Hi-STANDARD’s Signature Songs and Hidden Gems Guide [2026]

GloryHi-STANDARD

Hi-standard – Glory

This song likens dreams to “Glory,” celebrating one’s own worth and life.

Glory is different for everyone—find your own glory.

The lyrics may be a bit cheesy, but only Hi-STANDARD can make them sound so cool.

Just RockHi-STANDARD

Just Rock

A blistering blow that grabs the listener’s heart in a flash—just one minute long.

It’s a track from Hi-STANDARD’s classic album “MAKING THE ROAD,” released in June 1999.

Packed into this song is an extremely direct and powerful message: don’t be swayed by the media or other people’s voices—stick to your own style.

Compared to their other tracks, its sound condenses a hardcore rush and energy that pounds your eardrums.

When you’re on the verge of losing yourself by worrying about others’ eyes, this detonator of a number will blow away your doubts and give you a strong push forward.

Kiss Me AgainHi-STANDARD

Hi-standard【KISS ME AGAIN】

It’s a heartwarming classic that opens with an unforgettable guitar riff.

“If I grow old and my appearance changes completely, will you still love me the same?” It expresses that slightly anxious yet straightforward question.

It’s filled with a pure, pure wish to “stay by my side forever.” Their unique charm lies in setting such innocent, earnest feelings to a fast-paced, melodic punk sound.

This track appears on the masterpiece Growing Up, released in November 1995.

It’s a song for everyone who, when thinking about the future with someone special, wants to believe in an unchanging love.

Since You Been GoneHi-STANDARD

Hi Standard – Since You Been Gone

An impressive cover track included on their first album, “GROWING UP,” released in November 1995.

This song is a high-speed number that reconstructs Russ Ballard’s classic—covered by many artists over the years—into Hi-Standard’s brand of melodic hardcore.

While retaining the melancholy of the original, the straightforward punk beat and aggressive guitar riffs seem to transform the cry of heartbreak into a forward-looking energy.

It’s the kind of track that gives you a push when you want to shake something off or lift your spirits.

This Is LoveHi-STANDARD

This Is Love

In April 2000, just before going on hiatus, Hi-STANDARD released the mini-album “LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD,” and this track opens it.

In a brisk one minute and twenty seconds, it packs the band’s essence: breathless momentum and bittersweet, heart-tightening lyrics.

Its straightforward celebration of love that lasts forever powerfully moves anyone who listens.

The mini-album reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, reflecting the intense attention it drew at the time.

It’s a powerful love song brimming with pure energy—perfect not only for reaffirming your feelings for someone special, but also for rekindling the passion to throw yourself into something.

Our SongHi-STANDARD

Our Song

A track from the mini-album “Screaming Newborn Baby,” released in November 2025 by Hi-STANDARD, the punk rock band that set a milestone in melodic hardcore in the ’90s and resumed activity after a long hiatus.

Following the passing of Akira Totsuoka, ZAX from The BONEZ joined as the new drummer, marking the first step of the band’s new lineup.

It’s a rock tune that kicks off with a poppy guitar phrase, singing of an unwavering resolve to keep chasing dreams and the unchanging bonds of friendship despite the passage of time.

While retaining the powerful punch characteristic of punk, the lyrics add a mature perspective shaped by the years, resonating with anyone striving to move forward with love for family and friends in their heart.

MAKING THE ROADHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Released in June 1999, MAKING THE ROAD is an album by Hi-STANDARD, the legendary band that arguably helped build Japan’s melodic hardcore scene.

Bursting with high-speed punk energy and catchy English lyrics that stick in your head, the record sold over one million copies worldwide.

It was an extraordinary achievement for an indie band, accomplished without any commercial tie-ins.

The driving guitar riffs and powerful drum beats grab listeners and don’t let go.

It’s perfect as a soundtrack for a road trip and ideal for those moments when you want to get pumped up.