Songs with satisfying key changes: classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally
There’s a technique called “modulation” that’s used when you want to dramatically change a song’s scene or mood partway through.
If we were to explain modulation in depth, it would be enough to fill an entire music theory book, so I’ll skip the details here.
The most common pattern is raising the key for the final chorus to heighten the excitement.
There are also songs that, for example, modulate only in the pre-chorus to catch the listener off guard, as well as songs that skillfully modulate repeatedly while still sounding natural, using subtle modulation techniques.
This time, I’ve picked out a few songs where the modulations feel particularly pleasing or are especially well crafted.
If this article sparks your interest in modulation, please explore further by searching online.
Understanding how songs are put together will surely open up a whole new way to enjoy music!
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Songs with satisfying key changes: Classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (91–100)
Everyday, KachushaAKB48
Released in 2011 as AKB48’s 21st single.
The song features Atsuko Maeda in the center position and served as the theme song for the Toho-distributed film “What If the Manager of a High School Baseball Team Read Drucker’s ‘Management’,” among many other tie-ins.
The music video, shot entirely in Guam, is also a must-see.
The key change before the chorus feels natural and pleasant to listen to.
sense of shameshuuchishin
Released in 2008 as the debut single of Shuchishin, a three-member project unit formed by Takeshi Tsuruno, Naoki Nokubo, and Yusuke Kamiji from the Fuji TV quiz-variety show “Quiz! Hexagon II.” The lyrics were written by Shinsuke Shimada and the music composed by Ani Takahara, and the single became a major hit.
Bird’s PoemLia
At first glance it seems to repeat the same straightforward progression, but in reality this song features quite advanced key changes.
AIR began as a PC game and, thanks to its popularity, expanded into various media.
This is Tori no Uta, sung by Lia, which was used as the theme song for the anime adaptation.
It’s dance music graced by the beautiful timbre of strings, with Lia’s ethereal vocals shining throughout.
It’s one of the reasons AIR is known as a “nakige,” a tear-jerker game.
Despite modulating multiple times, the song never loses its overall sense of cohesion—that’s what’s so impressive about it.
paprikaFoorin
Released in August 2018, this song by Foorin—a unit composed of elementary and junior high school members—was composed, arranged, and produced by Kenshi Yonezu.
A version sung by Yonezu himself has also been released.
In this track as well, modulation is skillfully used to shift the musical scenes, leaving a strong impression.
The chords used throughout, the chord progressions incorporating key changes, and the melodic writing all showcase Yonezu’s outstanding sense for composition and arrangement.
SWEET PAINglobe
globe was a music unit that thrived in the late 1990s.
While they produced many hit numbers, there are also hidden gems among their work.
One of them is SWEET PAIN.
Unusual for its time, this track features a structure similar to EDM, modulating from the A verse to the B verse, and again from the B verse into the chorus.
The chorus uses the same chord progression as the intro, so rather than a whirlwind of developments, the modulations lead to a clearly defined landing point.
It’s incredibly natural on the ears, so if you haven’t heard it yet, this is a must-listen!
I miss you so much, I want to see you.Nishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s 10th single, released in May 2010.
The key change point is around 4:04.
After the only C section in the song—where the backing arrangement gets quiet—the key modulates upward.
The arrangement creates a dramatic effect by breaking the accompaniment while the vocal sustains a long note, then raising the key immediately afterward.
You could call it a common technique, but it’s one of the best methods for building dramatic intensity.
If you compose music, definitely take note!
ZEROB’z
It was released in 1992 as B’z’s 11th single.
Serving as the lead single from their sixth album, RUN, it was a non-tie-in track.
Markedly different from their previous pop-oriented style, it features a strong funk-metal rock flavor and is the song most frequently performed live.