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 hits where the mood and impression shift naturally (21–30)
Everyday lifeOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song by Official HIGE DANDism that carefully scoops up the melancholy hidden in everyday life and the sudden moments of salvation.
Rather than dazzling with flashy developments, its steady, unhurried structure at a consistent rhythm conveys the realism of days that repeat.
Within the gentle tone of the track, the sound design shifts delicately in step with subtle emotional changes, quietly staying close to the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in September 2023, it was also chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “news zero.” This work depicts those moments when we’re saved by casual kindness.
Why not give it a listen on sleepless nights burdened by worries about tomorrow, or when you want to loosen a taut string and take a deep breath?
KanadeSukima Suichi
It’s Sukima Switch’s second single, released in March 2004.
In this song, the key change occurs after the bridge (the C section) following the instrumental break: the chorus modulates up a minor third from B-flat to D-flat.
By making frequent use of the note F—common to both keys—throughout the C section, the transition avoids feeling forced and achieves a smooth modulation.
Even when modulating, the choice of destination key and the melodic crafting that leads into it make this track a great reference.
Even if you don’t understand such technical details, you can still fully enjoy how the development after the instrumental break feels intriguingly fresh.
Songs with satisfying key changes: Iconic J-pop and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (31–40)
Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW
FIELD OF VIEW’s song “DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku,” which gained nationwide popularity as the theme song for the hit anime Dragon Ball GT, features some of the most seamless key changes in J‑pop history.
It modulates from the chorus to verse A and from verse A to verse B, but because the progression involves chords like C and Cm or D#, many listeners don’t even notice the modulation.
Composed by ZARD, the track is exceptionally catchy—be sure to give it a listen.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly
This is Superfly’s fourth single, released in February 2008.
After the interlude, the song features a C-melody section that makes extensive use of English lyrics, followed by a whole-step modulation that shifts the key from B-flat to C.
It’s a relatively common pattern where the key rises for the final chorus, but thanks to Ochi’s expansive vocal delivery and Takui’s exemplary lyrics, the modulation feels seamless and pleasing rather than abrupt, making it a track you can truly enjoy.
MiracleGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s “Kiseki,” which became a massive hit after being chosen as the theme song for the drama ROOKIES.
Because it flows so naturally and you can listen straight through, you might not notice where the key change happens, but the technique of parallel keys is used at the transition from the pre-chorus to the chorus.
This is a modulation where, even though the same set of notes is used, it strangely sounds like two patterns: one “brighter” and one “darker.” Simply shifting the starting note allows for a very natural modulation.
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
This is King Gnu’s fourth CD single, released on December 29, 2021.
It was selected as the theme song for the animated film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which premiered in theaters on December 24, 2021.
The song features an upbeat rhythm with pleasantly crisp guitar cutting.
In the chorus, it employs a key-raising chord arrangement that adds a more dramatic flair to the track.
It’s also noteworthy that after the second chorus, there’s a bridge that hints at a slightly more major-sounding development—an interesting structural choice.
If you’re in a band, I think you’ll gain a lot by trying to cover this song!
Love so sweetarashi
Arashi’s 18th single, released in February 2007.
The modulation pattern in this song is the so-called “chorus-only modulation,” but what’s interesting is that, unlike the common approach where the key goes up by a semitone or whole tone in the final chorus or its repeat, this song raises the key from the very first chorus.
Then, starting from the second verse, it returns to the original key, which is another intriguing twist.
Alongside the lyrics, this technique gives the song a sense of anticipation—the composer’s idea here is brilliant!