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 that feel natural yet transformative (111–120)
HitotsuboshiKOH⁺
KOH+, the musical duo of Kou Shibasaki and Masaharu Fukuyama, released “Hitotsuboshi” in 2022, and it was used as the theme song for the film Galileo: Silent Parade.
Interestingly, the song makes effective use of a key change in the B section, keeping listeners engaged all the way through.
This kind of subtle, almost hidden modulation that boosts a song’s quality—like a secret ingredient—can be easy to miss, and there are many other songs that use it besides this one.
Try looking for more tracks that hide understated modulations!
Boys&GirlsHamasaki Ayumi
It was released in 1999 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s ninth single.
The song was used in a Kao “AUBE” commercial, reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and later became a million-seller.
It won the Excellence Award at the 41st Japan Record Awards for the first time, and with this song she also made her first appearance at the 50th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Ultramarine DaysToukyou Jihen
Tokyo Jihen, who resumed their activities in 2020 under the banner of “Rebirth,” made their debut with the single ‘Gunjou Biyori,’ the song introduced here.
It’s a track that has been loved by fans from back then to now.
Over a thunderous band sound, Ringo’s gritty vocals pop like a refreshing soft drink.
The song modulates up by a semitone from the bridge after the instrumental break.
In the music video, you can clearly see this too—while singing the bridge, Ringo casually clips on a capo, and it’s easy to catch.
flameLiSA
This is LiSA’s 17th CD single, released on October 14, 2020.
It’s the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, and, along with the film’s massive success, the song also became a major hit.
This piece won’t go into a detailed explanation of the chord arrangement, but the song features multiple key changes throughout, resulting in a very dramatic ballad.
In particular, the modulation from the pre-chorus into the chorus is so striking that even listeners who aren’t well-versed in music will likely notice it clearly.
Rockdom ~ Blown by the WindTHE ALFEE
This song, with its dramatic key changes, might just bring back your youthful days.
It’s a track by THE ALFEE, a band that has been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene since the 1970s, released in 1986 as their 24th single.
The nostalgic lyrics inspire a resolve to “walk through life without forgetting your original intentions.” Their signature, beautiful choral work is a highlight, and the modulations and swell toward the latter half of the song are especially moving.
Swet & TearsTHE ALFEE
Released in July 1986, this is THE ALFEE’s 23rd single.
Starting with this song, the band’s official name was changed from “Alfee” to “THE ALFEE.” In terms of modulation, it follows the classic pattern of raising the key for the final chorus, but by briefly returning to the intro as a lead-in before the key change, the arrangement heightens the dramatic effect of the modulation.
In live performances, this song was often played at the so-called climactic moments, so you could say it delivered exactly the intended impact.
butterflyKimura Kaera
It’s a classic wedding song.
It’s a track by singer Kaela Kimura, who’s also active as a fashion model, released as a digital single in 2009.
Many people probably know it because it was used in a Zexy commercial.
The lyrics are filled with messages of love to a special someone that really make your heart skip a beat.
At first listen it sounds like a catchy tune, but in fact it features quite a few sophisticated key changes.
Despite that, it feels completely natural in the final result.