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: 10 classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (41–50)
SaudadePorunogurafiti
Pornograffitti left a striking mark on the Japanese music scene with their passionate rock sound infused with Latin elements.
Among their work, this fourth single, released in September 2000, is indispensable.
Set to Latin rhythms, the lyrics—written in a woman’s voice about an unbreakable attachment to a past love—pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.
The dramatic development from the pre-chorus to the chorus, along with key changes that color the entire track, are superb arrangements that further highlight both the yearning and the passion.
The song was also featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat and served as the theme for TBS’s drama “Wonderful,” and it was included on the album “foo?”.
On nights when you want to overcome the pain of heartbreak, or when you want to release the emotions buried deep inside, this track is sure to be there by your side.
Songs with Key Changes That Feel Great: Classic J-POP and Japanese Hits That Naturally Shift and Change Impression (51–60)
broad daylightKing Gnu
A massive hit by King Gnu, released in February 2019.
The modulation technique used in this song is the quintessential J-pop move: the key goes up by a half step for the final chorus.
While King Gnu has many distinctive and very cool tracks, their willingness to embrace classic patterns like this is likely a major reason they can keep producing hits.
It’s a great example of a song where you can enjoy the balance between innovation and tried-and-true techniques.
A Fateful EncounterCHAGE and ASKA
Released in 1994 as CHAGE and ASKA’s 36th single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Imōto yo” (“My Little Sister”), and the song was inspired by the plot and title of the 1957 film An Affair to Remember.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a million seller.
The key change in the middle of the song is especially pleasing.
horizonback number
This celebrated ballad by back number was created in response to the news that the Inter-High was canceled for the first time in history, and was released on YouTube in August 2020.
Later officially distributed in August 2021, the song captivates with a dramatic progression that gradually builds heat from a gentle melody.
The key change up by a semitone in the final chorus mirrors the protagonist’s emotions—carrying setbacks and sorrow yet striving to find light—and powerfully moves listeners’ hearts.
While it’s a classic technique, it’s not merely a higher key; it conveys an urgency that feels like turning the very swell of emotion into sound, striking right at the chest.
It’s a song that will quietly stay by your side when you’re halted by an unjust reality or when you want to face yourself—be sure to give it a listen.
Bedroom WarfareONE OK ROCK
A track from ONE OK ROCK’s album “Ambitions,” released in January 2017.
The key change in this song is what’s commonly called a “parallel key” modulation.
Put simply, when you play it on the piano, the positions of the black keys don’t change, but the music shifts from a minor key to a major key.
In this song, the key moves from C# minor to E major partway through the chorus.
While listening to the chorus, there’s a moment where the melody suddenly brightens—once you hear that, you’ll get it.
The arrangement and overall sound are sharply defined in true ONE OK ROCK fashion, and even without considering the modulation, it’s an incredibly cool track!
Real FaceKAT-TUN
It was released in 2006 as KAT-TUN’s debut single.
The song drew attention because the lyrics were written by Shikao Suga and the composition was by Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z.
With a slightly mischievous image that suited KAT-TUN and a sound that set it apart from previous Johnny’s songs, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Shut up.Ado
This is a song by Ado that overwhelms listeners with powerful lyrics and vocals.
It’s a fierce rock number that voices anger at the absurdities and rules of society, and when it modulates up by a half step in the final chorus, that emotion surges to its peak.
That key change works like a switch that releases pent-up frustration.
Produced by syudou, it was her major-label debut single, released in October 2020.
It drew widespread attention, making the Top Ten in the 2021 New Words and Buzzwords Awards, and was also used in a commercial for Myojo Foods’ “Chukazanmai.” It’s included on the album “Kyougen.” When you want to blow away the pent-up haze of everyday life, try blasting it at full volume for a cathartic reset.