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.
- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- Debut song of a Japanese band from the 80s
- 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.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (111–120)
OUTFriction
This track with its heavy, resonant dissonance is Out by FRICTION, a no wave band formed by bassist Reck.
People unfamiliar with this kind of music might be surprised, but no wave is a very popular genre in the United States.
Reck once made his mark as the guitarist for Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, a band that represented New York.
Shouldn’t the dense, languid sound he brought back from America be more widely appreciated?
Tearful BirthdayHOUND DOG
HOUND DOG debuted in 1980.
Their signature songs include “ff (Fortissimo)” and “ONLY LOVE,” but among fans, “Namida no Birthday” has also maintained strong, lasting popularity.
Otomo’s husky voice feels like he’s wringing out his emotions, making it a spine-tingling track to listen to.
Star Love LetterTHE BOOM
THE BOOM debuted in 1989.
In the 1980s, there was the Hokoten (pedestrian-paradise) boom, and they also performed there and gained popularity.
Their representative songs include “Shima Uta” and “Blanca.” In the past, they had many pop, cute songs and were very popular.
Go AheadTHE STAR CLUB
THE STAR CLUB debuted in 1984.
Since their debut, they’ve remained an active, leading PUNK band.
Opinions may be divided on vocalist HIKAGE’s relentlessly aggressive sound and voice, but I think “Go Ahead” is a very cool song.
RaideenYellow Magic Orchestra
Yellow Magic Orchestra is a music group that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Its keyboardist, Ryuichi Sakamoto, wrote Rydeen inspired by the film Star Wars.
It’s been used in countless TV programs and movies, so even those who didn’t grow up with it have likely heard it.
The track also incorporates Japanese elements, such as sampled sounds of galloping horses, which is delightful.
Take this opportunity to give it another listen.
Crazed FruitArisu
Alice’s 18th single, released in July 1980, by the folk/new music trio of Shinji Tanimura, Takao Horiuchi, and Toru Yazawa.
At the time, the “new music” genre was in the spotlight and booming, and the song became a major hit, selling 400,000 copies.
I experienced the release in real time, and I remember how fresh the synth-driven intro phrase and the sounds in the interlude felt back then.
Of course, the track also fully showcases the hallmark harmony work of Tanimura and Horiuchi, so it’s a song I highly recommend even to those who didn’t witness their success in real time.
Runnerbakufū suranpu
This is the 12th single by the rock band Bakufu Slump, who have produced numerous hits with lyrics that evoke youth and catchy tunes, starting with “Under the Big Onion ~Harukanaru Omoi.” The lyrics were originally written for bassist Hojin Egawa, who left the band due to disagreements over its direction and policies, but—as the title suggests—it also conveys a fresh image with a track-and-field backdrop.
Despite its technically complex structure with multiple key changes throughout, the band’s pop sensibility keeps it from feeling overtly intricate.
With its driving tempo and catchy melody that lift your spirits, it’s a quintessential number representing the 1980s.
Until my voice is goneJUN SKY WALKER(S)
JUN SKY WALKER(S) debuted in 1988.
During the Hokoten boom of the ’80s, they were also a popular band performing there.
Although they disbanded once, they reunited in 2007.
The bassist, Mr.
Teraoka, is also active as a producer for Yuzu.
Stardust StageChekkāzu
At the time, The Checkers had gained idol-level popularity among junior and senior high school girls.
They had so many hit songs, and one of their appeals was having lots of tunes that both men and women could hum along to.
“Hoshikuzu no Stage” was their fourth single and was used as a TV drama theme song.
Chance has comeBARBEE BOYS
BARBEE BOYS debuted in 1983.
Their signature songs include “Close Your Eyes and Come Here” and “Foxy Lady ON THE RUN.” This track, “Chance Torai,” evokes the anticipation and anxiety between a man and a woman about what’s to come, conjuring up a sweet, tantalizing night—it’s a very heart‑pounding song.