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

Floods of tearsL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

Floods of tears (Remastered 2023)

These are tracks from L’Arc~en~Ciel’s only indie single, “Floods of tears/Yasouka,” released in 1992.

The poignant lyrics evoke a sense of emptiness and transience, leaving a strong impression.

Hyde’s sweet vocals deepen the song’s world even further.

As one of L’Arc’s earliest songs, it hadn’t been performed for a long time, but it made a rare return at their 20th anniversary live in 2011, thrilling fans.

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I WishL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – I Wish

“I Wish” is the ninth track on the 1996 album “True,” and its working title was “Christmas.” Although the word “Christmas” doesn’t appear in the lyrics, the use of jingle bells and a children’s chorus gives it a quintessential Christmas song feel.

In live performances, hyde wears a Santa hat.

In the AirL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

In the Air / L’Arc~en~Ciel

This “In the Air” is the very first track on L’Arc-en-Ciel’s second album “Tierra,” which was their first release after making their major-label debut.

“Tierra” means “earth” in Spanish, and “In the Air” is a fitting opener for the album.

It is one of L’Arc-en-Ciel’s signature songs, included on three of their best-of compilations.

and She SaidL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「and She Said」-Music Clip-

It’s a hidden gem by L’Arc~en~Ciel.

It was released as a video single in 1995 and re-released on DVD in 2003.

It came out to coincide with the start of the “in CLUB ’95” concert tour.

L’Arc~en~Ciel had previously released a track called “Nemuri ni yosete” as a video single as well, but it didn’t catch on.

This became their last video single.

Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「Driver’s High」-Music Clip-

L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 17th single.

A single cut from the classic album “ark,” it was also used as the opening theme for the TV anime GTO.

Kicking off with the roar of a car engine and shifting into a high-velocity guitar sound, the arrangement heightens the anticipation for the extraordinary journey ahead.

True to the theme vocalist and lyricist hyde described—“the exhilaration of driving while listening to music”—it rekindles that invincible rush we felt back then, as if we could break free from mundane days and go anywhere.

It’s a perfect rock tune not only for a refreshing drive scene, but also for switching your mood.

Killing MeL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「Killing Me」-Music Clip-

This is a rock number swirling with cool tension and destructive impulses.

Released as a single in January 2005, it was chosen as the ending theme for a TV Asahi program and drew attention for debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It feels as if it depicts the protagonist’s inner cry, consumed by helpless impatience and self-destructive desires.

Heavy, distorted guitar riffs and tight rhythms create an aggressive sound, intertwined with Hyde’s vocals—cool yet brimming with passion.

It’s sure to pierce the heart of anyone who wants to break free from the deadlock of everyday life.

YOU GOTTA RUNL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「YOU GOTTA RUN」-Music Clip-

A powerful rock track brimming with a sense of speed, charging into the future together with your comrades! Released in October 2024 after L’Arc~en~Ciel launched their independent label, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime BEYBLADE X.

The melody, composed by tetsuya, was reportedly a more languid-style rock at first, but evolved into a high-velocity arrangement thanks to the tie-in.

It’s the perfect power song for when you’re taking on a challenge toward your goals or overcoming obstacles as a team!