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.
A showcase of classic and hit songs by bands active in the 1980s (101–110)
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
This is The Checkers’ debut single, released in September 1983.
It apparently sold very little at first, but after their second single, “Namida no Request,” became a big hit in January 1984, this song also climbed the charts thanks to the synergistic effect.
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.
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.
DOWN TOWN SHUFFLEBOØWY
This is a song that epitomizes BOØWY’s golden era, where a groovy bassline intertwines with Tomoyasu Hotei’s razor-sharp guitar.
Released as a single in November 1986, it was also included on the classic album BEAT EMOTION released the same year.
The lyrics evoke the boredom swirling through the city night and fleeting human dramas.
Don’t you ever feel that the ordinary day-to-day leaves you unsatisfied, craving a little excitement? In those moments, why not free your mind with this track?
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.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (111–120)
Through the tunnelBO GUMBOS
This track by BO GUMBOS is captivating with its unique sound that incorporates New Orleans beats! It’s included on their debut album “BO & GUMBO,” released in 1989, and stands out for its festive atmosphere and Donto’s powerful vocals.
The album even won the New Artist Album Award at the Japan Record Awards.
At the band’s live shows, this song—along with many others—has been performed with tremendous energy.
Packed with a positive message, it’s the perfect song to lift your spirits!
RADIO MAGICEARTHSHAKER
The Japanese HM/HR band EARTHSHAKER’s second single, released on September 21, 1984.
It’s included on their third album, “Midnight Flight,” which came out in October of the same year, with the single preceding the album.
Although the band debuted categorized within the HM/HR genre, their production approach—valuing vocal melodies that made the most of the singing and Japanese lyrics from the very beginning—was highly acclaimed.
In a sense, “Radio Magic” may have been the culmination and pinnacle of the musical direction they were aiming for.
While it has a so‑called kayō-rock (pop-infused rock) sound, it’s possible that without their presence, the later J-ROCK boom and the band boom might never have happened!
