A classic by Tamio Okuda. A roundup of masterpieces that captivate with their natural, laid-back worldview!

son of manOkuda Tamio

son of man

It’s a rock number that’s quintessential Okuda Tamio, where a powerful band sound coexists with a laid-back sense of humor.

Riding on the energetic performance is what seems at first like a passionate cheer for the youth, but it actually unfolds a unique worldview that lets the true feelings of the grown-ups peek through.

It feels hot-blooded yet carries a contradictory nuance of “let’s take it easy,” making it more flavorful the more you listen.

This track was the B-side of the single “Coffee,” released in May 1995, and is also included on the album “30.” It’s a perfect song for moments that tend to devolve into sheer guts-and-glory talk, when you want to loosen your shoulders and take on the challenge.

Give it a listen without overthinking it.

From my perspectiveOkuda Tamio

[Official Music Video] Tamio Okuda – Bokuteki-chi

This track was produced during the public recording project “Cantabile IN THE PARK” held at Sony Park in Ginza and released digitally in September 2021.

It’s got that characteristically Okuda Tamio rock groove that feels as if it captures the very atmosphere of the place and the creation process itself.

The lyrics avoid setting a fixed destination, evoking the feeling of a journey that follows the wind, and just listening lets your shoulders relax.

A newly recorded version was later included on the EP “Amarimono,” but the rough, raw charm of this original is irresistible.

Enjoy it with an easygoing mindset, as if you’re simply watching the scenery flow by.

So sad I can’t bear itOkuda Tamio

So sad I can’t bear it

This is a deeply evocative track in which Tamio Okuda covers a folk-song standard.

The original’s unique sense of melancholy overlaps with Okuda’s unadorned vocals, resonating deep in the chest.

Rather than forcing the emotion, the guitar plays with a calm yet warmly supportive tone that leaves a strong impression.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Hana ni Naru,” released in March 2002, and has been praised as a hidden masterpiece.

Try listening to it on unbearably lonely nights or when you want to pause for a moment.

It’s sure to make your heart feel a little lighter.

Pleasure GuitarOkuda Tamio

Okuda Tamio – Pleasure Guitar [Kantan Bāchabire]

This song is included on Tamio Okuda’s eighth album, “comp,” and was released in 2005.

Okuda wrote it for Minato, a John Bonham fanatic, so he could cut loose and play straight-up Led Zeppelin-style as a breather, and the intro is essentially the same as Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.”

trophyOkuda Tamio

Trophy Okuda Tamio Solo Acoustic Performance gingerwoodh260818

A track included on Tamio Okuda’s fourth album, “GOLDBLEND,” released in 2000.

The album title implies that, while there’s no overarching concept and each song stands on its own, they are splendidly blended together.

This song was covered by Ulfuls on “Tamio Okuda Covers.”

holidayOkuda Tamio

Holiday - Tamio Okuda

It was released in 1992 as Tamio Okuda’s solo debut single.

This song is a rare track that is currently included only on Unicorn’s “ULTRA SUPER GOLDEN WONDERFUL SPECIAL ABSOLUTE COMPLETE PERFECT SUPREME TERRIFIC ULTIMATE…,” and it’s highly popular among fans.

LetterOkuda Tamio

Tamio Okuda – Letter I (Live at Santomyuze, Nagano) Feb 23, 2021

A classic mid-tempo gem.

The growling guitar and Tamio Okuda’s sticky, drawling vocals give you goosebumps.

Among hardcore fans, this might be many people’s favorite track.

The lyrics are short, but Okuda is an artist who moves you more with the music and his voice than with the words.

This is the definitive kind of song for him.