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 nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
Classic and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (121–130)
ANGEL PASSED CHILDRENBOØWY
A late-period BOØWY track whose world of swirling madness pulls you in before you know it.
Kyosuke Himuro’s words slice into the psyche, while Tomoyasu Hotei’s razor-sharp guitar sound fuses with them to shake the listener’s emotions to the core.
The song appears on their final original album, PSYCHOPATH, released in September 1987.
Despite the band’s decision to break up, the domestic recording sessions reportedly wrapped in just 16 days.
It’s the perfect track when you want to experience not just their pop sensibilities, but their darker, more aggressive side.
OUR REVOLUTIONBOØWY
This is a track where Kyosuke Himuro’s razor-sharp vocals and Tomoyasu Hotei’s guitar riffs strike sparks, embodying the tense atmosphere of a “night before the revolution.” The song seems to carry a fiery message born of youthful restlessness and the urge to smash existing values to build an era of their own.
Featured on the classic album BEAT EMOTION, released in November 1986, this piece is sure to resonate deeply with anyone dissatisfied with the status quo who longs to break through and push beyond.
Meat SongThe Pīzu
The Pees debuted in 1989.
Their signature song is “Baka ni Natta no ni.” This “Niku no Uta” is so quintessentially them that it’s beyond explanation.
Along with “Karaage” and “Debu Jersey,” these three songs are known as the three great meat songs.
You are 1000%.Karurosu Toshiki & Omega Toraibu
Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe formed in 1986 when Omega Tribe changed its lineup and reassembled as “1986 Omega Tribe,” bringing in Japanese-Brazilian Carlos Toshiki as the lead vocalist.
The song “You’re 1000%” was featured as a TV drama theme and drew significant attention.
Jenny is in a bad moodJūshii Furūtsu
Juicy Fruits’ “Jenny wa Gokigen Naname” is their debut single, released in 1980.
It was later covered by Perfume, and many people may remember their cute dancing.
I also ended up checking out that version’s video first.
I baked a taiyaki.bakufū suranpu
Formed in 1981 and debuting in 1984, Bakufu Slump is famous for moving songs like “Runner” and “Under the Big Onion,” but did you know they also have a heavy metal–style track? Released in 1984, “Taiyaki Yaita” is a surreal piece in which vocalist Sunplaza Nakano dons a long-haired wig and relentlessly screams, “Taiyaki yaita!” The lyrics are inspired by “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun.” This song was included as the B-side to their debut single “Shūkan Tokyo ‘Shōjo A’,” which was released from the album “Yoi.”
ROUTE 246LINDBERG
This is LINDBERG’s “ROUTE 246,” by the iconic 80s rock band known for “Ima sugu KISS ME.” Vocalist Maki Watase’s innocent yet powerful voice meshes with the heavy band sound to create an exquisite harmony.
It’s included on their debut album, “LINDBERG I.”
Shoot the arrow of angerNOVELA
NOVELA is a progressive hard rock band from the Kansai region that debuted on King Records in 1980.
The band was formed by merging two prominent Kansai bands of the time, Scheherazade and Sansuikan, and successfully made their major-label debut.
As a band in the somewhat niche genre of progressive hard rock, they didn’t score massive chart-topping hits, but their presence—marked by androgynous white lace outfits and makeup—is said to have had a significant influence on later visual-kei bands.
The song we’re featuring here, “Release the Arrow of Rage,” is an up-tempo, hard-edged track that lets you fully enjoy vocalist Angie (Hisakatsu Igarashi)’s highly distinctive high-tone voice.
We hope listeners who didn’t experience them in real time will enjoy it as well.
Even though (I/you/they) became stupidThe Pīzu
The Pees debuted in 1989.
I think there are many bands active today who are fans of theirs.
That’s how sensational their songs were.
Above all, the lyrics are fun—so fun you can’t help but laugh while singing along.
But they also have songs so poignant they make your nose sting.
That’s their charm.
I want to be the subject of rumors.bakufū suranpu
Bakufu Slump’s second single, released in 1984, is a youthful song that celebrates the courage of self-expression and a positive view of love.
It was featured in a commercial for the Citizen 19-year-old Riviere and reached a peak position of 63 on the Oricon chart.
Characterized by a unique blend of pop rock and funk, the track stands out with Sunplaza Nakano’s powerful vocals.
It’s a recommended song for anyone struggling with love or wanting to express their true self.
This work is packed with the charm of Bakufu Slump—give it a listen!