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 key changes that feel great: classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (1–10)
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, a band that has enjoyed soaring popularity and delivered even more spectacular performances since resuming activities in Phase 2, won the grand prize at the 65th Japan Record Awards with this song.
It’s embraced as a quintessential “Mrs.”-style anthem that stands by listeners through tough times, even evoking a sense of celebrating life itself.
The modulations in the chorus—rising by two keys at a time with a buoyant lift—leave a strong impression, and you can feel both the dynamic band sound and the powerful yet gentle vocals that skillfully blend mixed voice and falsetto.
By the final chorus, the key is a full six steps higher than at the start of the chorus, and the song’s steadily intensifying development shakes the heart—making it a track that fully showcases the brilliance of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s signature song that made their name widely known is “Racing into the Night.” It was inspired by the web novel “An Invitation from Thanatos” and depicts the interactions between a male protagonist and the woman who tempts him.
Notably, the focus is less on dialogue and more on psychological descriptions.
The song also features a striking key change leading into the final chorus.
When the protagonist speaks his true feelings, the music becomes intense, and afterward it shifts to a more relaxed tone.
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake
Omoinotake, who made their major debut in 2021, wrote “Hundreds of Millions of Light Years” as the theme song for the drama Eye Love You.
With overwhelming catchiness and strong affinity with the show, it became a massive hit—truly a signature song of 2024 and a defining track for the band.
The lyrics, rooted in a love song, sing about the bond with someone dear.
Even on first listen you can feel how high the key is, featuring very high mid-to-high notes that are frequent and quite challenging for male singers.
There are key changes from the A verse to the B verse, from the chorus to the second verse’s A section, and so on, yet they feel natural and familiar.
Combined with its strong melodicism, this likely forms the dramatic core of the song.
swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti
The Latin melodies played on folk instruments whisk listeners away to a foreign land in an instant.
This song sets the protagonist’s heartfelt feelings—burning with an impossible love—to a passionate rhythm.
With lyrics that seem to chase after a beloved who has transformed into a butterfly, and a dramatic build that makes the world seem to change color as emotions rise toward the chorus, it’s quintessential Porno Graffitti.
Released as a single in June 2001, it’s also well known as the CM song for FT Shiseido’s “T’Cera Tokonattsu Coconut.” A classic that topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.
In live performances, there’s a chorus part that unites the entire venue, making it perfect not only for times of romantic turmoil but also for moments when everyone wants to come together and get energized.
Bunny GirlAKASAKI
Singer-songwriter AKASAKI, who shot to fame with a viral hit on social media, now commands overwhelming support from young listeners.
Among AKASAKI’s tracks, this is the one I especially recommend for its satisfying key changes.
The song portrays the turbulence and inner conflict of love by likening them to a nocturnal character.
The modulation in the chorus vividly captures the moment when the protagonist’s emotions surge, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.
It’s included on the EP released in October 2024.
Though it isn’t tied to any commercial campaigns, it racked up astonishing play counts on social media right after its release.
It’s perfect for a night drive or for evenings when you want to be alone with your thoughts—be sure to give it a listen.
Nandemonaiya (Movie Version)RADWIMPS
This is a ballad by RADWIMPS included on the album “Your Name.” and used as the ending theme song for the film Your Name., released in August 2016.
It begins with a quiet piano tone, and as strings and a full band sound layer in toward the latter half, the structure becomes dramatically expansive, as if the view suddenly opens up.
Rather than a clear key change, the piece employs deft techniques that may give some listeners the sensation of slipping into an entirely different timeline.
The heartfelt message about “time” and “memory” embedded in the lyrics tightens the chest when paired with Yojiro Noda’s vocals.
It’s the kind of song that will resonate if you listen to it in a quiet everyday moment when you want to reaffirm the presence of someone important to you.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze is a singer-songwriter who’s gained nationwide popularity with his catchy style that blends R&B into J-pop.
He has many great songs, but the one I especially recommend is Michite Yuku.
While it features Kaze’s signature R&B sound, it also incorporates touches of jazz throughout.
In the latter part of the track, there’s a major key change.
Rather than a sudden shift that completely alters the mood, it’s a modulation that follows the song’s storyline, so it feels entirely natural.
