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.
Classic and Hit Songs Special by Bands Active in the 1980s (91–100)
TRUTHT-SQUARE
“TRUTH” is also a classic beloved by many generations.
It’s a track released in 1987 by the fusion band T-SQUARE and is well known as the theme song for F1 race broadcasts.
Its speedy yet stylish sound has also made it a popular choice for background music in various works.
In fact, there are multiple versions, including remixes and self-covers.
They’re all excellent—give them a listen and compare!
FriendsRebekka
This song features an uptempo dance-rock sound with heavy use of synthesizers and the captivating, transparent vocals of NOKKO.
Written based on bittersweet heartbreak experienced in adolescence, it boasts a distinctive, dynamic melody that makes it highly addictive.
Released as a single in 1985, it was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV drama “Half Potato na Oretachi,” reaching No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
In the late 1990s, a new remix version was produced as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Lipstick,” winning overwhelming support from a younger generation.
It’s perfect for nighttime drives or moments when you want to reminisce about youthful memories, and its positive message, which blows away feelings of heartache, is deeply moving.
MARDER GAMEARB
ARB debuted in 1978, but they really became active in the 1980s.
Their signature song is “Tamashii Korogashite.” This “MURDER GAME” is about an actual child kidnapping and murder case from the past, and it was controversial at the time.
S.D.I.LOUDNESS
LOUDNESS debuted in 1981.
They were pioneers of the Japanese heavy metal boom.
Achieving the remarkable feat of breaking into the Billboard Top 100, they made a name for themselves both in Japan and abroad.
Although their drummer, Mr.
Higuchi, has passed away, the band is still active today.
Dancin’ DollTHE STREET SLIDERS
THE STREET SLIDERS debuted in 1983.
Their signature songs include “Arittake no Coin” and “Nora Inu ni sae Narenai.” This track, “Dancin’ Doll,” is included on their second album, and it has a languid vibe with a bluesy sound that’s just incredibly cool.
SWEAT & TEARSTHE ALFEE
This is THE ALFEE’s 23rd single, released on July 5, 1986.
Incidentally, the band name was changed from “Alfie” to “THE ALFEE” starting with this release.
Around that time, they skillfully incorporated the pop-oriented hard rock sound that had become a worldwide movement—and would later be derided by some as “corporate rock.” The keyboard-riff intro, in particular, feels like a sound that truly symbolizes “that era.”
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.