A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
Speaking of the 1980s—especially the latter half—it was a time when many rock bands that would later rise to prominence made their debuts, laying the groundwork for the band boom that swept the early ’90s.
This time, we’ll introduce some classic songs by bands that were active in the ’80s.
If you watch footage of them from back then without having experienced it in real time, you might be surprised by their fashion and hairstyles.
But including their flamboyant “rock fashion,” please enjoy the sounds of the 1980s that led to the golden age of Japanese rock.
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- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
Classic and hit songs by bands active in the 1980s (71–80)
Lovers’ PavementTHE ALFEE
The Alfee (now stylized as THE ALFEE) released their 19th single on October 17, 1984.
The year before, in 1983, they broke through with “Mary Ann,” and this single became the band’s first to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Featuring Takamizawa on lead vocals, the track is a beautifully crafted ballad brimming with clarity, showcasing his crystal-clear high tones to the fullest.
Naturally, it also highlights one of their key strengths—the exquisite three-part harmonies of the members—through its arrangement and production.
It can rightly be called one of the great ballads of the 1980s.
MORNING AFTERRED WARRIORS
RED WARRIORS debuted in 1986.
Their signature songs include “Bara to Wine” (Roses and Wine).
While many of RED’S songs feature straightforward, masculine messages when written by Mr.
YUKAI, Mr.
SHAKE’s lyrics tend to be delicate and gentle.
“MORINIG AFTER” is a song created by Mr.
SHAKE.
The Clown’s MelancholyTHE STREET SLIDERS
This track, whose husky vocals sink into your chest, is The Street Sliders’ “Dokeshi no Yuuutsu” (“The Clown’s Melancholy”).
It’s a beautiful ballad with a dry, aching guitar sound.
A classic you’ll want to play in those moments of sudden loneliness on a tipsy walk home.
It’s included on the album “Ganjigarame.”
DAY BREAKotoko
Released in August 1988 as their debut single, this song drew significant attention at the time, including being selected as the theme song for the CX drama “Otoko Daro!!”.
In the late ’80s, Otokogumi emerged as a male idol group with a rock band-like style.
This work is a song that tells a story of overcoming loneliness and hardship to discover love and hope.
The lyrics, which convey a strong will to face challenges and adversity and a determination to nurture love, likely resonated with many listeners.
With its powerful message and passionate sound, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep moving forward even after experiencing setbacks.
Skip Beat (SKIPPED BEAT)KUWATA BAND
KUWATA BAND is the legendary group that Southern All Stars’ vocalist Keisuke Kuwata formed to try his hand at “doing some off-the-wall rock” under his own name, separate from Southern All Stars, active for a limited period from 1986 to 1987.
This “Skip Beat (SKIPPED BEAT)” is their second single.
Let’s start from ‘I Love You’anzenchitai
No matter what words you tried to pin on them—urbane, mature, sophisticated band—they always felt like more; Safety Zone was truly a gathering of real musicians.
Guitarist Yutaka Takezawa, drummer Yuji Tanaka, the rest of the members, and above all Koji Tamaki on vocals—he is one of a kind.
Among their many hit songs, “Let’s Start with I Love You” is a driving, powerful, and energetic number that can be heard as an anthem for lovers.
Many listeners were surely encouraged by its upbeat lyrics, like “We don’t have anything, but the two of us can keep moving forward.”
EverydayJITTERIN’JINN
It was released in 1989 as JITTERIN’JINN’s debut single.
They made their debut after performing live mainly in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka from 1989.
The band appeared on the popular audition TV show “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku” and even became the sixth Ikaten King.