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

ChangesHi-STANDARD

Changes

This song is a reconstruction of the legendary ballad created by the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

While preserving the melancholic yet beautiful melody of the original, the addition of distorted guitars and an urgent beat imbues it with a palpable strength amid the sadness.

Released in June 1999, it is included on the landmark album MAKING THE ROAD, which sold over 650,000 copies.

The song portrays the deep sorrow of a man whose beloved woman has left him, alongside his helpless attempt to accept the change in their relationship—its raw emotional expression is truly heart-wrenching.

It’s a track that gently stays by your side on nights weighed down by an overwhelming sense of loss.

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.

Hello My JuniorHi-STANDARD

Hello My Junior

This is a track from the classic album THE GIFT, released in October 2017.

It’s a thrilling punk rock number bursting with Hi-Standard’s signature style, packing an exhilarating, fast-paced sound into under two minutes, and lyrics like “Move by instinct, not logic” that really hit home.

The song also features the comical chorus that’s a staple at their live shows, making you want to sing along without thinking.

When you listen to it at times when overthinking keeps you from taking a step forward, it gives you so much energy that your worries start to feel ridiculous.

I highly recommend it as the perfect spark to boost your mood.

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.

Who’ll Be The NextHi-STANDARD

Hi standard – Who’ll be the next – Last Sunny Day

Their first album, Last of Sunny Day, released in 1994.

This is where Hi-Standard’s history truly began.

At the time, melodic hardcore wasn’t well-known—not just in Japan but worldwide—and when Last of Sunny Day came out, the music media reportedly described them as the “Nirvana of Shimokitazawa.” Nowadays it feels like a completely different kind of music, but back then it was an era when people couldn’t even categorize Hi-Standard.

The first track on Last of Sunny Day is Who’ll Be The Next—an anthem asking, “Who will be the next hero?”—and it serves perfectly as the overture to Hi-Standard becoming that next hero.

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.

NothingHi-STANDARD

Hi-Standard-Nothing (with lyrics)

“Making The Road” is an album that absorbs a variety of genres.

Some tracks evoke jazz, while others are straightforward hardcore.

Among them, “Nothing” stands out.

As a composition, it’s a textbook example of melodic hardcore, but pay attention to the intro.

Ken Yokoyama, Hi-Standard’s guitarist, normally plays without any guitar effects—plugging straight into the amp—but only for the intro of “Nothing” he uses a chorus effect.

It’s a must-hear track for Hi-Standard-loving guitar kids.