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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- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
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- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
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- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
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- 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.
Classics and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (41–50)
Let’s fall in loveZa Rūsutāzu
The Roosters debuted in 1980.
This band really went through a lot of ups and downs.
The vocalist, Mr.
Oe, struggled significantly with his mental health, and along with that, their sound changed.
Still, there’s no doubt that their presence influenced many bands that followed.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
In contrast to their intense metal sound, X JAPAN’s grand ballads are a huge part of their appeal.
This song, which begins with YOSHIKI’s classically influenced, beautiful piano melody, is one that truly symbolizes the band.
Like unending rain falling on the heart, it seems to portray the feelings of carrying never-ending sorrow and unhealed wounds while still searching for the light.
HIDE’s wistful guitar solo further accentuates the poignancy.
Released as a single from the classic album BLUE BLOOD in December 1989, it also served as the theme song for the film Zipang.
The sight of fans breaking into a massive singalong at live shows is moving, and this is a ballad that keeps you company on nights when you want to quietly sink into your thoughts alone.
LEMON TEASHEENA & THE ROKKETS
SHEENA & THE ROKKETS is a band formed in 1979 and still active today.
Their signature songs include “You May Dream” and “Lemon Tea.” In 2015, the vocalist Sheena passed away from cervical cancer.
It seems that in her final moments, she passed away in the arms of her husband, the guitarist Mr.
Ayukawa.
They were truly a wonderful couple.
Selfish JulietBOØWY
Back then, everyone was captivated by Hotei’s guitar and Himuro’s vocals—BOØWY, the legendary band that defined the ’80s.
Their seven-year run, packed with hits like “Marionette,” “B・BLUE,” “ONLY YOU,” and “Wagamama Juliet,” was all too short and intensely condensed.
sure dansekome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club debuted in 1985.
They disbanded once, but reunited and are still active today.
They are a large ensemble, and their concerts feel almost like watching a musical, with singing, banter, and lively performances full of singing and dancing.
Their signature songs include “Roman Hikō” and “Kimi ga Iru Dake de.”
EL DORADOSeikima II
Seikima-II’s signature song is “House of Wax,” which debuted in 1985, but “EL DORADO” is also very popular among fans.
Above all, it’s just cool! It’s often performed at the peak of excitement during live shows.
The future is in our hands.THE BLUE HEARTS
A song by the Japanese beat rock/beat punk band THE BLUE HEARTS, included on their major-label debut album “THE BLUE HEARTS” released in 1987.
With its high-energy, catchy punk sound, the band helped lay the groundwork for the band boom that swept Japan from the late ’80s to the early ’90s.
This track, in particular, feels like a perfect symbol of their youthful spirit at the time.
Forget the nitpicking—just enjoy it in all its simple, straightforward glory!
