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 by Bands from the 1980s (21–30)
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
THE BLUE HEARTS are one of the quintessential bands you can’t leave out when talking about the ’80s.
All of their songs are infused with their passionate spirit, but “Be Kind to People” was a self-produced single released before their major-label debut with “Linda Linda.”
CLOUDY HEARTBOØWY
This is a masterpiece created by BOØWY, a rock band that defined the 1980s.
Kyosuke Himuro’s vocals brilliantly convey the subtleties of complex emotions.
With lyrics depicting love, parting, and the wavering of the heart, it carries a message that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song is included on the album “BEAT EMOTION,” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon album chart, stayed on the chart for 11 weeks, and sold 343,000 copies.
It’s a track I highly recommend to anyone struggling with love or relationships.
A flawless rock ’n’ rollerarajin
A self-proclaimed rock star youth, obsessing over looks and behavior, portrays his not-so-successful love life with a unique sense of humor.
The world evoking the youth culture of the time—complete with tsuppari delinquents and Harajuku’s Takenoko-zoku—lovingly depicts rebellion against society and bold self-assertion.
Featured on the album “ALADDIN VS Aladdin,” the song reached No.
5 on TBS’s The Best Ten in February 1982.
Later, a parody version of the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Ijiwaru Otetsudai-san,” cementing its status as a cross-generational favorite.
Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS
One of the signature songs by the punk rock band THE BLUE HEARTS, who debuted in the late 1980s.
Many listeners are likely moved by Hiroto Kōmoto’s powerful vocals.
The song’s appeal remains undimmed over time—it even lent its name to a film.
With lyrics that, though simple, sing of the will to protect what’s important, layered over an energetic sound, its exhilarating drive feels especially satisfying.
Released in May 1987 as their major-label debut single, it continues to be used in commercials and TV dramas more than 30 years later.
HURRY UP MODEBUCK-TICK
BUCK-TICK debuted in 1987.
Their signature songs include “Aku no Hana” and “JUPITER.” “HURRY UP MODE” is a track they released during their indie days, and fans had been calling for it to be reissued.
Even though this song is 30 years old, it still sounds incredibly cool, doesn’t it?
Self ControlTM NETWORK
This is a track by the music unit TM NETWORK, also known for having Tetsuya Komuro—renowned for his work as a music producer—as its leader.
The unit’s hallmark digital sound and sharp vocals stand out in this song as well, conveying a sense of urgency.
A major highlight is that the intro riff becomes the melody of the chorus, and the repeated use of the same words with processed vocals makes the song’s title linger in your ears.
All the coins I haveTHE STREET SLIDERS
The Street Sliders, a band that left a major impact over their 17 years of activity.
Just saying the nicknames HARRY, Ranmaru, JAMES, and ZUZU brings their dazzling stage presence back as if it were yesterday.
Their song “Arittake no Coin” was their 14th single.
The lyrics—“I’ve got nothing, but I’ll do anything for the one I love”—are gentler than the words themselves suggest, keeping just the right distance from the bluesy melody line without clinging too closely.
Incidentally, starting with this single, they switched from releasing on vinyl to 8cm CDs.
Even the phrase “8cm CD” feels nostalgic now.