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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A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s (’81–’90)
Impossible!bakufū suranpu
Bakufu Slump debuted in 1984.
Their signature songs include “RUNNER” and “Under the Big Onion.” While they’re often associated with breezy or fiery tracks, they originally had the vibe of a comic band, and among those, the song “Muri da!” really stands out.
For many people, when you think of Bakufu Slump, this is the song that comes to mind.
Lovers’ PavementTHE ALFEE
The Alfee (now stylized as THE ALFEE) released their 19th single on October 17, 1984.
The year before, in 1983, they broke through with “Mary Ann,” and this single became the band’s first to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Featuring Takamizawa on lead vocals, the track is a beautifully crafted ballad brimming with clarity, showcasing his crystal-clear high tones to the fullest.
Naturally, it also highlights one of their key strengths—the exquisite three-part harmonies of the members—through its arrangement and production.
It can rightly be called one of the great ballads of the 1980s.
White MiracleSeikima II
This is Seikima-II’s eighth single overall, released on August 2, 1989.
Seikima-II debuted with a fearsome, demonic image and a heavy metal sound that embodied it.
However, starting with their previous single “WINNER!” and then on their fifth album “THE OUTER MISSION,” produced by Akio Dobashi of Rebecca, they boldly incorporated synthesizers and began creating major-key songs, shedding their traditional demonic image and, in my view, making a significant musical leap forward.
The track introduced here, “Shiroi Kiseki” (“White Miracle”), could be called the culmination of their early evolution: a beautiful major-key ballad that lets you fully appreciate His Excellency Demon’s powerful vocal ability.
Even as their music evolved, their visual image has remained unwavering from debut to the present, and that consistency is part of their appeal.
A classic 80s Japanese rock ballad—please enjoy!
Special BoyfriendGO-BANG’S
GO-BANG’S is a three-woman band.
Their signature song—and biggest hit—is “Aini Kite I NEED YOU!” but the track that sparked that success was this one, “Special Boyfriend.” Kaori Moriwaka’s vocals were coquettish and captivating.
KOME KOME WARkome kome CLUB
It was released in 1988 as Kome Kome Club’s seventh single.
A strongly funk-influenced track, this release marked the first time in the band’s history that, in addition to EP and cassette tape formats, a CD single was also issued.
The first-press CD edition featured a specification that let buyers design the jacket freely, and the overall look was unified in a monochrome black.
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
Led by vocalist Yasuhira Otomo, HOUND DOG is a rock band formed in 1976, but their most active period began in the 1980s.
Their signature song “ff (Fortissimo)” is their 10th single, released in 1985.
It’s a song that has continued to be sung widely for many years.
To be happyFLYING KIDS
FLYING KIDS, led by vocalist Takashi Hamazaki, is a legendary band that made a triumphant debut after winning the very first Grand Prix on Ikaten.
Their song “Shiawase de Aru You ni” was released in 1990, but you can’t talk about the 1980s Ikaten boom without mentioning it, so I’ve included it here as well.
BE MY BABYCOMPLEX
This song shocked the Japanese rock scene in the late 1980s.
It was the debut single by COMPLEX, the unit formed by Koji Kikkawa and Tomoyasu Hotei, released in April 1989, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Featuring lyrics themed around love and a distinctive sound that fuses digital rock with rock, it showcases a perfect harmony between Kikkawa’s glamorous vocals and Hotei’s inventive guitar work.
The track was widely used across various media and was even featured in 1991 as the commercial song for Toyota’s Sera.
As a signature classic of the ’80s, it remains beloved by many to this day.
BODY TO BODYSOFT BALLET
SOFT BALLET debuted in 1989.
Since I think many people don’t know SOFT BALLET, I deliberately chose this song, “BODY TO BODY.” It’s one of their signature tracks, and even now, the sound and style that were far too innovative nearly 30 years ago still give me chills when I listen to it.
romanticTHE STALIN
A signature song by THE STALIN, known for its fierce guitar riffs and aggressive vocals.
The lyrics leave a strong impression with their sharp criticism and biting satire of society, listing various “-ists” to highlight the gap between ideals and reality.
Released in 1982, the track was performed under the title “Shugisha (Ist)” during their indie era.
A music video directed by filmmaker Sogo (Sōgo) Ishii was also produced, visually portraying THE STALIN’s worldview.
It’s a must-listen for anyone troubled by social contradictions and the disconnect between ideals and reality.