[J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing a wealth of classic tracks from the Japanese rock scene of the ’90s!
The ’90s were also the peak era for CD sales.
From massively mainstream bands with pop elements, to the visual kei movement that carried over from the ’80s, to high-energy guitar rock and youth punk that went on to influence artists in the 2000s—the ’90s rock scene was truly electric.
It’s also great to see that many artists from that era are still active on the front lines today.
Enjoy these ’90s rock hits—timeless masterpieces that haven’t faded a bit!
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[J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the ’90s. Nostalgic hit songs (31–40)
A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE
For those who love anison and melodious band sounds, I recommend “1/3 no Junjō na Kanjō.” It was released by the rock band SIAM SHADE, which raced through the ’90s, and was used as the ending theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.
Its melody and lyrics make everyone want to sing along, and they’re loved across generations.
The balance between the guitar riffs and the rhythm section is excellent, making it a track you’ll want to listen to over and over.
It’s one of their signature songs, with the notable episode that it was selected from over a hundred shelved demo tapes.
town/citySOPHIA
It was released in 1997 as SOPHIA’s fifth single.
The song was used in a commercial for the PlayStation game Breath of Fire III, and it was a re-cut single from the album little circus, which had been released in April of the same year.
It became SOPHIA’s biggest hit single.
single bedSha ran Q
This is the sixth single by Sharan Q, a four-member rock band led by Tsunku♂, who now thrives as a “general entertainment producer.” The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime D·N·A²: They Were Eleven—Somewhere, the One I Lost, and became the band’s first million-selling hit and a signature track.
Its catchy yet lyrical melody and vividly cinematic lyrics could be called the very essence of 1990s J-pop.
Even today, it remains a beloved ballad that transcends the confines of anime songs.
KISS MEHimuro Kyosuke
It was released in 1992 as Kyosuke Himuro’s ninth single.
The song was used in a commercial for Boutique JOY and is Himuro’s biggest hit.
The chorus section uses a chord progression very similar to that of “MARIONETTE,” a song by BOØWY, the band he previously belonged to.
The strength to keep livingGLAY
It was released in 1995 as GLAY’s seventh single.
A popular song that is frequently performed live, it was used as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “Kazaana Downtown.” Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, it has often been played as the final number at concerts out of a desire to encourage people in the affected areas.
[J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the ’90s. Nostalgic hit songs (41–50)
DRIVE TO BLUEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
An alternative rock number bursting with a sense of speed, driven by piercing, vibrant synthesizer tones.
Released in March 1998 as the lead single from the album “HEART,” it topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks.
The lyrics are said to capture the distinctive early-morning atmosphere felt in boyhood and a liberating sense that you could go anywhere.
At the same time, they convey a certain peril, like plunging into the color blue, offering a depth that can resonate as either hope or despair depending on the listener’s state of mind.
It’s a song that will firmly push you forward when you’re ready to break through your current situation and step into a new world.
Until the world endsWANDS
WANDS is a three-piece rock band known as one of the most iconic acts among Being artists who dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.
Their 8th single, “Until the World Ends…,” used as the second ending theme for the TV anime Slam Dunk, is a memorable track featuring emotional lyrics and a catchy melody.
For those who listened to it in real time, singing along may bring back vivid memories of that era.
With the 2022 release of the animated film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, the song has been garnering renewed acclaim as a million-selling number.