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)
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.
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.
Featured Classics & Hit Songs by Bands Active in the 1980s (131–140)
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!
Serves-You-Right Hotheaded GirlGO-BANG’S
GO-BANG’S was a three-member girls’ band that debuted in 1983, when girl bands were booming, and all the members were from Hokkaido.
When the late Kiyoshiro Imawano of RC Succession visited Hokkaido, he happened to hear their recording and liked it, which gave them the confidence to move to Tokyo.
The song in the video was used as the opening theme for the Kansai variety show “Zamaa KANKAN!” and boosted their recognition in the Kansai region.
Currently, they are active as the solo project of vocalist Kaori Moriwaka.
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.”
In conclusion
We’ve just introduced a slew of hit songs by bands from the ’80s.
For those who lived through that era, they’re surely nostalgic; for those who didn’t experience it in real time, they may even feel fresh in their own way.
Back then, music wasn’t as firmly established as a business as it is today, and the music scene and charts were a mix of many different artists.
Perhaps it was precisely because of that era that so many timeless classics were born.
Be sure to find a favorite track of your own.