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 (101–110)
Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.
It was released in 2000 as Morning Musume’s ninth single.
The lyrics express feelings toward one’s parents at the time of marriage, and the song is often used as entertainment at wedding receptions.
With an oriental-style arrangement, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a million seller.
love the worldPerfume
It was released in 2008 as Perfume’s seventh single.
The song was used in Sharp’s commercial for the “au (KDDI) CDMA 1X WIN W62SH,” and it reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The choreography is said to be the most difficult among Perfume’s songs.
I’m proudKahara Tomomi
This was Tomomi Kahala’s third single, released on March 6, 1996, produced by the one and only Tetsuya Komuro.
Selected as the CM song for TBC’s “the Lady Esthetic,” in which Kahala herself appeared, it became a million seller and one of the defining hits of the ’90s.
The sections outside the chorus are in a minor key, shifting to major in the chorus, and then modulating up for the final chorus—an orthodox modulation technique.
Precisely because of this, the musical scenes in each part are clearly delineated, successfully making a strong impact on listeners.
HarmonyLittle Glee Monster
A song by Little Glee Monster, included on their debut album Little Glee Monster.
It was released in March 2014.
Since it’s not one of those typical sudden key changes in the chorus, the modulation in this track might be a bit hard to catch, but it shifts around 2:06 in the video when the vocals really open up.
This kind of subtle modulation pattern is a great technique for making the song engaging and memorable.
Even if it’s hard to notice just by listening, you might feel the modulation if you try singing it yourself.
And their confident vocals on this track—considering how old they were at the time of release—are truly impressive!
I BELIVEKahara Tomomi
It was released in 1995 as Tomomi Kahala’s second single.
The song was used as the image song for the ’96 Minami “JOY OF SPORTS” commercial in which she appeared, and it became the track that propelled Kahala to major stardom.
It was a massive hit and marked her first million-selling single.
Unusually for a J-pop artist’s song, it is characterized by a two-step change in key.
Songs with satisfying key changes: Classic J-POP and Japanese tracks that feel natural yet transformative (111–120)
Heeey?Matsuura Aya
It was released in 2003 as Aya Matsuura’s ninth single.
The song was used in the FT Shiseido “Tessera” commercial, and it was produced by Tsunku.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, featuring cute, idol-like choreography and a charming tune.
MadderMoriyama Naotaro
The gentle tones of piano and acoustic guitar, along with a warm singing voice, deeply touch the heart.
This song by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama—known for hits like “Sakura (Solo)” and “End of Summer”—was released digitally in 2022 and was chosen as the theme song for the drama Private Tutor Torako.
It’s a moving ballad that fills you with nostalgia and makes you think of someone special.
The key change from the end of the second verse into the instrumental break brings a sense of openness that is truly captivating.
