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)
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.
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.
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.
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!