Memorable Youth Songs: Looking Back on New Music Masterpieces from the 1970s–80s
New Music, which incorporated elements of folk and rock while remaining more approachable, captured the hearts of many.
GARO’s “Gakuseigai no Kissaten” and Kaguyahime’s “Kandagawa” gently portrayed the everyday lives of young people at the time, while Alice’s “Champion” and Masashi Sada’s “Kampaku Sengen” powerfully voiced down-to-earth feelings.
These classic songs that colored the memories of youth continue to resonate with many people even today.
Here, we present a selection of exquisite gems from the 1970s, woven with delicate lyrics and melodies.
Unforgettable Youth Songs: Revisiting New Music Classics from the 1970s–80s (1–10)
Time travelHarada Shinji
Shinji Harada made his debut after an audition held by the record label For Life.
With production by Takuro Yoshida, he scored a string of hits from the outset, and amid that momentum, in April 1978 his fourth single, “Time Travel,” was released.
It reached a peak of No.
4 on the Oricon chart, and at the end of the year he also appeared on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
Tulip is a band formed by members including Kazuo Zaitsu and is a pioneering presence in the New Music genre.
Their April 1973 release “Kokoro no Tabi” reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and became a massive hit, selling over 500,000 copies.
They went on to deliver more youth-themed songs such as “Saboten no Hana” and “Niji to Sneakers no Koro.”
Goodbyeofukōsu
Off Course is a group centered around Kazumasa Oda, who is still active as a solo artist.
Sayonara is a single released in December 1979, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon chart and becoming their biggest hit with over 700,000 copies sold.
As a classic breakup song, it has been covered by many artists.
In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao
Released in November 1981, this single was issued under the name of Takao Kisugi, known as a composer.
It is the same song under a different title as “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun,” sung by Hiroko Yakushimaru as the theme for her starring film, and both versions were major hits.
It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart, with total sales of 400,000 copies.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
Released in October 1979, it was Saki Kubota’s debut and biggest hit.
It was originally used in a Sanyo Electric TV commercial.
The exotic, evocative melody made a powerful impact and became a major hit, and many artists have covered it.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
Crystal King is a band centered around vocalist Masayuki Tanaka, known for “Daitokai” (released in November 1979), which won the Grand Prix at the World Popular Song Festival, as well as their next single “Shinkirō.” Featuring striking high notes in the chorus, “Daitokai” became a million-selling hit and also earned them an appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Heart patternInoue Yosui
Released as a single in September 1973, it became their first entry into the Oricon weekly Top 10 (peaking at No.
7).
Even after the 1980s, they produced many hits, including theme songs for dramas and films, and were active as a songwriter for numerous artists.
Yet the many masterpieces that capture the atmosphere of the 1970s still resonate deeply even today.