and spanning every genre—pop, rock, dance music, hip-hop, and more—Vocaloid music covers it all.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs born in the Heisei era that helped establish the popularity of the Vocaloid scene.
Even now, long after their release, these beloved works continue to be cherished—be sure to give them a listen!
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A roundup of popular and classic songs that colored the Vocaloid scene of the Heisei era (21–30)
Luka Luka★Night Feversamfree
Speaking of Eurobeat in Vocaloid, this is the song! “Luka Luka★Night Fever,” a signature track by Vocaloid producer samfree, was released in 2009.
Its upbeat tempo and bright vocals create an incredible party vibe! It’s also a song that has inspired tons of derivative works like “utatte mita” (singing covers) and “odotte mita” (dance covers), and there was even a festival-style project where people played guitar solos over the track.
With many fan-made spin-offs as well, it’s a number that has been loved in the Vocaloid scene for many years.
Rolling Girlwowaka
You can’t leave out this high-speed, high-style rock tune! It’s a track by wowaka—Vocaloid producer and former frontman of the rock band Hitorie—released in February 2010.
The sound image, rich in high-frequency elements, is irresistibly cool! Another draw is the somewhat decadent lyrical world centered on a girl’s words.
It’s a work that many currently active Vocaloid producers openly say influenced them.
Back then, “utatte mita” covers and fan-made animated MVs were skyrocketing in views, right?
A roundup of popular and classic songs that colored the Vocaloid scene of the Heisei era (31–40)
Donut holehachi
This song uses the sensation of “having a hole” as a metaphor to depict the sense of loss and emptiness that everyone carries.
Created by Hachi in October 2013 after about two years and nine months, it also has a self-cover version included on the album YANKEE.
Characterized by an alternative rock sound and GUMI’s heartrending vocals, it captures the movement of a heart that strives to move forward while accepting what’s broken.
In October 2024, a collaboration project with the premium chocolate brand GODIVA was realized.
It’s a work that resonates with those who feel as if there’s a hole in their hearts, yet continue searching for something nonetheless.
meltdowniroha
Many of you probably remember those days when it stayed at the top of the Nico Nico Douga rankings.
It’s a smash hit by iroha, a Vocaloid producer also known as the creator of “moon,” released in 2008.
The track is a drum’n’bass piece with a fantastical atmosphere, sharp yet decadent in its finish.
It was precisely this blend of two extremes that captured the hearts of Vocaloid fans.
The fragile worldview expressed in the lyrics is another part of its charm.
Back during the boom, it was a popular pick for “utatte mita” (singing) videos, wasn’t it?
Children Recordjin
The Kagerou Project series, developed by Jin, also known as Shizen no Teki-P.
Starting with song uploads, Kagepro expanded into a mixed-media franchise including novels, manga, and anime, and the 2012 release Children Record serves as its opening theme.
The lyrics pack in the series’ elements so tightly that fans might just start drooling.
In 2021, a reboot version was announced to commemorate Kagepro’s 10th anniversary, so be sure to listen and compare it with the original.
Love me, love me, love mekikuo
Despite its innocent singing voice and an amusement-park-like tune, it’s downright deranged.
This song by Kikuo, a globally popular Vocaloid producer whose artistic style grips listeners and doesn’t let go, was released in 2013.
In recent years it was also included in the mobile game “Project Sekai,” drawing renewed attention.
It’s a song that screams of love, yet the sound and vocal work convey a distorted emotion.
You can’t help but start theorizing: “What happened to the protagonist of this song to end up like this?”
Heavenly Musicyūyu
Wagakki Band’s cover version is cool too, isn’t it? It’s a hard rock number by the Vocaloid producer Yuuyu, also known as the creator of “Deep Sea Girl,” released in August 2009.
The fiercely distorted guitar sound, the surging bass, and the powerful drum work are all compelling.
Rin Kagamine’s vocals layered on top have a touch of sensuality, and as you listen, you get drawn into the world of the song.
The explosive power of the chorus is top-notch! It might not be an exaggeration to call it one of the pinnacles of Vocaloid rock.