[Beginner’s Guide] Start with this song! Senri Oe’s iconic and popular tracks

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Senri Oe, who brought a fresh sensibility to the music scene in the 1980s as a singer-songwriter, has since expanded his activities as a jazz pianist and continues to pursue new musical challenges.

In this article, we introduce some of Senri Oe’s signature songs, which have captivated many fans with their simple, sophisticated lyrics, memorable melodic lines, and gentle vocals.

If you’re just about to explore Oe’s music, be sure to check these out.

[Beginner’s Guide] Start with this song! Senri Oe’s iconic and popular tracks (31–40)

POWERŌe Senri

One of the hallmarks of Senri’s songs is how she packs them with words and messages, constructing the music like a confessional novel.

This song is exactly that kind of piece, and it’s portrayed in such a way that anyone who listens to it ends up falling in love with this young man.

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bountiful fruitŌe Senri

It’s a cute, poppy song in the same vein as “Onegai Tengoku,” and it’s fun how it feels like Senri is giving her all with the dancing.

The interlude has the flavor of an old pop group’s style, and I felt there were lots of clever touches.

At the concert, everyone danced together and it was adorable.

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A Summer Vacation with a TwistŌe Senri

It’s a song that fully conveys the excitement of looking forward to summer vacation and wanting to enjoy romance.

I can’t get enough of the colorful lyrics, like a snapshot straight out of a shoujo manga.

The track is upbeat and was a real crowd-pleaser at concerts.

I also love Chisato-san’s voice as she gives her all in the high notes.

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Come to the snowy mountainsŌe Senri

Senri Oe Come to the Snowy Mountains 1989

Come to the snowy mountainsŌe Senri

With the ski boom of the bubble era and all, it’s a heartwarming song about how young salarymen and office ladies spent their weekends.

I think Senri was about the only person at the time who could sing a song like this.

Another notable point is that, rather than focusing on digital sounds, the songwriting is oriented toward a live band feel.

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from now onŌe Senri

Senri Oe – From Now On

from now onŌe Senri

These are songs from a period when he was aiming for more mature music.

The lyrics vividly capture the down-to-earth romances of young office workers and students of the time.

You can also clearly see from this video that his singing voice was designed to convey the lyrics.

It’s theatrical.

As a vocalist who conveys stories through lyrics, he was one of a kind.

I think he was a poet.

I also hope he will return as a vocalist.

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[Beginner Edition] Start with this song! Senri Oe’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs (41–50)

JANUARYŌe Senri

January / Senri Oe (COVER)

JANUARYŌe Senri

Not only a singer-songwriter but also active as an actor, Senri Oe created the classic “JANUARY,” a song about the first month of the year.

It’s included on Chibusa, his fourth album, released in 1985.

This love song savors the happiness found in everyday life and carries the message, “Let’s spend this year together, too.” His gentle, mellow vocals warm the chill of January.

Put it on with someone you hope to keep growing older with, and let it usher in a wonderful start to the year.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Luxurious painŌe Senri

Senri Oe — Luxurious Pain

Luxurious painŌe Senri

It’s a slow-tempo song where the melody and lyrics are in harmony.

Back during the band boom, intellectual music by college-educated “rich kids”—Tetsuya Komuro, for example—was a kind of moe genre.

The image of a smart kid agonizing and agonizing and then falling in love was wonderful, and this song is one of the works that embodies that.

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