L’Arc~en~Ciel’s Masterpieces: A Comprehensive Showcase from Major Hits to Hidden Gems

HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc en Ciel – Honey (live)

Released in July 1998, this signature song by L’Arc〜en〜Ciel became their best-selling single.

At the time of its release, the simultaneous release of three singles—HONEY, Kasou, and Shinshoku—generated major buzz.

This song is also known for being performed during L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s first appearance on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

LinkL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’ARC-EN-CIEL “Link” (Live 2014)

Released in July 2005, L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 28th single was selected as the opening theme for the film Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa.

L’Arc also provided the opening for the TV anime with READY STEADY GO, and many fans think “Fullmetal Alchemist means L’Arc.” The song’s themes of “future” and “hope” mesh perfectly with the anime’s world.

lyric poemL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – Jojoushi – Live – HQ

The 27th single, and the first in a while composed by guitarist ken since “NEO UNIVERSE,” was released in May 2005.

As the title suggests, the song features profoundly lyrical, poetry-like lyrics that leave a strong impression.

The jacket design by Mort Sinabel Aoki, an art director active in both Japan and Paris, further enhances its worldbuilding.

Blurry EyesL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「Blurry Eyes」-Music Clip-

This is L’Arc~en~Ciel’s milestone first major-label single, released in October 1994.

It’s a song the members are deeply attached to and one they continue to cherish in live performances.

The lyrics, which speak of feelings for someone who has gone away, are achingly poignant and heartbreaking.

Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – Driver’s High ROCK ODYSSEY 2004

Released in 1999, this song was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime GTO.

As the title suggests, it’s a fast-paced track and is a regular on rankings like Oricon’s “Songs You Want to Listen to While Driving.” The music video’s storyline—where the four members rob a bank and make their getaway in a convertible—is unique and striking, too.

Incidentally, the shoot was so large-scale that it reportedly involved the cooperation of the Nevada state police in Las Vegas.

Hurry XmasL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

Hurry Xmas

Released in November 2007, “Hurry Xmas” has become one of the staple Christmas songs beloved today.

As L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 33rd single, it’s a Christmas tune depicting a sweet couple rushing to celebrate the holiday.

The lyrics might feel a bit syrupy, but with hyde’s vocals, the song takes on an irresistibly sultry charm.

BlessL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’arc~en~ciel Bless HD

The title track of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s 36th single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the Vancouver Olympics and has become a highly recognized and popular piece.

The lyrics evoke a sense of winter and are crafted as an uplifting anthem befitting an Olympic theme song.